New Tool: ProSource
Checkout our packaging and processing solutions finder, ProSource.

New Pill Delivers Micromotors

Scientists have developed a way to encapsulate micromotors in pills so they can enter the body and perform diagnostic and treatment tasks.

These pills deliver microbots. / Image: Phys.org
These pills deliver microbots. / Image: Phys.org

Micromotors can carry out a number of tasks once inside the body, but getting them there is the issue. The tiny self-propelled microscopic robots are roughly the width of a human hair just about as delicate. Gastric acid and intestinal fluids that can trigger early release of their payloads can compromise their effectiveness. A recent Phys.org article noted a new study in which scientists found a way to encapsulate micromotors into pills to protect them as they travel through the body.

The pills consist of sugars lactose and maltose, which are easy to mold into a tablet, able to disintegrate, and nontoxic. In trials on laboratory mice, the pills performed better than delivery via liquid solution or silica-based tablets.

Discover Our Content Hub
Access Healthcare Packaging's free educational content library!
Read More
Discover Our Content Hub
Test Your Supply Chain Smarts
Take Healthcare Packaging's supply chain quiz to prove your knowledge!
Read More
Test Your Supply Chain Smarts