Uncovers how gut microbes influence dietary responses in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to advance precision therapies, using clinical samples, in vitro models, and multi-omics analysis.
The Lunken Lab conducts cutting-edge precision nutrition research to advance the understanding and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The lab brings together advanced microbiome science, diet–microbe interaction studies, and personalized therapeutic development to uncover how gut bacteria and fungi respond to various dietary components, including fibres—and how these responses can be enhanced through targeted microbiome manipulation. What sets the Lunken Lab apart is its unique integration of clinical human samples, high-throughput model systems like the Mini Bioreactor Array (MBRA), anaerobic culturing, and multi-omics technologies—all under one roof. The research team transforms routine clinical specimens into high-resolution datasets that power machine learning tools capable of designing individualized nutrition strategies. Positioned at the intersection of clinical care and research, the Lunken Lab is emerging as a centre dedicated to advancing personalized, diet-based therapies for IBD through innovative, microbiome-focused approaches.
- In vitro gut microbiome modeling using a MiniBioReactor Array (MBRA) system
- Anaerobic culturing of intestinal bacteria and fungi
- Microbiome response assays for various dietary components, including fibres, for both inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and non-IBD samples
- Microbial manipulation experiments to evaluate therapeutic potential
- Clinical sample processing
- Multi-omics data generation (e.g., metagenomics, metabolomics)
- Microbiome profiling and data interpretation
- Collaborative study design and consultation for clinical, academic, and translational projects
- Healthcare and social services
- Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
Specialized labs and equipment
| Equipment | Function |
|---|---|
| Motic Microscopes BA310 LED Binocular Microscope | Brightfield microscope for cell and microbial imaging. |
| Thermo Scientific Wellwash Versa 2x8 Microplate Washer | Wash 96-well plates with low residual volume for reliable assay cleaning (ELISA). |
| Eppendorf centrifuges | Process samples in various tube and plate sizes. |
| Nuaire Class II Type A/B3 Biological Safety Cabinet | Provide safe containment of samples and biohazardous materials. |
| VWR CyroPro BR-1 Cryogenic Storage Tank | Store and preserve biological samples at cryogenic temperatures using liquid nitrogen. |
| Eppendorf Electroporator 2510 | Introduce DNA into cells via electrical pulses. |
| PHCbi VIP ECO Series Ultra-Low Upright Freezer | Ultra-cold storage for biological samples. |
| Hoshizaki Ice Machine | Produce ice for laboratory cooling needs. |
| Getinge Model 533LS Vacuum Steam Sterilizer | Sterilize equipment and media using pressurized steam. |
| GE Healthcare NanoVue Plus Spectrophotometer | Measure nucleic acid and protein concentration. |
| Bio-Rad PowerPac 200 Electrophoresis Power Supply | Supply electrical current for gel electrophoresis. |
| Qiagen TissueLyser III | Homogenize tissue samples for DNA/RNA extraction. |
| Eppendorf Vacufuge Plus Vacuum Centrifuge | Concentrate samples using vacuum centrifugation. |
| Thermo Scientific Multiskan FC 96 well Microplate Photometer | Measure absorbance in microplate assays for quantifying biomolecules. |
| Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop paired with a Honeywell Barcode Scanner and a GA International DiTi 203ID Direct Thermal Printer | Operate data acquisition and analysis software, scan sample barcodes for biobank tracking, and print labels, documents, and reports. |
| MiniBioReactor Array (MBRA) System (custom-built) | Controlled in vitro gut studies. |
| DeNovix CellDrop BF Brightfield Cell Counter | Automated cell counting with brightfield imaging. |
| Thermo Scientific KingFisher Duo Prime Purification System | Automated nucleic acid extraction system. |
| Applied Biosystems QuantStudio 3 Real-Time PCR System | Perform real-time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) for DNA/RNA quantification. |
| Coy Anaerobic Chamber | Controlled atmosphere chamber for anaerobic microbiology for microbial studies. |
Private and public sector research partners
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute
- IBD Centre of BC
Additional information
| Title | Hyperlink |
|---|---|
| Effect of diet on the gut mycobiome and potential implications in inflammatory bowel disease | https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2024.2399360 |
| Gut microbiome and dietary fibre intake strongly associate with IgG function and maturation following SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination | https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10715502/ |
| Gut microbiome-associated predictors as biomarkers of response to advanced therapies in inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19490976.2023.2287073 |
| Prebiotic enriched exclusive enteral nutrition suppresses colitis via gut microbiome modulation and expansion of anti-inflammatory T cells in a mouse model of colitis | https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8453203/ |
| User testing to modify the MyHealthyGut digital health application for inflammatory bowel disease | https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10521297/ |
| Utilizing the gut microbiome as a biomarker of response to dietary interventions in inflammatory bowel disease: moving toward precision nutrition | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916524000595?via%3Dihub |