Microfluidic device for Gut-Brain studies

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Dual flow microfluidics for the modeling of the gut-brain axis to evaluate the effect of inflammatory mediators delivered via micro-particles to the gut and subsequently effects on the blood brain barrier.

  • IRAS ID

    221272

  • Contact name

    John Greenman

  • Contact email

    j.greenman@hull.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Hull & East Yorkshire NHS Trust

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    2 years, 5 months, 31 days

  • Research summary

    A dual flow device has been developed that can keep a whole piece of gut tissue alive for several days. In this study we wish to extend the study through the addition of microparticles (small lipid bound vesicles with a diameter less than one micron), derived from various cell types, to tissue samples maintained in devices to test for inflammatory responses. In addition, a secondary chip mimicking the blood brain barrier will be connected in series via tubing. this will allow the relationship between the gut and the brain to be studied. By analysing tissue from inflammatory bowel disease and histologically normal samples the effects of health of the gut on the brain can be assessed.

  • REC name

    East Midlands - Derby Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    17/EM/0207

  • Date of REC Opinion

    15 Jun 2017

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion