A self-unfolding origami device for oral delivery of macromolecules

Anja Boisen – Professor, DTU; Gafaru Moro – Post doctor, DTU; Morten Svendsen – Scientific consultant, DTU

Introduction:

Oral delivery of macromolecules remains challenging due to enzymatic degradation and poor epithelial transport in the gastrointestinal tract (1). Shape-transforming ingestible devices offer a promising strategy for improving retention, protection against digestive enzymes, and local delivery. This study presents a self-unfolding origami-based oral device that transitions from a compact swallowable form into an expanded configuration in the intestine, potentially enabling enhanced surface contact and localized delivery of macromolecular therapeutics.