Real-time manipulation of intestinal peristalsis by enteric-encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles & wearable 3D-printed devices

Abstract

The present study introduced a new biomedical engineering concept to realize the real-time adjustment of nutrient absorption. With the aid of a 3D-printed wearable external magnet device, both the location and vibration of entericcoated magnetic nanoparticles (EMNPs) in the small intestine could be controlled directly. Through a facile mobile app, gastrointestinal motility could be monitored directly in real time. Further tests revealed that this technology could be an attractive way to adjust one's weight without diet or exercise modification.

3D printed nanomaterial-based electronic, biomedical, and bioelectronic devices

“…Due to the inherent porosity that is introduced in a significant subset of 3D printing methods (such as SLS), nanomaterials have also been utilized to enhance the mechanical properties of printed parts-providing increased tensile strength, for example [123]. The inclusion of nanomaterials into 3D printing processes results in devices with significantly modified material properties, tunable photonic effects [22], electrical conductivity [26], and magnetic properties [27]. Table 2 describes examples of nanomaterial integration in the modulation of the material properties of 3D printed parts.…”

“…Nanomaterials are materials with one dimension between 1 and 100 nm. The addition of nanomaterials to 3D printed constructs can impart functional properties such as electrical [26], magnetic [27], and optical properties [22]. Importantly, at the nanometer scale, a subset of functional materials exhibit size-dependent properties; this allows for the fine-tuning of the properties by synthesizing different sizes of the nanomaterials.…”