Magnetic-Guided Flexible Origami Robot toward Long-Term Phototherapy of H. pylori in the Stomach

TL;DR

This paper introduces a magnetically-guided origami robot with integrated phototherapy units designed for long-term treatment of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach, offering a novel, minimally invasive approach to combat antibiotic resistance.

Contribution

It presents a new flexible, magnetically-controlled origami robot with wireless charging and LED illumination for targeted gastric phototherapy, advancing minimally invasive treatment options.

Findings

Successfully demonstrated remote magnetic control of the robot.

Achieved stable formation of a triangular structure in gastric-like conditions.

Enabled simultaneous illumination of up to 15 LEDs for effective phototherapy.

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori, a pervasive bacterial infection associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer, impacts approximately 50% of the global population. The efficacy of standard clinical eradication therapies is diminishing due to the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains, necessitating alternative treatment strategies. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) emerges as a promising prospect in this context. This study presents the development and implementation of a magnetically-guided origami robot, incorporating flexible printed circuit units for sustained and stable phototherapy of Helicobacter pylori. Each integrated unit is equipped with wireless charging capabilities, producing an optimal power output that can concurrently illuminate up to 15 LEDs at their maximum intensity. Crucially, these units can be remotely manipulated via a magnetic field, facilitating both translational and rotational movements. We propose an open-loop manual control sequence that allows the formation of a stable, compliant triangular structure through the interaction of internal magnets. This adaptable configuration is uniquely designed to withstand the dynamic squeezing environment prevalent in real-world gastric applications. The research herein represents a significant stride in leveraging technology for innovative medical solutions, particularly in the management of antibiotic-resistant Helicobacter pylori infections.