Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
Combining Human Organoids and Organ-on-a-Chip Technology to Model Intestinal Region-Specific Functionality
Published on: May 5, 2022
An integrated patient-derived colon organoids platform as a functional model for nutraceutical and stress response
Angelita Costantino1,2, Paolo Giuseppe Bonacci3,4, Giulia Zerbo5
1Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
Abstract:
Nutraceuticals are increasingly investigated for their capacity to modulate oxidative and inflammatory stress, yet preclinical testing still relies largely on immortalized cell lines or animal models that poorly recapitulate human epithelial complexity. To address this gap, we developed an integrated platform based on patient-derived colon organoids generated from non-tumoral mucosa and maintained under proliferative or differentiation conditions to model distinct epithelial states. The system combines millifluidic measurement of individual organoid mass, density, and diameter with bulk RNA sequencing and digital PCR profiling to enable multiparametric characterization. Transcriptional analysis revealed state-specific gene programs and shifts in epithelial and immune-related pathways, while biophysical measurements captured structural remodeling. In this pilot validation, a defined oxidative insult followed by nutraceutical treatment elicited coordinated transcriptional and phenotypic responses. This integrated approach provides a scalable and physiologically relevant framework for functional nutraceutical profiling and mechanistic studies of epithelial stress responses.
Insights
This study introduces a novel organoid platform for testing nutraceuticals, offering a more accurate model of human epithelial responses to oxidative stress and inflammation than traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Preclinical nutraceutical research often uses models that don't fully represent human epithelial complexity.
- Immortalized cell lines and animal models have limitations in mimicking human epithelial states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an advanced platform for evaluating nutraceuticals using patient-derived colon organoids.
- To model distinct human epithelial states and assess responses to oxidative and inflammatory stress.
Main Methods:
- Utilized patient-derived colon organoids from non-tumoral mucosa under proliferative and differentiation conditions.
- Integrated millifluidic measurements (mass, density, diameter) with bulk RNA sequencing and digital PCR.
- Characterized multiparametric responses to oxidative insult and nutraceutical treatment.
Main Results:
- Identified state-specific gene programs and shifts in epithelial and immune pathways.
- Observed coordinated transcriptional and phenotypic responses to oxidative stress and nutraceutical intervention.
- Demonstrated the platform's ability to capture structural remodeling.
Conclusions:
- The developed organoid platform provides a scalable and physiologically relevant model for nutraceutical profiling.
- This system enables mechanistic studies of epithelial stress responses and functional nutraceutical evaluation.
- Offers a superior alternative to current preclinical models for assessing nutraceutical efficacy.
