Modular Digestive Simulator for Parallel Gut Microbiota Experiments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in vitro simulation devices for the gastrointestinal tract are not compact, flexible, modular, or capable of performing multiple experiments simultaneously in parallel, lacking the ability to adapt to different experimental protocols and requiring a stabilization period of at least 2 weeks for inoculated microbiota to adjust to in vitro conditions.
Innovation Solution
A digestive system simulator apparatus with a mobile rack and modular, plug & play reactor modules that allow parallel experiments, featuring compactability, mobility, and modularity, enabling flexible experimental protocols and rapid stabilization of gut microbiota, with computerized control for precise analysis and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional in vitro simulation devices are used, then the gastrointestinal tract can be simulated, but the device is not compact and occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple modular reactor modules (stomach reactor, small intestine reactor, colon reactor) that can be independently configured and connected. Each module is a self-contained unit with standardized coupling mechanisms, allowing the system to be assembled in compact configurations while maintaining complete simulation functionality of the gastrointestinal tract.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional horizontal/linear arrangements of reactors to a vertical stacking configuration using mobile racks with multiple levels. This dimensional change allows multiple reactor modules to occupy the same horizontal footprint, significantly reducing the overall device volume while preserving all simulation capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional in vitro simulation devices are used, then the gastrointestinal tract can be simulated, but the device lacks modularity and flexibility for different experimental protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor modules are designed with universal coupling mechanisms and standardized interfaces that allow them to be connected in various configurations depending on the experimental needs. The same basic module can serve different functions (stomach, small intestine, colon) by adjusting operational parameters, and modules can be rearranged to create different simulation scenarios without requiring custom-built systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates mobile racks that can be reconfigured and relocated, allowing the experimental setup to be dynamically adjusted according to different protocols. The modular nature enables rapid assembly and disassembly of reactor connections, transforming the static conventional designs into dynamic, adaptable systems that can be easily reconfigured for new experiments.
3Productivity
If conventional in vitro simulation devices are used, then the gastrointestinal tract can be simulated, but multiple experiments cannot be performed simultaneously in parallel
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the simulation capacity into multiple independent reactor modules that can operate simultaneously. Each module is an independent experimental unit that can be configured with different substrates, microbial inocula, and operational parameters, allowing multiple experiments to run in parallel without interfering with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile rack system merges multiple reactor modules into a single integrated platform that supports parallel experimentation. By combining multiple independent experimental units in one compact structure with shared control systems and monitoring, the device enables simultaneous execution of multiple experiments while maintaining manageable complexity through centralized coordination.
4Loss of time
If conventional in vitro simulation devices are used, then the gastrointestinal tract can be simulated, but a stabilization period of at least 2 weeks is required for microbiota to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables preliminary action by allowing multiple experiments to be initiated simultaneously with different microbial inocula and substrates from the outset. The modular design permits parallel setup of multiple reactor modules, each with its own calibrated conditions, eliminating the sequential stabilization requirement and allowing all experiments to proceed concurrently after brief initial setup.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient simulation of the gastrointestinal tract from the stomach to the intestine, modulates gut microbiota, and allows rapid stabilization of inoculated microbiota, facilitating simultaneous experiments under varying conditions with precise control and monitoring, accelerating the stabilization process to less than 2 weeks.
Implementation Method 1
Each said cabinet comprises at least one peristaltic pump
Implementation Method 2
at least one heating bath with demand
Data Source
AI summary
A digestive system simulator apparatus including at least one mobile rack and cabinets with 500 ml or 1500 ml reactors containing support for accessories, light indicator, bottles of acid and alkaline solution arranged in the front part of the support for accessories, a mechanism for coupling a hose to transfer acid or alkaline solution to the main peristaltic pump and, optionally, to the backup peristaltic pumps. The 500 ml or 1500 ml glass reactor contains means for magnetic and/or mechanical stirring, a mechanism for maintaining the temperature, a lid with multiple inlets, such as for pH sensor, temperature sensor, oxygen level sensor, pipette, inlet for backup connection or ammonia level sensor, allowing the connection of the hose for fluid transfer between reactors, being controlled by specific software operating on a computer, to control the entire apparatus automatically, as programmed by the user.