Current Sampling Methods for Gut Microbiota: A Call for More Precise Devices

The development of next-generation sequencing technology has enabled researchers to explore and understand the gut microbiome from a broader and deeper perspective. However, the results of different studies on gut microbiota are highly variable even in the same disease, which makes it difficult to guide clinical diagnosis and treatment. The ideal sampling method should be non-invasive, involve little cross-contamination or bowel preparation, and collect gut microbiota at different sites. Currently, sequencing technologies are usually based on samples collected from feces, mucosal biopsy, intestinal fluid, etc. However, different parts of the gastrointestinal tract possess various physiological characteristics that are essential for particular species of living microbiota. Moreover, current sampling methods are somewhat defective. For example, fecal samples are just a proxy for intestinal microbiota, while biopsies are invasive for patients and not suitable for healthy controls. In this review, we summarize the current sampling methods and their advantages and shortcomings. New sampling technologies, such as the Brisbane Aseptic Biopsy Device and the intelligent capsule, are also mentioned to inspire the development of future precise description methods of the gut microbiome.