Reproduction of the microenvironment of the gastrointestinal tract for the nutritional study of alternative proteins and their interaction with the microbiota
The MICROGUT project aims to investigate the nutritional quality and microbiota interaction of novel protein alternatives. This will be achieved using new dynamic digestion technologies and Organ-on-Chip (OOC) intestinal modeling. Specifically, the project focuses on recreating the microenvironment of the human colon. This includes the microbiota and its interaction with the cellular and molecular components of the epithelium. Additionally, the project aims to optimize dynamic digestion systems. These systems are designed to mimic the biochemical conditions, microstructure, and fluidics of the three differentiated sections of the small intestine: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
Furthermore, the project will explore up to 20 alternative proteins. It will also assess the impact of different industrial processes on protein quality. These processes are typical of the meat industry and affect the quality of the resulting products. The MICROGUT platform will be validated for in vitro assessment of protein quality using PDCAAS and DIAAS scores. Moreover, the project will enable the study of interactions between these proteins and the microbiota. This will be achieved through in vivo studies in rats and ex vivo studies in humans, which will serve as a reference.
Beonchip’s role
Beonchip S.L. will contribute to the project by designing and fabricating a novel Organ-on-Chip platform. This platform will apply mechanical stimulation to the colon epithelium while allowing the coculture of epithelium, endothelium, and gut microbiota. Importantly, this innovative platform will be easily connected to a functioning digestor using Beonchip’s patented fluidic connections. As a result, it will mimic the digestion process at an unprecedented level.
MICROGUT aims to generate new compact and standardized technological tools for evaluating real protein quality at an industrial level. Additionally, the project seeks to provide scientific evidence on how industrial processes impact protein quality. It will also examine the interaction between new alternative proteins and intestinal microbiota.
Given the increasing trend of protein transition in the market, limited information on the nutritional quality of alternative proteins poses a significant challenge. Furthermore, there is little understanding of their long-term health impacts on consumers. In response to this gap, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) emphasizes the need to develop standard methodologies. These methodologies should harmonize the dietary intake of new protein products with human protein needs, supported by robust scientific evidence.
Project reference CPP2021-009123
Project funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by the European Union-NextGenerationEU/PRTR