Nutrichip: an integrated microfluidic system for in vitro investigation of the immunemodulatory function of dairy products

We introduce the concept of the NutriChip, a miniaturized artificial human gastrointestinal tract (GIT) for investigating the potential of immuno-modulatory function of dairy food. More specifically, we are investigating the effect of digested milk on immune cells activation by creating conditions close to those of the human GIT employing an in vitro model of hu-man GIT epithelial cells (Caco-2) in co-culture with human immune cells (differentiated THP-1). The cytokines (IL1/6) and Toll-like receptors (TLR-2/4) expressions by the immune cells will be monitored upon the application of dairy food on the epithelial cell layer.