TECHNOLOGY AND METHOD TO STUDY MICROBIAL GROWTH AND ADHESION TO HOST-RELATED SURFACES AND THE HOST-MICROBIOTA INTERACTIONS

摘要

The present invention relates to in vitro adhesion modules that allow growth, stabilization and study of microbial communities that adhere to and colonize host-related surfaces, that mimic transport of chemical compounds across epithelial surfaces and simulate host-microorganism interactions and adaptation. It includes the provision of micromolar amounts of oxygen via the basal side of a mucus layer towards the adhered microorganisms thus establishing the microaerophilic conditions prevailing at the base of a biofilm. It can also include cells, simulating the host, in a chamber on the basal side of a functional layer comprising said mucus layer. The adhesion module of the present invention can be placed between the different compartments of the SHIME—the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem. An extension of the SHIME is made where the duodenum, jejunum and ileum are separately mimicked.