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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Co-culture of Living Microbiome with Microengineered Human Intestinal Villi in a Gut-on-a-Chip Microfluidic Device
Published on: August 30, 2016
The human microbiome and surgical disease
Michael J Morowitz1, Trissa Babrowski, Erica M Carlisle
1Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA. morowitz@uchicago.edu
Understanding the human microbiome, the collection of microbes living on and in us, is crucial for surgical patient care. This knowledge impacts how we treat conditions like obesity and infections, leading to better surgical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Human microbiome research
- Translational medicine
Background:
- Humans host dynamic microbial communities.
- This interaction has significant implications for surgical patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge of human-associated microbes.
- To exemplify the impact of this knowledge on surgical patient care.
Main Methods:
- Review of culture-independent studies on the human microbiome.
- Detailed discussion of microbial roles in specific surgical conditions.
Main Results:
- Microbes play a role in obesity, gastrointestinal cancers, and Crohn disease.
- Microbial insights impact understanding of surgical site infections, sepsis, bowel preparation, and antibiotic use.
Conclusions:
- Advances in microbiome understanding will refine surgical condition prevention and treatment.
- Future research holds promise for improved surgical patient management.
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to the Human Microbiota
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
The Oral Microbiota
Development of Human Microbiota
Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota
Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics

