Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Bac3Gel (New generation of substrates to harness the full power of microorganisms)
Reporting period: 2023-07-01 to 2024-06-30
Bac3Gel addresses key challenges in microbiology and biotechnology with its innovative 3D substrate, I-Mu3Gel®, which cultures previously unculturable microorganisms and complex communities such as the human gut microbiota. This technology aims to overcome current limitations in microbial cultivation, enabling new biotech and pharma discoveries by replicating the human mucus environments. The project will enhance the understanding and exploitation of microbiome modulation, facilitating novel therapeutic solutions.
To achieve product-market-fit maturity by the end of the EIC Accelerator project, Bac3Gel aimed to:
- Secure strategic or lead investor interest by June 30, 2024.
- Demonstrate I-Mu3Gel® in relevant environments by June 30, 2024.
- Validate key commercialization aspects by December 31, 2024.
- Integrate I-Mu3Gel® with commercial systems by February 28, 2025.
- Further demonstrate I-Mu3Gel® in relevant environments by June 30, 2025.
Bac3Gel is on schedule with all milestones, showing strong progress towards market readiness and scalability.
To achieve product-market-fit maturity by the end of the EIC Accelerator project, Bac3Gel aimed to:
- Secure strategic or lead investor interest by June 30, 2024.
- Demonstrate I-Mu3Gel® in relevant environments by June 30, 2024.
- Validate key commercialization aspects by December 31, 2024.
- Integrate I-Mu3Gel® with commercial systems by February 28, 2025.
- Further demonstrate I-Mu3Gel® in relevant environments by June 30, 2025.
Bac3Gel is on schedule with all milestones, showing strong progress towards market readiness and scalability.
Since the inception of the EIC Accelerator project on July 1st, 2023, Bac3Gel has made significant strides in research, development, and validation of its product - I-Mu3Gel®.
Key activities and achievements include:
Establishment of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Lab:
- Recognizing the saturated market for sequencing services and their critical importance for development, Bac3Gel invested in establishing an in-house NGS lab. This facility supports ongoing R&D activities, ensuring timely and accurate results for quality control and scientific studies.
Scientific Studies:
- Culturing MOCK Communities:
Successfully cultured microbial communities (MOCK) consisting of:
F. prausnitzii, V. parvula, B. obeum, R. inulinivorans, L. paracasei, P. vulgatus, A. muciniphila, B. pullicaecorum, A. caccae, B. adolescentis, L. plantarum
Success was evaluated using DNA quantification, MTT assays, and NGS.
- Culturing Human Microbiota:
Cultured microbiota from five human donors for up to 72 hours.
Assessed DNA quantification, NGS, pH microsensing, rheological properties, and secretome analysis for short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).
Found that I-Mu3Gel® is able to host complex native microbiota communities, stimulate beneficial bacteria growth, and surpress pathological bacteria.
- Supplement Testing:
Tested supplements (inulin, dextrose, spermidine) on microbiota cultures stabilized on i-Mu3Gel®. Results for inulin and dextrose aligned with clinical trial data, confirming I-Mu3Gel® capability to be exploited as an in vitro testing platform for high throughput screening of the impact of food supplements in intestinal microbiota.
Product Development:
- Shelf-Life Testing:
Verified that i-Mu3Gel® remains stable for up to 9 months with current packaging and storage conditions.
- I-Mu3Gel® Beads a new technology was developed not only to act as feeders for bioreactor-based systems simulating the gastrointestinal tract, but also as growth enhancers to boost the growth of hard-to-culture microorganisms.
- Compatibility and Customization:
Confirmed compatibility with 3D printing and adapted formulations for partner platforms like micro fluidics.
Bac3Gel has successfully completed all tasks due by this stage and is on track to achieve the remaining tasks within the specified timelines, with some being ahead of schedule. This progress underscores the feasibility and potential impact of I-Mu3Gel® in advancing microbiome research and biotechnological applications.
Key activities and achievements include:
Establishment of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Lab:
- Recognizing the saturated market for sequencing services and their critical importance for development, Bac3Gel invested in establishing an in-house NGS lab. This facility supports ongoing R&D activities, ensuring timely and accurate results for quality control and scientific studies.
Scientific Studies:
- Culturing MOCK Communities:
Successfully cultured microbial communities (MOCK) consisting of:
F. prausnitzii, V. parvula, B. obeum, R. inulinivorans, L. paracasei, P. vulgatus, A. muciniphila, B. pullicaecorum, A. caccae, B. adolescentis, L. plantarum
Success was evaluated using DNA quantification, MTT assays, and NGS.
- Culturing Human Microbiota:
Cultured microbiota from five human donors for up to 72 hours.
Assessed DNA quantification, NGS, pH microsensing, rheological properties, and secretome analysis for short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).
Found that I-Mu3Gel® is able to host complex native microbiota communities, stimulate beneficial bacteria growth, and surpress pathological bacteria.
- Supplement Testing:
Tested supplements (inulin, dextrose, spermidine) on microbiota cultures stabilized on i-Mu3Gel®. Results for inulin and dextrose aligned with clinical trial data, confirming I-Mu3Gel® capability to be exploited as an in vitro testing platform for high throughput screening of the impact of food supplements in intestinal microbiota.
Product Development:
- Shelf-Life Testing:
Verified that i-Mu3Gel® remains stable for up to 9 months with current packaging and storage conditions.
- I-Mu3Gel® Beads a new technology was developed not only to act as feeders for bioreactor-based systems simulating the gastrointestinal tract, but also as growth enhancers to boost the growth of hard-to-culture microorganisms.
- Compatibility and Customization:
Confirmed compatibility with 3D printing and adapted formulations for partner platforms like micro fluidics.
Bac3Gel has successfully completed all tasks due by this stage and is on track to achieve the remaining tasks within the specified timelines, with some being ahead of schedule. This progress underscores the feasibility and potential impact of I-Mu3Gel® in advancing microbiome research and biotechnological applications.
Bac3Gel's development of the I-Mu3Gel® substrate marks a significant advancement in microbiology and biotechnology, pushing the boundaries of current culturing techniques.
Key innovations and potential impacts include:
Advanced 3D Substrate Innovation:
- Structural and Compositional Gradients: I-Mu3Gel® features gradients that model gut human mucus, allowing diverse microbial growth and providing a more accurate in vitro model for R&D.
- Oxygen Gradient Integration: Incorporates an intrinsic oxygen gradient, supporting both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, enhancing microbial interaction studies.
Culturing Previously Unculturable Bacteria:
- Successfully cultured bacteria like R. callidus, opening new research and therapeutic opportunities, but also enhances the growth of beneficial and hard-to-culture bacteria.
Market Readiness and Commercial Potential:
- Compatibility with Standard Equipment: Designed to integrate with existing lab equipment, available in high-throughput screening formats, reducing costs and increasing accessibility.
- Intellectual Property: Protected by patents, supporting collaborations and further commercialization.
Further Research and Development Needs:
- Optimization and Scaling: Ongoing research to optimize and scale production for commercial distribution.
- Market Integration: Focus on integrating I-Mu3Gel® with commercial systems and forming strategic partnerships.
Potential Impacts:
- Healthcare: Revolutionizes microbiome-modulating drug development, leading to innovative treatments for various diseases.
- Environmental and Economic Benefits: Reduces reliance on animal models and waste, promoting sustainable and cost-effective research practices.
- B2C Business Model: Exploring consumer applications for i-Mu3Gel® beads as supplements and probiotics, with a provisional patent to protect this new technology to be submitted this month.
Bac3Gel's innovation ensures a lasting impact in microbiology, paving the way for new discoveries and advancements.
Key innovations and potential impacts include:
Advanced 3D Substrate Innovation:
- Structural and Compositional Gradients: I-Mu3Gel® features gradients that model gut human mucus, allowing diverse microbial growth and providing a more accurate in vitro model for R&D.
- Oxygen Gradient Integration: Incorporates an intrinsic oxygen gradient, supporting both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, enhancing microbial interaction studies.
Culturing Previously Unculturable Bacteria:
- Successfully cultured bacteria like R. callidus, opening new research and therapeutic opportunities, but also enhances the growth of beneficial and hard-to-culture bacteria.
Market Readiness and Commercial Potential:
- Compatibility with Standard Equipment: Designed to integrate with existing lab equipment, available in high-throughput screening formats, reducing costs and increasing accessibility.
- Intellectual Property: Protected by patents, supporting collaborations and further commercialization.
Further Research and Development Needs:
- Optimization and Scaling: Ongoing research to optimize and scale production for commercial distribution.
- Market Integration: Focus on integrating I-Mu3Gel® with commercial systems and forming strategic partnerships.
Potential Impacts:
- Healthcare: Revolutionizes microbiome-modulating drug development, leading to innovative treatments for various diseases.
- Environmental and Economic Benefits: Reduces reliance on animal models and waste, promoting sustainable and cost-effective research practices.
- B2C Business Model: Exploring consumer applications for i-Mu3Gel® beads as supplements and probiotics, with a provisional patent to protect this new technology to be submitted this month.
Bac3Gel's innovation ensures a lasting impact in microbiology, paving the way for new discoveries and advancements.