False-color (mostly pink) picture of bacteria on a matrix of some kind

The SHIME (Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem) Lab

Schematic view of system to simulate human intestinal microbiota

We are one of the few institutes in North America to operate a SHIME system (registered trademark, ProDigest). The Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem makes it possible to gather data on the impact of diet, food and nutrients on human intestinal microbiota.


Some applications of the SHIME are:

  • Probiotic effects of selected microorganisms.
  • Prebiotic effects of selected food ingredients or foods such as milk, and starches.
  • Shift in gut microbiota upon specific dietary patterns.
  • Bioavailability of micro-nutrients/macronutrients.