Archive · 17 Jan 2026
IIT Delhi and AIIMS develop smart capsule for gut microbiome sampling
Scientists from IIT Delhi and AIIMS New Delhi have created a tiny, swallowable smart capsule that can collect samples of gut bacteria from the small intestine.
This is a big deal because it's much safer and easier than the old methods, which involved invasive procedures or just looking at poop.
The capsule is coated to protect it from stomach acid and dissolves in the intestine to collect samples.
It was successfully tested on rats and could help doctors understand and treat digestive diseases better in the future.
IIT Delhi and AIIMS New Delhi developed a swallowable smart capsule for gut microbiome sampling.
The capsule is 7 mm by 2.7 mm, coated to protect it from stomach acid, and collects samples in the small intestine.
Testing on rats showed the device successfully collected microbial samples without causing injury.
The findings were published in November 2025, paving the way for human clinical trials.
This innovation could aid in the management of conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, infections, diabetes, and neurological disorders.
- Who
- Researchers from IIT Delhi and AIIMS New Delhi
- What
- Developed and tested a swallowable smart capsule for gut microbiome sampling
- When
- Testing conducted on rats; human trials planned for the next phase
- Where
- India
- Why
- To revolutionize the study and diagnosis of digestive diseases by providing non-invasive access to gut bacteria
- Institutions Involved
- IIT Delhi, AIIMS New Delhi
- Funding Source
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
- Device Dimensions
- 7 mm by 2.7 mm
- Testing Subjects
- Sprague-Dawley rats
- Publication Date
- November 2025
- Next Phase
- Human clinical trials