Physiologically relevant modelling of the aerodigestive tract as a delivery and screening platform for drugs and bioactives

Lead Research Organisation: Newcastle University
Department Name: Biosciences Institute

Abstract

We have previously developed and made commericaly available a model of the upper digestive tract. This project will expand our modelling capability throughout the aerodigestive tract, specifically to include a lung airway model, and develop the first integrated model of the large intestine including the microbiome, mucus layer and large intestinal epithelia.

In vitro systems with improved predictability allow the pharmaceutical industry to make data driven decisions early in their development pipeline, and the commercial applications for these systems are widespread and supported by the letters attached. We envisage that the first applications of these systems would be for colon and lung specific drug delivery studies, pre- and pro- biotics research, faecal transplantation studies, reflux, and host-microbiome studies.

These systems will provide platforms for modelling organ specific drug delivery, disease states and interactions between these systems.
 
Description We are further developing a novel integrated model gut system with an absorptive and digestive phase to it and we have characterised a library of compounds in this model that have human data.

A colonic model, integrating bacteria in a mucus layer and also an airway model are in the final stages of development.

We have developed a prototype 3D printed anaerobic/aerobic chamber to maintain colonic cells with in situ mucus layer.

An air liquid interphase model (as would be seen in the lung) has been developed, with a functional ciliated, mucus covered cell layer.

The spin out company, Aelius Biotech, has recently been awarded an Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst grant (10027935) to develop the 3D printed chambers into a mass produced kit for the large intestinal model.
Exploitation Route This technology is now being offered commercially through our spin out company Aelius Biotech. The company already has generated over £300,000 in business since late 2017.
Through feedback from customers we are now developing canine and feline models of digestion and absorption in order to expand our offering to a wider customer base.
The spin out company, Aelius Biotech, has recently been awarded an Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst grant (10027935) to develop the 3D printed chambers into a mass produced kit for the large intestinal model.
Aelius Biotech has been invited to participate in multiple European collaborative grant applications, based on the technologies developed through this project.
Sectors Agriculture

Food and Drink

Chemicals

Environment

Healthcare

Manufacturing

including Industrial Biotechology

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology
URL https://aeliusbiotech.co.uk/
 
Description This technology is now being offered commercially through our spin out company Aelius Biotech. The company already has generated over £300,000 in business since late 2017. This has involved work with both the food and drink sector as well as the pharmaceutical sector with multiple repeat customers. Aelius Biotech has been awarded an Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst Award to develop some of these technologies further - into a mass produced Kit replicating the colon. This will have a great impact on the microbiome research field as cell, bacteria and mucus can be modelled together for the first time in a single system.
First Year Of Impact 2018
Sector Agriculture, Food and Drink,Chemicals,Environment,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology
 
Description Improved polyphenol extraction and cellulose preparation from blackcurrant pulp
Amount £50,000 (GBP)
Organisation High Value Manufacturing Catapult 
Sector Private
Country United Kingdom
Start 05/2023 
End 03/2024
 
Title PURIFIED MUCUS 
Description The present invention relates to a purified, biocompatible mucus, which has the ability to form a gel. The mucus of the invention may be provided in a tissue model, with a cell population. The mucin or tissue model of the invention may be useful in an in vitro model of digestion, mucus permeation and/or epithelial transport. 
IP Reference WO2023209397 
Protection Patent / Patent application
Year Protection Granted 2023
Licensed Yes
Impact This technology has allowed the accurate modelling of digestion and absorption of the human digestive tract together, for the first time.
 
Company Name Aelius Biotech 
Description Aelius Biotech develops models of parts of the human body for research purposes. 
Year Established 2018 
Impact Data from the MGS showed that alginate is released in the small intestinal phase- the major site of lipase activity and significantly reduced fat digestion. The in vitro data built a solid evidence base for subsequent in vivo human studies. After a successful acceptability study a pilot human proof of principle study then went on to demonstrate that alginate bread can reduce the level of circulating triglycerides in plasma after a meal as well as significantly increase the level of fat in ileal effluent. Jon Farrimond. Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Suntory Beverage and Food (Europe) - "We have worked with Aelius Biotech on the development of two products that have gone to human trials to support EFSA health claims and have seen the value that reliable in vitro models can provide. The model has helped us make numerous key decision and investments. I am sure these models will be used by industry to accelerate and improve product development."
Website http://aeliusbiotech.co.uk