Intestine-on-a-chip for research and testing

Research at the UMCG involves working with miniature versions of an organ. For example, during intestinal examination. The so-called ‘intestine-on-a-chip’ is actually a mini intestine and works just like a piece of intestine in humans. However, this is a small device that is no larger than a USB stick. In the intestine on a chip, researchers can investigate various diseases and test medications without patients being affected.

Mini organs

The functioning of the organs on the chip is accurately simulated. Researchers Joram Mooiweer and Hanna Simpson from the Genetics department explain how this method of research works: “On the chip we grow human cells and tissues that live, grow and respond to their environment. For example, you get a piece of mini intestine or mini liver. The mini organs are in small tubes in the chip.”

The mini-organs are housed in a pump that provides the same pressure that exists in the human body, such as during intestinal movements. The mini intestines are placed in a heating cabinet at 37 degrees Celsius, body temperature. In this way, the cells understand how to behave in a natural manner. Fluids can also flow through the organs in these tubes. Consider, for example, blood, human food or bacteria.

Mini patients

In the intestine on a chip, researchers can investigate various diseases and test medication, without patients being affected. The mini intestines-on-a-chip are actually mini patients. In this way, researchers learn more about how diseases arise, which cells play a role and how these diseases can possibly be prevented or treated. The intestine on a chip can do what the real intestine can also do. Just like in the real intestine, there are also intestinal villi and immune cells in the intestinal wall. These intestinal flakes are small protrusions that ensure that food is properly digested.

Mimicking bowel with celiac disease

Mooiweer and Simpson are both conducting research into celiac disease, a hereditary autoimmune disease in which patients develop inflammatory reactions in the small intestine when they eat gluten. Using the mini-intestine, they imitate the intestine of a patient with celiac disease. Subsequently, it is investigated what exactly happens in the intestine and what causes patients to be hypersensitive to gluten.

Our intestines contain all kinds of bacteria that ensure that you stay healthy, this is called the microbiome. In people with celiac disease, the composition of bacteria in the intestines is different, which makes them ill. By investigating what causes someone to become ill, preventive interventions may be possible by giving probiotics – healthy bacteria – to patients.