Scientists from the ETH Zurich (Nguyen et al.) have developed a novel, multi-unit intestine-on-chip system (MultiU-Int) as a versatile in vitro intestinal barrier model to study the role of different immune cell populations and factors that contribute to the onset of intestinal inflammation, e.g., in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

Our Collagen Cell Carrier® (CCC) serves as a key element of the system by separating the apical and basal compartment, similar to in vivo subepithelial stroma in which intestinal fibroblasts and immune cells reside. Unlike inert plastic membranes, the CCC enables cell migration and bidirectional cell interaction, thereby creating the potential for investigations of other IBD-associated complications, such as fibrosis. The dense collagen I fiber network within the CCC features a selected permeability for the apical-basal passage of substances, which helps to separate the signaling milieus between basal compartments.

At Viscofan BioEngineering, we are proud that the CCC as bioresponsive, physiologically relevant scaffold is a central part of this powerful new chip system that will advance intestinal barrier and IBD research!