Ingestible capsules carrying 3D printed springs: a possible future prospective for SBS treatment?

Background Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) is a malabsorption syndrome characterised by severe reduction of the absorbent surface intestinal mucosa. Treatment this condition needs multi-professional teams and different therapies, which are not always enough to ensure enteral autonomy. New techniques being explored, particularly distraction enterogenesis, can allow lengthening residual intestines these patients. This study aims demonstrate possibility using biodegradable materials design ingestible capsules carry 3D-printed springs capable reaching patient’s intestine. These devices could be used as slightly invasive enterogenesis technique, stimulating cell proliferation elongation without surgery. Materials methods Capsules were realised with gelatin from pigskin type A Sigma-Aldrich mixed regenerated silk fibroin (RS) obtained reverse engineering on Bombyx Mori cocoons. Springs composed structure modified graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) externally covered polyhydroxybutyrate-valerate (PHBV) shell. 3D printing, through which, an extruder, PHBV RS compounds deposited simultaneously in structure. The springs’ then analysed solvents simulating gastric environment verify their resistance degradation. PBS (Phosphate Buffered Saline), calcium chloride magnesium (CaCl 2 + MgCl ), pH value 7.4, was degradative agent; for tract, we chose acetic acid, CH 3 COOH, at 12% 2.3. Results While gelatin-only showed poor degradation PBS, new compound based excellent environments, allowing pills reach intestine dissolving. In addition, results show variability release times function values elastic constants used: latter determined that time increased increase constant. contrast, opposite trend observed. Conclusions Our confirm gelatin, transporting implantable endoluminal structures, drugs, or growth factors, laying foundations approach SBS