Intestine Simulator Bioreactor

thingiverse

In the human body, a vast number of microorganisms thrives in the large intestine due to its ideal conditions for survival, including a slow movement rate, pH levels, and nutrient availability. The large intestine harbors more than 101² microorganisms per gram of body weight. A crucial analysis to be conducted with genetically engineered probiotics involves examining how they respond to the diverse microorganisms present in the gut's microbiome. To perform this analysis reliably and without relying on animal testing during initial research stages, it was essential to design and model a bioreactor that closely mimics the human intestine and accurately simulates its conditions. Our bioreactor is designed to replicate the three parts of the large intestine: the proximal colon, transverse colon, and distal colon. Widely used systems for bowel simulation include single-reactor systems, continuous systems with one or more reactors, and artificial digestive systems that involve the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Batch fermentative systems are challenging to control and are primarily used for short-term experiments, depending on the inoculum rate and substrate consumption rate. Continuous systems, however, are ideal for conducting long-term tests, making multi-stage systems highly interesting for studying the different parts of the intestine, which allows for reproducible steady states. To describe intestinal characteristics more efficiently, a new reactor model was proposed, divided into three parts: piston flow as it occurs in the intestine, continuous operation mode, sample withdrawal, pH control, temperature control system, and proportional dimensions to real ones. To prevent washing away microorganisms, a porous support is used in the first part of the reactor. For more information, visit <http://2018.igem.org/Team:Unesp_Brazil/Description>.