Researchers at the University of Calgary have unveiled a next-generation «gut-on-a-chip» platform that could revolutionize how scientists study intestinal health and disease. The device, developed by Dr. Amir Sanati Nezhad and his team at the Schulich School of Engineering, uses patient-derived organoids, mini-guts, to replicate the complex environment of the human intestine with unprecedented biological accuracy.
Unlike traditional models that take weeks to function, this new system is operational in just three days, drastically reducing the risk of contamination and speeding up research timelines. Published in Nature Communications, the findings demonstrate how the chip mimics key intestinal features like barrier integrity, mucus production, nutrient uptake, and immune signaling.
About the size of a USB stick, the device enables real-time monitoring of gut responses to drugs, food additives, pathogens, and more. It’s also automated, allowing researchers to test multiple conditions simultaneously, streamlining workflows in drug discovery and toxicology.
First author Sorosh Abdollahi emphasizes its potential to explore gut-brain and gut-liver interactions, opening doors to novel treatments for neurodegeneration, immune disorders, and cancer. With its blend of biological relevance and speed, this development positions gut-on-a-chip as a critical tool in advancing personalized medicine.
Article written by myScience team
05/06/2025
Source:
myScience