Source: Medicalupdateonline
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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.
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.
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. |
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. |
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. |
Mechanism |
Description |
Design |
Capsules mimic cephalopod jetting by using compressed gas or coiled springs. |
Drug Delivery Process |
Capsule enters the stomach or GI tract. A 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. |
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:
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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