3D printed rectal swabs for assessing the gut microbiome, metabolome and inflammation.

ABSTRACT: Investigating the gut microbiome and metabolome frequently requires faecal samples, which can be difficult to obtain. Previous studies have shown that rectal swabs are comparable to faecal samples for analysing gut microbiota composition and key metabolites. In this study, 3D printed rectal swabs were compared with conventional flocked swabs and faecal samples, due to the potential advantages 3D printing as a technique offers for swab production and development. 16S rRNA gene sequencing, qPCR and metabolite profiling (using ¹H-NMR spectroscopy) were performed on swab and faecal samples from healthy participants. Faecal calprotectin and total protein analysis were performed on samples from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. There were no significant differences between bo

SUBMITTER: Perry RW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11258137 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature