Professor Lim Chwee Teck lead researcher and Director of NUS iHealthtech highlighted the GMoC system as a major breakthrough in studying gut microbes and their impact on health and disease. He emphasized that by creating a physiologically relevant gut model capable of culturing microbial communities researchers can gain deeper insights into the complex mechanisms these microorganisms use to maintain gut health and prevent disease.

Microbial Communities and the 3D ‘Microgut’ Model
The human intestine is home to trillions of bacteria fungi and viruses collectively forming the gut microbiome. These microorganisms play a vital role in digestion immune function and overall health. However the precise mechanisms by which they influence health or contribute to disease remain largely unknown.

Previous studies have noted differences in gut microbiomes between healthy individuals and those with diseases but the complexity of these microbial ecosystems has made it challenging to determine their exact functions. The Gut-Microbiome on a Chip (GMoC) system addresses this challenge by offering a more accurate scalable and dynamic model of the human gut.

This 3D ‘microgut’ model replicates key gut environment features such as food movement oxygen levels and gut lining structure. It enables researchers to culture diverse microbial communities under physiologically relevant conditions allowing real-time investigation of microbial interactions. This innovation could lead to the discovery of new therapeutic targets and the development of treatments aimed at modulating the gut microbiome ultimately improving health and clinical outcomes.

Enhanced Realism and Future Potential
A key innovation of the GMoC system is its ability to replicate intestinal villi tiny finger-like projections responsible for nutrient absorption. The spatial organization of microbes within these structures plays a crucial role in how they interact and influence gut responses to various stimuli. Additionally the platform produces mucin a vital component of the gut lining that protects against microbial invasion and serves as a key interface between gut bacteria and the host.

This heightened level of realism makes GMoC a more comprehensive and physiologically relevant model than existing in vitro systems. It enables researchers to observe microbial interactions with unprecedented detail unlocking new insights into gut microbiome dynamics.

Designed for scalability the platform allows multiple tests to be conducted on a single chip making it a powerful tool for large-scale studies. Moving forward the research team aims to refine the system by incorporating complex mechanical cues enhancing cellular diversity and introducing oxygen gradients to better simulate real gut conditions.

Source: https://cde.nus.edu.sg/news-detail/gut-on-a-chip-promises-breakthroughs-in-health-research/