Gut3Gel: 3D gut mucus models for microbiome and drug screening

Most in vitro gut models rely on Caco-2 cell layers or on fermentation systems. Neither includes the mucus layer. In the human body, that layer is where microbiota attach, grow and interact with the host, and where a compound meets the epithelium. When a model leaves it out, the result changes.

Gut3Gel reproduces that layer. Our patented hydrogels reproduce the structure and chemistry of human intestinal mucus, as a gradient model for colonic microbiota culture. In our hands the culturability of gut microbiota rises from about 20% of strains to about 90%.

Typical uses: culture of gut microbiota, including demanding anaerobes; screening of active ingredients, probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics and live biotherapeutic products; testing of drug candidates at the mucosal barrier, with colonisation and permeability readouts.

The same technology is available for the airways (Lung3Gel, physiologic and cystic fibrosis) and for the cervicovaginal tract (Vag3Gel).

Research use only. Distributed in Japan by Funakoshi.

We are open to evaluation projects with Japanese partners, starting with a small paid pilot on a strain or compound of the partner's choice.