$2 million: Intestinal capsules-microbiota as drugs

The human body is the host of hundreds of different microorganisms, which have a huge impact on

A healthy body has a balance of beneficial "good" and "bad" bacteria called symbiosis

This potential is the driving force

In particular, Niepa's Microbial Interface Lab is developing capsules that can capture microbial communities and allow it to multiply

"With this technology, we can actually collect and store samples of healthy individuals, screen them to understand the composition of their microbiome, and then give them to use when patients are sick," Niepa said

Learn about the bacteria that protect us

The researchers found that the gut microbiome is linked to a wide variety of health outcomes, such as weight, stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, cancer, and even mental health

"This award affirms the incredible originality

For example, in the United States, 1 in every 300,000 people per year suffers from Clostridium difficile infection (often referred to as c.

"If you start from c .

More than just probiotics

Over-the-counter probiotics and fermented foods and beverages contain beneficial bacteria that can proliferate over time and benefit

This capsule uses a unique material to mimic the natural environment of microorganisms, promoting the growth

Ideally, this technique would collect gut bacteria from fecal samples from healthy people and store them in special incubation capsules, creating a microbial library

While a person's own sample is ideal, Niepa and his team are also looking at the possibility

"If this project is successful, it could mean a huge shift

Steven Little, Chair of the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering and a distinguished professor, said: "The department is extremely proud