Using an epithelial model membrane to investigate polyphenol-lipid interactions with neutron reflectometry

The epithelium, the outermost surface of the gastrointestinal mucosal layer of the gut wall, is responsible for digestion, absorption and secretion of materials in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The layer is complex and its composition depends on the function of the GIT region. There are many gaps in our knowledge of how the gut wall functions including the role of some of the epithelial cells present, and there is little understanding of the role of the lipid within these cell membranes. We know that lipid composition varies in different areas of the cell membrane, but we know little about how lipids can promote or inhibit interactions or protection of this essential interface. In this project we aim to develop a model epithelium layer that will enable us to investigate the role of different lipid components of the cell membrane and how they impact on the function of the gut wall.