Gut-on-a-chip
Scientists have created a living artificial intestine
It is even capable of having its own microflora. As an alternative to cell cultures and animal models, the device will help scientists better understand the mechanism of intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, as well as develop new safe and effective methods of their treatment. An article about this unusual device (Human gut-on-a-chip inhaled by microbial flora that experiences intestinal peristalsis-like movements and flow) is published on the website of the journal Lab on a Chip.
The gut model is a hollow silicone block the size of a computer flash drive. Inside it, on a porous membrane lining a thin tube that mimics the intestinal barrier, there is a layer of living cells of the intestinal epithelium. The membrane is attached to the walls of the tube, which stretch and contract under the influence of a vacuum pump, simulating peristalsis. The fluid surrounding the "gut" simulates the flow of blood through the capillary vessels enveloping the intestine. To complete the similarity, intestinal microflora was populated inside the model.
The researchers hope that "gut-on-a-chip" will become a convenient model for a better understanding of the causes and development of a number of intestinal diseases and will help develop new methods of their treatment, including probiotic therapy. Also, this biochip can be used to evaluate the metabolism and absorption of drugs and nutrients.
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28.03.2012