Dynamic Gastric Model
This innovative technology platform, led by Dr. Martin Wickham provides the Institute of Food Research with a leading international position in the understanding and modelling of human gastric processes. It is focussed on the development and exploitation of a computer controlled Dynamic Gastric Model (DGM). The DGM, developed over the last decade, is a breakthrough in the accurate temporal simulation of the key conditions and processes which take place in the human stomach. It is the first true ‘dynamic’ in vitro system that replicates the complex biochemical conditions, the gastric forces and accurately models the mixing and emptying modalities necessary to create a realistic model of the human stomach. The DGM is currently being applied to investigations into the bio-performance of real foods and pharmaceutical preparations in both the fed and fasted state.
Key Features include:
- Processes real food and meals rather than unrepresentative homogenised material
- Simulates physical mixing, transit and breakdown forces (including flow, shear and hydration) within complete physiological range
- Automatically adjusts for gastric residence time, acid and enzyme additions (quantity and rate) and physical processing depending on food matrix
- Simulates correct biochemical environment for the gastric contents. Allowing for fed / fasted comparisons and studies of the behaviour of dosage form with varying food-types
- Carries out digestions in real time and uses realistic volumes of material (200-600ml)
- Provides samples of digested materials at any sampling times within the total digestive period
- Provides full data readout on the digestive process; residence time, emptying profiles, pH gradients; gastric additions/flow rates, etc
Access to the DGM is provided exclusively through Plant Biosciences Limited (PBL) in conjunction with IFR. Study protocols analytical schedules are designed and conducted in accordance with sponsor requirements. Standard study designs are available for:
- Studies on food systems
- API and dosage form dissolution characterisation
- Assessment of effect of food on bio-performance
- Dosage form integrity and alcohol-based interaction studies
- Gastric metabolism and stability evaluation
PBL is an IP management and technology development company investing in and promoting the commercialisation of public sector research innovations. PBL’s shareholders are the John Innes Centre, The Sainsbury Laboratory and the UK’s principal funder of biological sciences, the BBSRC. For further information visit www.pbltechnology.com
Fax: +44(0)1603 507723