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A bioengineering perspective on modelling the intestinal epithelial physiology in vitro

The small intestine is a specialised organ, essential for nutrient digestion and absorption. It is lined with a complex epithelial cell layer. Intestinal epithelial cells can be cultured in three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds as self-organising entities with distinct domains containing stem cells and d...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Antfolk, Maria, Jensen, Kim B.
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: Nature Publishing Group UK 2020
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7721730/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33288759
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-20052-z
Descripción
Sumario:The small intestine is a specialised organ, essential for nutrient digestion and absorption. It is lined with a complex epithelial cell layer. Intestinal epithelial cells can be cultured in three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds as self-organising entities with distinct domains containing stem cells and differentiated cells. Recent developments in bioengineering provide new possibilities for directing the organisation of cells in vitro. In this Perspective, focusing on the small intestine, we discuss how studies at the interface between bioengineering and intestinal biology provide new insights into organ function. Specifically, we focus on engineered biomaterials, complex 3D structures resembling the intestinal architecture, and micro-physiological systems.