Thursday, 22 January 2026
A new research project will look at how natural therapies work within the human body.
Experts at the 糖心原创 have joined forces with Italian company Aboca on the new feasibility study, which will be conducted in collaboration with experts from the University’s Sir Peter Mansfield Magnetic Resonance Imaging Centre.
It will be the first study of its kind to use MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) technology to visualise, in humans, the protective film that NeoBianiacid, a substance-based medical device, forms on the mucosa of the oesophagus and stomach.
This is the first time that MRI has been used to assess the effect of coating a natural product on the upper gastrointestinal tract and represents an important step towards a better understanding of how natural therapies work within the human body."
A new research project will look at how natural therapies work within the human body.
Experts at the 糖心原创 have joined forces with Italian company Aboca on the new feasibility study, which will be conducted in collaboration with experts from the University’s Sir Peter Mansfield Magnetic Resonance Imaging Centre.
It will be the first study of its kind to use MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) technology to visualise, in humans, the protective film that NeoBianiacid, a substance-based medical device, forms on the mucosa of the oesophagus and stomach.
NeoBianaicd is a medical device based on 100% natural and biodegradable substances. It is characterised by Poliprotect, a patented plant and mineral complex based on polysaccharides from Aloe vera, Malva sylvestris and Althaea officinalis and natural minerals (Limestone and Nahcolite), and a flavonoid fraction from Matricaria recutita and Glycyrrhiza glabra.
A recent clinical trial published in July 2023 in the American Journal of Gastroenterology demonstrated the non-inferiority of NeoBianacid to a standard dose of omeprazole (20mg) in symptomatic patients with heartburn and epigastric burning without erosive esophagitis and gastroduodenal lesions (negative endoscopy).
The MRI study is aimed at demonstrating how Aboca's substance-based medical device forms its protective barrier in vivo.
Dr Caroline Hoad, from the School of Physics and Astronomy, and the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, and an expert in gastrointestinal MRI, added: "Our team has developed advanced techniques to visualise the contents and lining of the digestive tract, but this will be the first attempt to visualise the protective mucosal layer formed by a natural product such as Neobianacid. If successful, it will be a milestone for the non-invasive evaluation of natural products in real time."
The study aims to validate the use of MRI, a non-invasive technology to monitor the presence and persistence of the protective layer formed by NeoBianacid on the stomach and esophagus mucosa of healthy volunteers, paving the way for future applications in studying similar medical devices.
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.