BIOMECHANICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SPONTANEOUS AND INDUCED MOTILITY IN SMALL ANIMALS’ GASTROINTESTINAL TISSUE FOR HUMAN NUTRACEUTICAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES

The correct evaluation of the effects of a new drug or molecule on the tissues it interacts with is essential for fully understanding its benefits and side effects. To date, there is a lack of accurate biomechanical characterization of gastrointestinal tissues, with the effects of active ingredients primarily assessed based on clinical outcomes. While we know a drug is effective, we often fail to understand the underlying mechanisms. Investigating the effects of these substances at the tissue level would improve our understanding of their biochemical and biomechanical properties, allowing the development of more effective drugs or identifying natural molecules with similar benefits but reduced side effects and costs. This study aims to characterize the biomechanical properties of gastrointestinal tissues from small animals. It presents a methodological overview and application using guinea pigs. The research involves biological sample preparation, assessment of spontaneous and induced motility, and evaluation of passive elastic behavior. The study focuses on tissues extracted ex vivo from the ileum and colon of healthy guinea pigs, analyzing their behavior in longitudinal and circular directions. Stress–strain curves were generated for circular samples. Our findings demonstrate the reliability of the proposed method for predicting the activity of compounds and extracts. The clinical efficacy of Otilonium Bromide (OB), tested in our models, highlights the method’s validity. This evidence supports biomechanical characterization as a complementary approach to clinical outcomes, enhancing our understanding of how active ingredients affect gastrointestinal function.