Exposing the skin to SOLIUS UVB light: Effects on intestinal microbiota and metabolome

This project will investigate the potential benefits of exposing the skin to a specialised type of ultraviolet light, known as narrowband UVB, on improving gut health and immunity. The light will be delivered using the SOLIUS device, which is designed to boost vitamin D production without causing harmful skin damage. In Canada and other countries, many people receive less sunlight than they did previously, which has led to a widespread vitamin D deficiency. Low vitamin D is linked to health problems such as inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis. Our earlier work showed that UVB light can raise vitamin D levels and change the types of bacteria living in the gut, suggesting a link between the skin and the digestive system. Using mouse models, including ones that cannot respond to vitamin D, we will test whether UVB light can also improve gut health through other pathways. The results will help SOLIUS better understand the full benefits of their technology, support future clinical studies, and open the door to new, non-invasive treatments for gut-related and immune disorders.

Faculty Supervisor:

Bruce Vallance;Ho Pan Sham

Student:

Partner:

SOLIUS Labs, Inc;SOLIUS, Inc.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: