Enteric Micromotor Can Selectively Position and Spontaneously Propel in the Gastrointestinal Tract.

ABSTRACT: The gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which hosts hundreds of bacteria species, becomes the most exciting organ for the emerging microbiome research. Some of these GI microbes are hostile and cause a variety of diseases. These bacteria colonize in different segments of the GI tract dependent on the local physicochemical and biological factors. Therefore, selectively locating therapeutic or imaging agents to specific GI segments is of significant importance for studying gut microbiome and treating various GI-related diseases. Herein, we demonstrate an enteric micromotor system capable of precise positioning and controllable retention in desired segments of the GI tract. These motors, consisting of magnesium-based tubular micromotors coated with an enteric polymer layer, act as a robust nanobiote

SUBMITTER: Li J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5362361 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature