Kit development to analyze the in vitro bioavailability of nutrients and food components using a bioprinted 3D intestinal barrier model

Abstract

Food is currently one of the most important variables for the health of individuals. Thus, the search for the consumption of nutritious, healthy foods with functional properties has become one of the main objectives of researchers in the areas of Food Science and Nutrition. The modernization of industrial processing techniques has triggered an exponential increase in the variety of foods available on the market. In this scenario, research for the development of these is a priority for the food sector. Among the main innovations in terms of functional foods are research with bioactive compounds that act on human health under various mechanisms, presenting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity, modulating the intestinal microbiota, reflecting on the improvement of immunity and in the prevention of the development of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs).In research activities, models of intestinal human cell culture have attracted increasing interest. In recent decades, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models have been developed to study different functions of intestinal epithelium and metabolism, especially in the inflammatory process. However, these tests are still difficult to perform, require expert analysts and involve a high cost that companies are hardly willing to pay. Among the approaches used to build the models, 3D bioprinting has gained increasing prominence. This subarea of additive manufacturing (3D printing) is revolutionizing the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine as it has made it possible to manufacture biomimetic tissues meeting specific needs related to in vitro models or patients through advanced therapies based on tissue engineering. Thus, this project aims to develop a kit composed of an in vitro model of bioprinted intestinal barrier and reagents selected to study the effect of phenolic and carotenoid food components on the intestinal microenvironment. The proposed final product is a kit capable of supporting the food industry in validation and safety studies of new products. The proposal is presented by the startup 3D Biotechnology Solutions - 3DBS, which since 2018 develops equipment for biomanufacturing and which in 2022 began to offer in vitro models of skin, intestinal barrier and liver organoids built with its own technology. The project has the support of the National Laboratory of Biosciences (LNBio CNPEM) in the characterization of bioprinted models and UNIFESP in the figure of Professor Dr. Veridiana V. de Rosso, in the development of validation protocols. From the company's perspective, the project will support the development of a high added value product for the food industry, with high scalability potential, allowing this segment to leverage skills in the research of new food products. In addition, it will allow 3DBS to increase its portfolio of bioprinted products and consolidate research skills in the field of tissue engineering. Among the specific objectives we can highlight: 1- Standardization of the production of intestinal barrier models by the bioprinting technique; 2- Characterization of the models; 3- Selection and definition of kit components (means and reagents); 4- Tests of evaluation of absorption and analysis protocol. (AU)