<b>ANIMAL GUT MICROBIOME CHARACTERIZATION FOR MICROBIAL SOURCE TRACKING AND IMPLICATIONS FOR GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASE</b>
Creators: name: Wang, Jiangshan
Publisher: name: Purdue University Graduate School
Year: 2024
Subjects: classificationCode: 300101
subject: Agricultural biotechnology diagnostics (incl. biosensors)
classificationCode: 300202
subject: Agricultural land management
classificationCode: 300203
subject: Agricultural land planning
classificationCode: 300605
subject: Food safety, traceability, certification and authenticity
classificationCode: 400302
subject: Biomaterials
classificationCode: 400308
subject: Medical devices
classificationCode: 310702
subject: Infectious agents
classificationCode: 310701
subject: Bacteriology

description: The gastrointestinal tract harbors a diverse range of microorganisms, collectively constituting the gut microbiome. The maintenance of a symbiotic relationship between the host and these microorganisms is essential to gastrointestinal health. Disruption of the ecological balance within the gut microbiome can result in discomfort or pathological conditions. This dissertation explores these alterations within the gastrointestinal tract as potential indicators for specific gastrointestinal diseases. In pursuit of this, I collaborated with others to develop a smart ingestible capsule that offers a non-invasive method for enhancing the effectiveness of differential diagnosis and treatment strategies for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). My contributions encompassed conducting <i>in vitro</i> protein sampling and extraction experiments, as well as enteric coating dissolution tests. Following thorough characterization of the capsule, I advanced to <i>ex vivo</i> sampling experiments. As a proof of concept, the capsule's sampling capabilities have been rigorously validated both <i>in vitro</i> and <i>ex vivo</i> using calprotectin, a key biomarker for monitoring and managing IBD. Future research may explore integrating this technology with other sensors for diverse chemical and gas sensing capabilities, aiming to refine the differential diagnostics of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and IBD.Simultaneously, the potential transmission of pathogenic microorganisms from the gastrointestinal tract to the environment through fecal matter can lead to substantial public health implications if adequate surveillance is not in place. These pathogens can contaminate water and food sources from various origins, exacerbating the problem. Furthermore, conventional laboratory-based assays, while effective, have extensive turnaround times and require skilled scientists to operate them. In response to this challenge, I have undertaken the development of point-of-care assays, aiming to streamline the detection of fecal contamination. This innovation is designed to mitigate the limitations associated with traditional methods by offering a more rapid and user-friendly approach. The primary objective is to enhance the accessibility of these assays, enabling on-site personnel with varying levels of expertise to utilize them effectively. Through the widespread adoption of these point-of-care assays, the overarching goal is to ensure the consistent provision of safe and reliable water and food supplies to the public.