Metabolomics Investigation of the human microbiome composition in inflammatory bowel diseases, antibiotic use and diet using an ingestible capsule for sample collection

Recent studies have shown that the gut microbiome works as an organ of the human body. The gut microbiome functions like an endocrine organ producing bioactive metabolites. Since the gut microbiome is in close interaction with the human internal environment and changes in the compositions of gut microbiota can impact host physiology through many pathways. Therefore, alterations in the gut microbiota integrity are suggested to potentially contribute to a wide spectrum of diseases including gastrointestinal (GI), cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Precise determination of gut microbiota compositions depends on the ideal sampling methods which are non-invasive, has little cross-contamination, and collect samples at different sites. The current investigational swallowable SIMBA capsule by Nimble Science can provide a non-invasive, inexpensive, and convenient sampling method to collect small intestine microbiota. The aim of this study is to optimize and evaluate the efficiency of SIMBA sampling capsule using the determination of microbial diversity followed by metabolomic profiling of samples from healthy controls and patients compared with samples obtained by endoscopy and feces.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ian Lewis

Student:

Partner:

Nimble Science Ltd.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Calgary

Program: