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Biodegradable ultrasound contrast tape for tracing intestinal motility

Author

Listed:
  • Ye Tian

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Yueying Yang

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Jiaxin Wang

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Na Li

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Zhangqi Pan

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Yuli Li

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Mengyuan Zhou

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Yizhou Huang

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Xiaofeng Zhang

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Yang Yu

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Haotian Lei

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Jie Chen

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Wei Wang

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Ye Yuan

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Xiaohuan Lu

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Zhaokai Du

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Xurui Liu

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Lejie Qin

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Xinwu Cui

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Hanchuan Tang

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Jianfeng Zang

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology
    Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

Abstract

Postoperative complications such as intestinal motility disorders and obstructions require regular monitoring following small intestine resection. While imaging techniques like MRI and CT offer high-resolution visualization of internal organs, their use is limited by the need for trained operators and constraints on frequent monitoring. Ultrasonography, although capable of continuous imaging of deep tissues, is challenged by the weak acoustic reflections from soft intestinal tissue. In this work, we present a biodegradable ultrasound contrast tape (BioUCT) designed for robust, conformal adhesion to the intestinal surface to enable high-contrast ultrasound imaging. The soft BioUCT has a strong ultrasound reflection (>90%), generated from periodic air cells sealed in tough hydrogels. The BioUCT achieved ultrasound contrast imaging of the small intestine for 2 weeks and degraded naturally within 12 weeks in a live pig, enabling the regular and wireless monitoring of postoperative intestinal motility.

Suggested Citation

  • Ye Tian & Yueying Yang & Jiaxin Wang & Na Li & Zhangqi Pan & Yuli Li & Mengyuan Zhou & Yizhou Huang & Xiaofeng Zhang & Yang Yu & Haotian Lei & Jie Chen & Wei Wang & Ye Yuan & Xiaohuan Lu & Zhaokai Du , 2025. "Biodegradable ultrasound contrast tape for tracing intestinal motility," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-63310-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63310-8
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