Establishing a mucosal gut microbial community in vitro using an artificial simulator

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Bioengineering

Background:

• The Twin Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (TWINSHIME®) initially modeled luminal gut microbiota.
• The mucosal microbiota's importance necessitates adapting TWINSHIME® to simulate both luminal and mucosal communities.
• Limited data exists on mucosal community structure and dynamics within in vitro models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the stability and structure of luminal and mucosal gut microbial communities in the TWINSHIME® over six weeks.
• To characterize region-specific microbial communities in both luminal and mucosal environments.
• To compare in vitro microbial community profiles with in vivo data.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the TWINSHIME® model simulating ascending, transverse, and descending colon regions.
• Employed 16S rRNA gene sequencing for microbial community analysis.
• Conducted short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) analysis to assess metabolic activity.

Main Results:

• Both luminal and mucosal communities in TWINSHIME® achieved stability within 10-20 days post-inoculation.
• Distinct mucosal and luminal communities formed in all three colon regions, resembling the inoculum.
• Firmicutes dominated the mucus layer (Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae), while Bacteroidaceae enriched the gut lumen.

Conclusions:

• The adapted TWINSHIME® effectively replicates human gut microbial community structure and composition in vitro.
• This model allows for dynamic and continuous study of the human gut microbiota.
• Observed differences in SCFA profiles highlight areas for further in vitro-to-in vivo comparison.