Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 1, 2025
10:51
Co-culture of Living Microbiome with Microengineered Human Intestinal Villi in a Gut-on-a-Chip Microfluidic Device
Published on: August 30, 2016
22.7K
Material Engineering in Gut Microbiome and Human Health
Letao Yang1, Lin Y Hung2, Yuefei Zhu1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
Research (Washington, D.C.)
|August 12, 2022
Summary
Material engineering advances gut microbiome research by developing novel tools and therapeutics. This review bridges biomaterials and gut microbiome science, exploring applications from organoids to the microbiome-gut-brain axis.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Microbiology
- Human Health
Background:
- Significant progress in understanding the gut microbiome's role in human health.
- A gap exists in comprehensive reviews combining gut microbiome research and material science.
- Emerging research focuses on material engineering applications within the gut microbiome and human health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To bridge the gap between gut microbiome research and material science.
- To accelerate the development of research tools and therapeutics targeting the gut microbiome.
- To foster dialogue among scientists from diverse backgrounds.
Main Methods:
- Review of state-of-the-art biomaterial technologies for gut microbiome research.
- Discussion of biomaterial applications in studying and manipulating the microbiome-gut-brain axis.
- Exploration of novel biomaterials for gut microbiome research and theranostics.
Main Results:
- Presentation of biomaterial technologies including intestinal organoids, gut-on-chip models, hydrogels, biosensors, and delivery systems.
- Discussion on the role of biomaterials in investigating and regulating the microbiome-gut-brain axis.
- Perspectives on future directions and regulatory considerations for clinical translation.
Conclusions:
- Material engineering holds significant potential for advancing gut microbiome research.
- Novel biomaterials can lead to improved diagnostics and therapeutics for gut microbiome-related conditions.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial for translating these advancements into clinical practice.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Anatomy of the Intestines
73.2K
Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
73.2K
01:29Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine
603
The gut microbiome is formed by a vast and diverse community of bacteria that colonizes our large intestine. These bacteria start residing in the gut from birth and continue diversifying throughout life, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress. The gut bacterial community also includes bacteria from food and those that enter the colon through the anus.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
603
01:30Environmental Applications of Microorganisms
204
Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...
204
01:29Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
255
Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
255
01:50What is Monogastric Digestion?
72.2K
The human body contains a monogastric digestive system. In a monogastric digestive system, the stomach only contains one chamber in which it digests food. Several other animal species also have monogastric digestive systems, including pigs, horses, dogs, and birds. This chapter, however, focuses on the human digestive system.
72.2K
01:27Microorganisms in Agriculture and Food industry
266
Microorganisms play a crucial role in agriculture and the food industry, contributing to soil fertility, crop protection, and food production. Their functions range from nitrogen fixation and biopesticide production to fermentation and food preservation, making them indispensable to sustainable farming and food safety.Role in AgricultureNitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Rhizobium (symbiotic) and Azotobacter (free-living), convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia through biological nitrogen...
266