Scientists Develop Ingestible Robot That Delivers Insulin Without The Need For External Needles

Anytime the dispenses need to be refilled, the user takes one of the pills. The pill then ...

The robotic drug delivery system includes an implant near the intestines and magnetic capsules that would resupply the implant with medicine. (The Biorobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant’ Anna)

Anytime the dispenses need to be refilled, the user takes one of the pills. The pill then travels down their digestive system until it reaches the point where the device is implanted near their small intestine. The device then uses the power of magnets to rotate the capsule into position and then punctures it with a retractable needle and pumps the refill of insulin into a reservoir, reports EndGadget.

One of the most convenient things about this system is that the dispenser charges wirelessly, limiting the number of interventions a doctor needs to maintain the device. Once the capsule is empty, it continues its travel down the digestive system until the user releases it with his stool.

Read more: This Coin-Sized Smart Patch Delivers Insulin as Blood Sugar Increases

The researchers tested their device on three diabetic pigs. They found the system could successfully manage their insulin levels for several hours. In some instances, they found bodily fluids from the pigs would leak into the robot. So as a next step, the team is working on sealing the device better.

Sam Draper
August 20, 2021

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