Programmed assembly of Cell based carriers for improved functionality of bioactives in the gut.

The specific objectives of this research proposal are:Aim 1. Engineer clustering of cell-based carriers using protein or nucleic acid based cell-cell binding and evaluate impact of clustering on stability, release and interactions with model gut microbesAim 2. 3D approaches to develop programmed assemblies of individual cell-based carriers or clusters and their impact on stability, release and interactions with model gut microbesAim 3. Measure the influence of cellular clustering and 3D patterning on bioavailability of encapsulated phytochemicals and interactions with gut microbiota in a mouse model