Hydrogel Properties on Intestinal Surfaces in Health and Disease (B04)

• Subject Area: Gastroenterology
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 431232613

The human intestine forms a highly dynamic barrier consisting of a constantly renewing epithelial cell monolayer covered by a layer of reversibly crosslinked mucus. We hypothesize that biophysical and biochemical triggers like shear stress and microbiota are key regulators of the mucus related intestinal barrier function. Thus, the aim of this project is to determine and control hydrogel properties on intestinal surfaces in health as well as under chronic inflammatory conditions via intestinal organoid derived, biofabricated mucus generating 2D and 3D tissue models in close correlation with native mucus samples. We expect to prospectively develop strategies towards a rather protective system modulation.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1449: Dynamic Hydrogels at Biointerfaces
• Applicant Institution: Freie Universität Berlin
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Britta Siegmund; Professorin Dr. Marie Weinhart