Validation study
TIM-2: Even closer to the human colon
The impact of mucus on the colon microbiome composition
About the project
Researching mucus-associated microbiota (MAM) remains challenging, as in vivo sampling is invasive and simultaneous collection of luminal microbiota (LM) and MAM is difficult. MAM plays a crucial role in microbiome research due to its direct interaction with the gut epithelium and its distinct composition compared to LM. Advancing in vitro models to more closely mimic the human colon, including the mucus layer, is therefore essential to enable accurate and accessible study of these interactions.
Adding mucus to TIM Colon
To better mimic the human colon, InnoGI Technologies has enhanced its validated TIM-2 model by integrating a mucus layer (TIM-2muc), creating more physiologically relevant colonic conditions. This addition enables closer replication of the in vivo situation where mucus-associated microbiota (MAM) interact with the gut epithelium. Over a 72-hour period, microbial composition and activity were evaluated in both TIM-2muc and the conventional model, including comparisons between mucus-associated and luminal microbiome. The results were benchmarked against human in vivo literature based data, while metabolic activity was assessed through short-chain fatty acid production, supporting the model’s improved physiological relevance.
Keywords
Applications
The results
- Non-invasive way to study MAM
- TIM-2muc closely resembles the in vivo situation and allows to study mucus-associated and luminal microbiota simultaneously
- Mucus enhances butyrate producing bacteria
- Mucus induces shift in microbial composition compared to lumen
- Ability to study both luminal microbiota (LM) and Mucus associated microbiota (MAM)
- Comprehensive representation of microbial dynamics in the colon
A model as close a human colon as possible !
Get in contact
We are excited to hear what’s on your plate and how we can help you understand what happens to your product during digestion!
