Human Biomimetic Scientific Core

PROJECT SUMMARY – Core B
One of the goals of this U19 Biomimetics Cooperative Research Center (BCRC) application is to use state-of-
the-art platforms to address gaps in knowledge surrounding pathogenesis of viral and bacterial organisms at
mucosal surfaces. To meet this goal, the establishment of the Human Biomimetic Scientific Core (HBSC) will
allow the provision of critical biologically relevant human biomimetic organoid platforms that are essential for the
success of the project. The core will be organized around two goals: (1) generate, maintain, and provide
experimentally ready intestinal and airway organoid cultures and specialized growth reagents for use in the
projects proposed in this application, and (2) increase the complexity of organoid cultures by the integration of
neuronal, immune, and microbiome components to improve the organoids as 3D mimetic models. These goals
will facilitate infectious disease research in the airway and intestine. The core will reduce labor, supply and
equipment costs, and time required to complete projects by centralizing the isolation, growth, and maintenance
of the organoid lines and devote time and resources to increasing the complexity of the cultures. Bulk acquisition
of materials, standardization of media and other reagents, and centralization of the maintenance of the lines
results in significant time and cost savings to the individual project investigators and ensures standardization
and reproducibility. The HBSC will provide training and advice to each of the project personnel and develop a
close interactive relationship with the principle investigators that will allow optimization and customization of core
reagents for use in the projects. The BCRC core will be an essential component of the success of each of the
projects in this application as well as a unifying element in connecting them together.

Grant Number: 5U19AI116497-10
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: SARAH BLUTT