Objective
Expanding on the “eHONESTY” ERC project about the link between body and moral decisions, the DeepDive PoC proposal aims to explore the neglected role of deep-body signals in modulating physical/mental health in humans and animals through the radically new approach of using ingestibles for mapping gastrointestinal (GI) physiology. Crucially, although the market of ingestible devices is burgeoning, none of the existing products has the features needed for probing the link between GI dys/functions and physical/mental well-being in humans and animals. To fill this outstanding gap, the DeepDive project aims to develop and test a class of ingestibles that can capture from different tracts of the GI system (e.g. stomach, small/large intestine), physiological signals like endoluminal pH, pressure, and temperature with unprecedented accuracy and precision; and, remarkably, add causation to correlation by recording the GI neurons' activity before and after their electrical perturbation. The inert capsules will be produced by: i) assembling specific components created using 3D printing and ii) integrating a number of microscopic components ranging from solid state pH, temperature, and pressure sensors to A/D–D/A Microconverter and RF Radio 2.4 GHz, in a sub-centimetric space. GI functions at rest and in conditions of social stress will be tested in piglets using the new ingestible and in humans using commercial pills. All the steps towards patenting and obtaining permission for use in humans of the novel ingestible will be taken, and existing contacts with industrial partners and biomedical devices approval offices will be strengthened. Given the link of gastroenterology with physical/mental dys/functions and human/animal well-being, the project will have significant benefits at neuroscientific, medical, and societal levels. Moreover, since the global market of ingestible sensors is expected to exceed $14 billions by 2026, DeepDive will likely have key economic implications.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors
- medical and health sciencesbasic medicinephysiology
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringmanufacturing engineeringadditive manufacturing
- medical and health sciencesclinical medicinegastroenterology
Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept GrantsHost institution
00185 Roma
Italy