First human trials of gas-sensing capsule
reveal potential new immune system
RMIT University
Findings from the
first human trials of a breakthrough gas-sensing swallowable capsule could
revolutionise the way that gut disorders and diseases are prevented and
diagnosed.
The trials by
researchers at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia have uncovered
mechanisms in the human body that have never been seen before, including a
potentially new immune system.
The new technology and
discoveries offer a game-changer for the one-in-five people worldwide who will
suffer from a gastrointestinal disorder in their lifetime. They could also lead
to fewer invasive procedures like colonoscopies.
The ingestible capsule
(the size of a vitamin pill) detects and measures gut gases -- hydrogen, carbon
dioxides and oxygen -- in real time. This data can be sent to a mobile phone.
Professor Kourosh Kalantar-zadeh, study lead and capsule co-inventor, said the trials showed that the human stomach uses an oxidiser to fight foreign bodies in the gut.
"We found that
the stomach releases oxidising chemicals to break down and beat foreign
compounds that are staying in the stomach for longer than usual,"
Kalantar-zadeh said.
"This could
represent a gastric protection system against foreign bodies. Such an immune
mechanism has never been reported before."
Another never before
seen observation from the trial was that the colon may contain oxygen.
"Trials showed
the presence of high concentrations of oxygen in the colon under an extremely
high-fibre diet," Kalantar-zadeh said. "This contradicts the old
belief that the colon is always oxygen free.
"This new
information could help us better understand how debilitating diseases like
colon cancer occur."
The trials were
conducted on seven healthy individuals on low- and high-fibre diets. Results
showed that the capsule accurately shows the onset of food fermentation, highlighting
their potential to clinically monitor digestion and normal gut health.
The trials also
demonstrated that the capsule could offer a much more effective way of
measuring microbiome activities in the stomach, a critical way of determining
gut health.
"Previously, we
have had to rely on faecal samples or surgery to sample and analyse microbes in
the gut," Kalantar-zadeh said.
"But this meant
measuring them when they are not a true reflection of the gut microbiota at
that time. Our capsule will offer a non-invasive method to measure microbiome
activity."
Now that the capsule
has successfully passed human trials, the research team is seeking to
commercialise the technology.
Co-inventor Dr Kyle
Berean said: "The trials show that the capsules are perfectly safe, with
no retention.
"Our ingestible
sensors offer a potential diagnostic tool for many disorders of the gut from
food nutrient malabsorption to colon cancer. It is good news that a less
invasive procedure will now be an option for so many people in the future.
"We have
partnered with Planet Innovation to establish a company called Atmo Biosiences
and bring the product to market.
"This will lead
to Phase II human trials, and help raise the funds needed place this safe and
revolutionary gut monitoring and diagnostic device into the hands of patients
and medical professionals."