INFOGUT is an International Network on In Vitro Colon Models Simulating Gut. It aims to create a network of researchers to standardize in vitro gut microbiota models designed to evaluate the effects of food, ingredients and feed on the microbiota, in order to improve the understanding of events occurring in the intestinal environment.
According to the European Commission (EURL ECVAM, 2021), complex in vitro models (CIVMs) can be useful both in research and regulatory contexts if standardized. Only if standardized can they represent reliable tools for preliminary investigation prior to clinical studies.
One of the opportunities of these in vitro systems is to conduct studies on specific consumer targets (healthy individuals, patients, athletes, elderly, vegans, etc.) to create models for specific contexts that can represent reliable tools for preliminary investigation prior to clinical studies.
INFOGUT aims to achieve these objectives through networking activities structured into 5 thematic working groups as outlined in the attached document. Educational tools will also be proposed to train young researchers and raise public awareness, promoting informed food choices.
By bringing together experts from various fields, INFOGUT can contribute to the development of healthier foods and disease prevention, reducing the use of animal testing.
To share INFOGUT with Researchers and Stakeholders potentially interested in these in vitro intestinal digestion systems, we are pleased to invite you to the project's first open meeting.
If you intend to attend in person, please kindly let us know for organizational purposes up to May 18th at this email: andrea.gianotti@unibo.it