Swiss Scientists Develop Swallowable “Printer Pill” to Heal the Digestive Tract

Researchers at EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) in Switzerland have unveiled a groundbreaking medical innovation — a bioprinter the size of a pill that can be swallowed and guided inside the body to repair damaged tissues in the digestive tract.

Named MEDS (Magnetic Endoluminal Deposition System), the capsule can be magnetically directed to precise locations within the gastrointestinal tract, where it releases bio-ink — a living gel designed to help heal ulcers, lesions, and other soft tissue injuries.

Currently, such injuries in areas like the esophagus, stomach, and intestines often require invasive surgery. The new technology offers a minimally invasive alternative that could transform digestive healthcare.

Shaped like a tiny pen, the capsule uses a spring-loaded tip to release the biogel when triggered by a laser beam that safely passes through the body’s tissues. The capsule’s position is controlled externally with a magnetic robotic arm, functioning much like a joystick.

So far, tests have been successful on simulated lab lesions and live animal models, but further studies are required before human trials.

PhD researcher Sanjay Manoharan, part of the EPFL team, says the potential applications go far beyond the digestive system: “Our results highlight the promise of MEDS for future bioprinting technologies. We aim to extend its use to blood vessels and abdominal tissues.”

Read More : Une bio-imprimante révolutionnaire répare le tube digestif par voie orale - L'essentiel

Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app
SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu