Smartphone-Controlled Capsule Directs Gut Bacteria to Produce Anti-Inflammatories

A groundbreaking proof-of-concept study published in Nature Microbiology demonstrates how a smartphone-controlled capsule can direct engineered gut bacteria to produce anti-inflammatory therapies, heralding a new era in precision medicine. The research, conducted by a team from Tianjin University and Northwest A&F University, successfully tested the system in pigs with colitis, showcasing its potential for diagnosing and treating human digestive diseases.

The system integrates advanced synthetic biology and bioelectronics to create a bidirectional communication platform between humans and gut bacteria. Central to this innovation is an ingestible optoelectronic capsule, measuring 33 × 14 mm—slightly larger than standard medical capsules—which enables both sensing and activating bacterial behavior. This capsule works in tandem with engineered Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), a probiotic strain modified to sense inflammation markers such as nitrate and emit bioluminescence in response.

Functional expansion of bidirectional "dialogue" between electronic capsules and microorganisms

Once swallowed, the capsule travels through the gut, where its built-in photomultiplier tube detects bioluminescent signals from the engineered bacteria. These signals are wirelessly transmitted via Bluetooth to a smartphone application (APP), providing real-time information about gut health. To initiate treatment, the smartphone APP instructs the capsule to emit green LED light, activating the bacteria's light-sensitive genetic circuits. This stimulation prompts the microbes to produce therapeutic molecules, such as anti-inflammatory nanobodies that mimic anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) drugs used to treat inflammatory bowel disease.

In pig models of colitis, the system detected inflammation signals 1–2 days earlier than traditional diagnostic methods and effectively alleviated inflammation through controlled bacterial activation. Researchers also demonstrated the feasibility of mixing the engineered bacteria into animal feed, allowing for easy colonization of the gut.

The capsule’s ability to both monitor and control gut microbiota in real-time sets it apart from existing microbiome-based therapies. Writing in an editorial accompanying the study, David Carreño, Ph.D, and David Riglar, Ph.D, from Imperial College London, called the research a “significant step forward” in bioengineering and electronic engineering, noting its potential for tailoring therapies to specific clinical applications.

This innovative platform not only advances the fields of microbiome research and digital health but also lays the groundwork for integrating artificial intelligence and cloud computing in future applications. Such technologies could enable dynamic gut health monitoring and precise treatments for conditions like colitis, paving the way for more personalized and effective medical interventions.

Read the full article here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-025-02057-w

By Eva Yin