Making Research Easier to Digest

In January 2009, Rutgers became the first U.S. university to have a TNO intestinal model (TIM-1). Developed by the Dutch company, TNO, the TIM-1 is part of a complete artificial digestive system.

The TIM-1 system represents the digestive tract from stomach to small intestine. Another model, the TIM-2, represents the large intestine. Both are unique in that they can be used to simulate human or animal digestion. The TIM systems are the result of years of research--it's not easy to replicate a stomach, 23 feet of intestinal tissue, and various gastric juices, enzymes, and acids.

Comprised of a highly sophisticated network of valves and compartments, the TIM-1 allows researchers to examine the fates and interactions of compounds as they pass through the upper digestive system. Everything from body temperature to enzyme secretion can be regulated in the model, allowing researchers to change factors to simulate a human infant or a diseased animal. Scientists can use the system to test pharmaceuticals or other products in place of costly and possibly harmful human or animal trials.

Following the opening of a new laboratory for gastrointestinal studies in Foran Hall on the George H. Cook Campus, several Rutgers scientists have begun robust research programs that incorporate the TIM-1. Judith Storch, who studies lipids and human obesity, Ilya Raskin and David Ribnicky, who study the biology of natural plant products, and Karl Matthews, who is examining compounds and toxins associated with microbial gut flora, have all initiated projects in collaboration with Rob Havenaar, the TNO scientist responsible for developing the TIM system.

Storch and the students in her lab are using the TIM-1 to explore how our bodies break down and digest lipids or dietary fats. "Lipid digestion in the gastrointestinal tract is incredibly efficient," Storch explained. "Over 97% of dietary fat is broken down and absorbed, even if we eat a very high fat diet." Scientists know of at least three different enzymes, known as lipases, that can break down dietary fat in the gastrointestinal tract, making it available for absorption. What is not known, however, is the exact contribution of each of these enzymes to total lipid digestion.

The TIM-1 allows members of the Storch lab to control the amount of each enzyme that is present within the model, thereby enabling them to determine how much each of the enzymes contributes to the total fat digestion capability of the intestinal tract. "This information will help us to design strategies to control the amount of lipid digestion in the intestine as a potential mechanism for controlling dietary fat absorption," Storch said.

In addition to the lipid digestion study, Storch, Raskin, and Ribnicky are all using the TIM-1 to analyze phytonutrient bioavailability. Phytonutrients are compounds present in plants that are thought to have important nutritional value. Storch noted that many of the phytonutrients are lipid soluble, so their availability is likely to be influenced by the amount and type of dietary fat that is present in the diet at the same time they are eaten. An understanding of the interactions between digestion and absorption of dietary lipids, and the effects on the bioavailability of these compounds, is an emerging need in the biomedical sciences.

The TIM-1 provides scientists with abundant opportunities for collaborative and interdisciplinary research. "New projects and collaborations from outside the university are welcome," noted Brad Hillman, director of Cooperative Research for Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. More information on the TIM system can be found through the TNO website.

©2009 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Last Updated: 6/24/2009, webmaster@sebs.rutgers.edu.