Research microflora with artificial gut

The artificial gut model consists of 2 rectangular sheets made of absorbent silicon rubber and other resins, such as polystyrene.

The advantage of these materials is that they are cheap and readily available. The team at MIT Lincoln Laboratory in Massachusetts designed several blue needle tips to plug into the first rectangular plate to control oxygen levels. The air diffuses through the plastic while the needle allows the team to change the local oxygen concentration at different positions within the model.

The second rectangular plate helps control mucus. Both sheets, when inserted, accurately simulate intestinal factors. They then took intestinal microbiota samples from the patient's body for volunteer culture.

If the simulation of the intestinal activity is maintained with this device, scientists can conduct tests such as a toxin pump or perform therapeutic measures to observe the response of the microflora. inside. From there, the role of the intestinal microflora in human health and daily life will be more pronounced. It is this microbiota that creates stability and resistance of the body to pathogens.

The image of a rectangular artificial intestine is being studied.(Photo: Phys).

According to scientists, the human digestive tract contains a complex and different microflora, comprising up to 100 trillion bacteria. Some bacteria in the gut die when oxygen is available, while others require oxygen to survive. The intestines also contain mucus that helps many types of bacteria grow.

The team is collaborating with the University of Alabama, Northeastern University and the University of California to perform the first tests of intestinal microflora samples, studying its connection to Parkinson's disease.