A team of researchers has introduced an innovative ingestible bioimpedance sensing device that offers continuous, non-invasive monitoring of gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal barrier integrity.
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This breakthrough addresses a key limitation in current diagnostic tools, which struggle to assess mucosal tight junctions beyond the esophagus. By leveraging wireless bioimpedance sensing, the device provides a localized, non-invasive alternative to traditional methods like endoscopy and biopsy. It could significantly improve early detection and management of conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, cause chronic inflammation in the GI tract, weakening the mucosal barrier and increasing permeability. This so-called “leaky gut” allows harmful substances to pass through the intestinal lining, exacerbating symptoms and driving disease progression.
Existing diagnostic tools—such as endoscopy and biopsy—are invasive and offer only a snapshot in time, while non-invasive molecular probes often fail to pinpoint localized inflammation. As a result, there is a pressing need for tools that can continuously monitor mucosal function in real time.
To address this challenge, a team from the University of Maryland has developed an ingestible bioimpedance sensing capsule designed to wirelessly track mucosal integrity. Their study, published in Microsystems & Nanoengineering, highlights how the device detects changes in mucosal permeability—an early marker of gut health—using a flexible, four-probe sensor coated with PEDOT:PSS, a conductive polymer that enhances charge transfer. This design ensures high sensitivity and stability, even in the dynamic environment of the GI tract.
The device operates using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to measure tissue permeability, transmitting real-time data via Bluetooth. In experimental trials, it successfully differentiated between healthy and damaged tissues, including excised porcine and mouse colonic specimens.
The research found that the device could detect subtle changes in mucosal permeability associated with tight junction dilation—a hallmark of IBD. Measurements taken at an optimal frequency of 10.5 kHz provided high sensitivity and reliability, ensuring even mild inflammation could be identified. Additionally, an onboard LED alerts users to permeability changes, adding a real-time diagnostic feature.
This technology represents a major step forward in the field of GI diagnostics. The ability to continuously monitor mucosal barrier integrity in a non-invasive manner could revolutionize the way we diagnose and manage conditions like IBD.
Dr. Reza Ghodssi, Study Co-Author, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Maryland
Looking ahead, this bioimpedance sensing device could reshape GI disease management by providing more precise, timely insights compared to traditional methods. Its ability to continuously monitor mucosal integrity may lead to earlier detection and more personalized treatment approaches for conditions like IBD.
Future research will focus on optimizing the device for broader clinical applications and conducting trials to validate its effectiveness in patient populations. In the long run, this technology could also extend to other GI disorders, potentially improving outcomes for a wide range of patients.
Journal Reference:
Holi, M, B., et al. (2025) An ingestible bioimpedance sensing device for wireless monitoring of epithelial barriers. Microsystems & Nanoengineering. doi.org/10.1038/s41378-025-00877-8