2REAL-GUTS; innovation in intestinal models for food research
The Research Group for Life Sciences & Chemistry has obtained SIA RAAK-PRO funding for the development and implementation of two innovative intestinal in vitro models. These models, that are derived from fundamental research can play an important role in the safety and efficacy evaluation of food ingredients. The study aims to further develop, optimize and implement the culture models to increase the biological relevance and coincidentally increase applicability of the models, contributing to the adoption of the systems by industry. With the development and especially the implantation of these in vitro models the researchers hope to be able to contribute to the reduction of the use of animals in the safety evaluation of food additives and ingredients The project is designated with the acronym ‘2REAL-GUTS’ and is receiving approximately EUR 700,000 funding from the SIA RAAK-PRO programme. The aim is that the work will take 4 years to complete.