PILLS TO REPLACE INJECTIONS

Last Updated on 27th November, 2024
4 minutes, 10 seconds

Description

Source: Medicalupdateonline

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

A revolutionary development in drug delivery is underway as scientists have designed ingestible capsules capable of delivering drugs like insulin directly into the stomach or gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Details

Inspired by the jet propulsion mechanism of cephalopods such as squids and cuttlefish these capsules aim to replace injections offering a less invasive and more patient-friendly alternative for administering complex biological drugs.

Jet Propulsion Mechanism

Aspect

Details

Definition

A mechanism by which an organism or object moves by expelling a fluid (water or gas) forcefully in the opposite direction.

Biological Example

Cephalopods (squid, octopus, cuttlefish) use jet propulsion for movement in aquatic environments.

Physical Principle

Based on Newton's Third Law: "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction."

Process in Cephalopods

1Water is drawn into the mantle cavity. 

Muscles contract to expel water forcefully through a funnel or siphon.

Applications

Biological: Locomotion in cephalopods. 

Technological: Jet engines, rockets, water jets in boats.

Advantages

Rapid movement, allowing quick escape from predators. 

High maneuverability.

Limitations

Energy-intensive. 

Primarily suited for short bursts of speed rather than sustained motion.

Cephalopods

Category

Details

Classification

Belong to Class Cephalopoda, Phylum Mollusca.

Key Species

Squids, octopuses, cuttlefish and nautiluses.

Habitat

Marine environments, ranging from shallow waters to deep oceans.

Defining Features

Soft-bodied. 

Tentacles with suction cups. 

Advanced nervous systems.

Locomotion

Primary: Jet propulsion using mantle cavity. 

Secondary: Crawling using tentacles (e.g., octopus).

Adaptations

Camouflage using chromatophores. 

Ink secretion for defense.

Intelligence

High cognitive abilities, problem-solving and tool use particularly in octopuses.

Importance in Ecosystems

Predators of smaller marine animals. 

Prey for larger marine predators, maintaining ecological balance.

Human Interest

Studied for biomimicry (e.g., jet propulsion), robotics and cognitive research.

Significance of the Capsules

Aspect

Details

Why Injections Are Common

Used for delivering hormones, vaccines, antibodies and other biologics that are destroyed by digestion.

Challenges of Injections

Risk of infections and skin irritation.

Patient discomfort and compliance issues.

Advantages of Capsules

Easier to administer.

Avoids risks associated with injections.

Improves patient compliance.

How the Capsules Work

Mechanism

Description

Design

Capsules mimic cephalopod jetting by using compressed gas or coiled springs.

Drug Delivery Process

Capsule enters the stomach or GI tract.

carbohydrate trigger dissolves in response to humidity or acid.

Trigger activates compressed gas or spring, propelling drugs into GI tissue.

Advantages

Direct drug delivery ensures higher bioavailability.

Drugs are absorbed before degradation by enzymes or liver.

Applications

Application

Details

Diabetes Management

Pills can replace insulin injections.

Cancer Treatments

Enables oral administration of antibodies or chemotherapeutics previously reliant on injections.

Hormone Therapy

Offers a non-invasive option for delivering hormonal drugs.

Sources:

INDIANEXPRESS

 

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q:“Innovation inspired by nature has the potential to transform human healthcare systems.” Discuss this statement in the context of cephalopod-inspired drug delivery capsules. (250 Words)

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