UAE: NYU Abu Dhabi researchers develop first appetite-control device – News

Ingestible capsules are a non-invasive and precise method for regulating hunger levels and treating metabolic and neurological disorders

A team of researchers at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), led by Professor Khalil Ramadi, director of the Laboratory of Advanced Neural Engineering and Translational Medicine, has developed a first-of-its-kind ingestible electronic device axis for gut-brain neuromodulation, Signaling pathways between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system.

Ingestible capsules are a non-invasive and precise method for regulating hunger levels and treating metabolic and neurological disorders. This was developed in collaboration with MIT Professor Giovanni Traverso, co-senior author of the study, and MIT graduate student James McRae, lead author of a paper published in the journal Science Robotics .

The FLASH system uses electrodes on its surface to electrically stimulate the gastric mucosal tissue. The gut-brain axis regulates a variety of physiological functions, including feeding and emotional behavior. Existing medical and surgical methods for adjusting the axis, including surgically implanting electrodes, are imprecise and invasive, and are associated with significant downtime and associated risks. Inspired by the absorbent skin of the Australian spiny lizard, Moloch horridus, FLASH has a coating of absorbent capsules with a grooved pattern and a hydrophilic (water-compatible) surface, allowing them to bypass gastric juice in the stomach and achieve direct electrode-tissue contact.

regulates the hormone ghrelin

Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) directly induces the gastric mucosa to release the hunger-stimulating hormone ghrelin through endoscopic stimulation. Oral administration of FLASH capsules has been shown to significantly and reproducibly modulate ghrelin hormone levels. In a paper published today, titled Bioinspired, fluid-wicking, ingestible electroceutical capsules for hunger-regulating hormone modulation, researchers report the process of developing FLASH capsules that are swallowed, stimulate the stomach, and then pass safely in vitro. The capsules are powered by ingestible batteries, proven to provide 20 minutes of stimulation, and then excreted within two weeks of ingestion in large animals.

Current hormonal drugs have poor bioavailability when taken orally. This is why medications such as insulin are injected. FLASH, which can be taken orally, specifically targets the gastric neurohormonal circuit and regulates hormone levels in the blood. The device is expected to be useful in a range of applications to treat metabolic, feeding, gastrointestinal and neuropsychiatric disorders in a non-invasive manner with minimal off-target effects.

“Electronics, or electrostimulation therapy, has emerged as the next frontier in neuromodulation,” Ramadi said. “FLASH is one of the first ingestible electronics that can modulate precise neurohormonal circuits while avoiding the risk of a patient undergoing invasive procedures.” discomfort encountered. Future ingestible electronic systems could be designed and tailored for specific applications beyond acute, short-term gastric irritation.”