Orally Ingested Self‐Powered Stimulators for Targeted Gut–Brain Axis Electrostimulation to Treat Obesity and Metabolic Disorders

• Published in: Advanced materials (Weinheim) Vol. 36; no. 21; pp. e2310351 - n/a
• Main Authors: Mac, Cam‐Hoa, Tai, Hsien‐Meng, Huang, Sheng‐Min, Peng, Hsu‐Hsia, Sharma, Amit Kumar, Nguyen, Giang Le Thi, Chang, Pei‐Ju, Wang, Jui‐To, Chang, Yen, Lin, Yu‐Jung, Sung, Hsing‐Wen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.05.2024
• Subjects: Barium titanates; Body weight; Brain; capsaicin; Food intake; Hypothalamus; Ingestion; Metabolic disorders; metabolic dysfunction; Metabolism; Nerves; Neurological diseases; Obesity; piezoelectric material; Piezoelectricity; Stimulators; vagus nerve stimulation; weight control; vagus nerve stimulation; weight control; piezoelectric material; capsaicin; metabolic dysfunction
• ISSN: 0935-9648; 1521-4095; 1521-4095
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.202310351

Obesity is a significant health concern that often leads to metabolic dysfunction and chronic diseases. This study introduces a novel approach to combat obesity using orally ingested self‐powered electrostimulators. These electrostimulators consist of piezoelectric BaTiO3 (BTO) particles conjugated with capsaicin (Cap) and aim to activate the vagus nerve. Upon ingestion by diet‐induced obese (DIO) mice, the BTO@Cap particles specifically target and bind to Cap‐sensitive sensory nerve endings in the gastric mucosa. In response to stomach peristalsis, these particles generate electrical signals. The signals travel via the gut–brain axis, ultimately influencing the hypothalamus. By enhancing satiety signals in the brain, this neuromodulatory intervention reduces food intake, promotes energy metabolism, and demonstrates minimal toxicity. Over a 3‐week period of daily treatments, DIO mice treated with BTO@Cap particles show a significant reduction in body weight compared to control mice, while maintaining their general locomotor activity. Furthermore, this BTO@Cap particle‐based treatment mitigates various metabolic alterations associated with obesity. Importantly, this noninvasive and easy‐to‐administer intervention holds potential for addressing other intracerebral neurological diseases. After oral administration in mice, the piezoelectric BTO@Cap particles target and bind to the capsaicin‐sensitive mucosal nerve endings on the gastric surface. In response to gastric movement, these particles spontaneously generate mild electric pulses, stimulating the vagal afferent fibers. These fibers then transmit the stimulated signals to the brain, regulating food intake and energy expenditure, ultimately facilitating obesity management.