Scientists have created a futuristic pill that involves releasing microscopic robots or ‘microrobots’ in the body.
The experimental treatment, which is given orally, aims to target inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Around half a million Brits suffer from the chronic autoimmune disorder.
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It can be a debilitating condition for many patients, causing severe abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhoea and weight loss.
According to a new study – published today (26 June) – the pill “significantly reduced IBD symptoms and promoted the healing of damaged colon tissue without causing toxic side effects”.
Engineers at the University of California San Diego have tested it in mice, which has “shown success” – and hope to move onto clinical studies next.
Leading the team behind the creation of the product is Liangfang Zhang and Joseph Wang, both professors in the Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and Nano Engineering.
The team engineered the microrobots from nanoparticles chemically attached to green algae cells.
Together, they absorb and neutralise pro-inflammatory cytokines in the gut and distribute the treatment throughout the colon.
“The beauty of this approach is that it’s drug-free – we just leverage the natural cell membrane to absorb and neutralize pro-inflammatory cytokines,” said Zhang, as reported by NeedToKnow.
According to the scientists, what makes these nanoparticles so effective is their biomimetic design, which allows them to act as ‘decoys’ to break the inflammatory cycle.
The microrobots are packed inside a liquid capsule with a special coating so that they are released where they are needed most.
Wang said: “We can direct the microrobots to the diseased Location without affecting other organs.
“In this way, we can minimize toxicity.”
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