D42 Gut-on-Chip: Brightfield image showing 14d cultured intestinal tissue structures. Intestinal epithelial cells form a villus-like tissue morphology with crypts inbetween. A three-dimensional tissue outgrowth is essential to enlarge the surface area for nutrient uptake and to provide tissue niches for immune cells and microbial organisms.
A Human-Relevant In Vitro Model of the Intestinal System
Overview Dynamic42 Gut-on-Chip Model
The gut-on-chip model provides a 3D in vitro model with dynamic perfusion, designed to replicate human intestinal physiology for the study of drug absorption, barrier function, and immune interactions in the human intestinal system. It supports research in toxicology, host–microbiome interaction, and inflammatory disease modeling.
Using a perfusable microfluidic chip, the system recreates villus-like intestinal tissue structures, mimicking the gut barrier and enabling realistic exposure scenarios for drug candidates, chemicals, and food additives.
What this page covers:
Gut-on-Chip Model Features
Dual compartments
A vascular channel lined with endothelial cells and tissue-resident macrophages, and an intestinal channel containing epithelial cells and migrated immune cells (e.g., monocytes, dendritic cells).
Immune competence
Inclusion of immune cells such as Macrophages allows for immune-epithelial interaction studies and inflammation modeling. Adding perfusion to the model also enables the integration of circulating immune cell populations.
Perfusion & biomechanics
Continuous flow and mechanical stimulation support the formation of 3D gut tissue with dense microvilli.
Flexible cell sourcing
Various cell sources such as cell lines, patient-derived cells, and iPSC-derived cells at different cell complexities and/or configurations can be integrated.
Stable performance
Operation for up to 14 days with high viability, functional barrier integrity, and stable marker expression.
Specifications for Intestine-on-Chip
The Dynamic42 gut-on-chip comprises two compartments: a vascular compartment and an intestinal compartment. The vasculature is formed by an endothelial lining and tissue-resident macrophages. The intestinal compartment comprises gut epithelial cells and migrated immune cells such as monocytes or dendritic cells.
The Dynamic42 gut-on-chip can be operated with various cell sources. Please get in contact for further details.
Endothelial Cell
Macrophage
Enterocyte
Goblet Cell
Paneth Cell
Dendritic Cell
Two models can be operated in parallel on one biochip or chambers connected to create a multi-organ model. The gut model has been tested on the DynamicOrgan® 2-Channel Kit and 2-Channel Kit – precious.
Gut-on-Chip Characteristics
Enhanced marker expression
Intense cell-cell communication
Physiologic biomechanical stimulation via flow
Secretory function
Immunocompetence
The Dynamic42 gut-on-chip can be operated up to 14 days with high vitality, stable barrier function and stable marker expression.
Biomechanical stimulation ensures 3D in vivo-like tissue outgrowth with strong microvilli coverage of cell surfaces.
Application Areas for Gut-on-Chip
- Toxicity profiling and compound safety evaluation
- Uptake and transport studies across the intestinal barrier
- Host–microbiome interaction modeling
- In vitro IBD models and other inflammatory gut diseases
- Mechanistic studies of barrier dysfunction and immune activation
Why Use Intestine-on-Chip?
This gut-on-a-chip model goes beyond conventional 2D or static 3D cultures by offering a dynamic, human-relevant alternative that bridges biological complexity and experimental control. As a result, it serves as a powerful animal testing substitute in intestinal research.
Related Products for Intestinal Applications
- Build gut-on-chip models to study drug absorption, barrier function, and immune interactions in the intestinal system.
- Includes optimized microfluidic setup for host–microbiome interaction and IBD modeling.
- The kit includes all consumables to model epithelial and endothelial interfaces that mimic the human gut barrier under flow.
More information
- Create intestinal models with minimal cell input, ideal for rare or patient-derived gut cells.
- Kit contains all consumables to build organ models replicating epithelial and endothelial interfaces between tissue compartments.
More information
In addition to the kit, you will require a peristaltic pump. If you don’t have one you can order a DynamicOrgan® System and will receive a peristaltic pump in addition to your kit of choice.
FAQ Gut-on-Chip
What is a Gut-on-Chip model?
A gut-on-chip, or intestine-on-chip, model is a microfluidic in vitro system that mimics the structure and function of the human intestinal barrier, including perfusion, immune interaction, and epithelial tissue organization.
How does the Gut-on-Chip differ from conventional in vitro gut models?
Unlike static 2D or 3D cell cultures, the gut-on-chip enables perfusion, immune cell integration, and biomechanical stimulation offering more physiologically relevant conditions and longer-term experiments.
What types of cells are used in the Gut-on-Chip system?
The model typically includes gut epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and immune cells such as macrophages. In addition, the dynamic perfusion allows for the integration of circulating immune cell populations. Our biochip platform offers the possibility to integrate various cell sources such as cell lines, patient-derived cells, and iPSC-derived cells at different cell complexities and/or configurations.
What research applications is the Gut-on-Chip suitable for?
This model supports studies on drug absorption, host-microbiome interaction, IBD, gut inflammation, and barrier function, making it useful in preclinical research and compound screening.
Can the Gut-on-Chip replace animal models?
Yes, in many gastrointestinal research areas. It serves as a human-relevant, ethical alternative to animal testing, especially when modeling immune response or microbiome interaction.
How long can the Gut-on-Chip be cultured?
The system can be stably operated for up to 14 days, maintaining high tissue viability, functional barrier integrity, and stable expression of key biological markers.
How can I acquire the Gut-on-Chip system?
You can set-up a gut-on-chip model using our DynamicOrgan® System. The System will include a peristatic pump, biochips and consumables. If you already have a pump, you can also purchase one of our 2-Channel Kits directly. Please contact us for ordering options and product availability.
Can I commission a custom study using the Gut-on-Chip model?
Yes, our service team supports custom preclinical research projects using the gut-on-chip platform. Learn more about our study design and CRO services
Is training available for using the Gut-on-Chip in the lab?
Yes. Our Dynamic42 Academy offers hands-on and virtual training courses to help you confidently apply organ-on-chip models in your lab. Explore available formats on our Dynamic42 Academy page
Featured resources for Gut Model
Other Resources
19. February 2025
Press Release | Dynamic42 and research partners present three-organ system to reduce animal testing
Dynamic42, in collaboration with ESQlabs, Bayer, and the Placenta Lab, has developed an innovative three-organ system with the potential to reduce animal testing in pharmaceutical research.
29. April 2025
Multi-organ-on-chip model for improving drug safety during pregnancy
In this webinar, speakers from MPSlabs and Dynamic42 will speak about the organ-on-chip platform and interactive computational software developed to understand whether small molecules can cross the blood-placenta-barrier in pregnant women.
10. April 2025
Real-time monitoring of barrier integrity with TEER in organ-on-chip
This webinar talks about TEER in organ-on-chip, as non-invasive method for measuring electrical resistance to monitor cell and tissue barriers. Our new organ-on-chip platform enables real-time monitoring of viability and tissue integrity using TEER measurements.
16. April 2024
Immunocompetent Organ Models – the Future of Biomedical Research
One crucial factor that plays a pivotal role in the success of organ-on-cip models is immunocompetence. In this blog post, we delve into the significance of immunocompetence in organ-on-chip models and how it opens new avenues for advancing medical research.
Talk to our Gut-on-Chip experts!
Explore how intestine-on-chip can provide a dynamic, human-relevant alternative for drug development and disease modeling.