Gut-on-Chip
To demonstrate a functional prototype of our project, we decided to show our system working under real-world conditions simulated in the lab using a Gut-on-a-Chip design similar to the one described in:
http://pubs.rsc.org/en/Content/ArticleLanding/2013/IB/c3ib40126j#!divAbstract
http://pubs.rsc.org/en/Content/ArticleLanding/2012/LC/c2lc40074j#!divAbstract
The idea is to model the rate at which our genetically engineered bacterial culture (E. Coli Nissle) grows and colonizes the gut, and to characterize its expression of 5-HTP, a serotonin precursor that acts as an anti-depressant, in the device. Dr. Chiang, from UCL’s very own Microfluidics Lab, has already drawn up the 3d design described in the attachment using SolidWorks.
Dr. Paul Sharp, who works with human intestinal epithelial cell models at Kings College London, has kindly agreed to collaborate with us on this project, give us the Caco-2 cells we need, and advice us on the best ways to culture them. We then decided to improve on the original Gut-on-a-Chip designed at Harvard University by making it a more realistic mimic of reality and more financially feasible.The new design doesn't require a porous membrane, and is inspired by Dr. Marco's (UCL Biochemical Engineering) bulging bioreactor. It has been designed under the guidance of Dr. Paul Sharp. In addition to replicating the peristaltic motion of the longitudinal muscles in the intestines like Harvard's design, this model will also replicate the motions created by circular muscles.
