A Vaginal Organ-on-Chip for Studying Host–Microbe Interaction
This project develops a new laboratory model that enables realistic and human‑relevant research into vaginal health. A newly established public–private partnership brings together research organisations, hospitals, technology developers, and women’s health companies. Together, they aim to develop and validate an advanced model that better reflects how human vaginal tissue and microorganisms interact, supporting innovation through close collaboration between science, healthcare, and industry.
Vaginal health is essential for women’s overall wellbeing, affecting infection risk, fertility, and healthy pregnancies. Yet women’s health remains under‑researched, resulting in gaps in knowledge and less effective care. Unhealthy vaginal microbial balance affects millions of women and is linked to conditions such as bacterial vaginosis, premature birth, and sexually transmitted infections. Despite rapid growth in vaginal health products, current laboratory methods often fail to predict how these products work in the human body. This leads to ineffective treatments and higher healthcare costs. In the Netherlands alone, health inequalities between men and women are estimated to result in a €12.6 billion annual loss in economic productivity, highlighting the urgent need for better research tools.
To address this need, the project introduces the VIMtima‑Chip, an advanced laboratory model that closely mimics the human vaginal environment. This Organ‑on‑Chip combines real human vaginal tissue with naturally occurring vaginal microorganisms in a small system that simulates fluid flow in the body. This allows researchers to study tissue–microbe interactions over time and to assess how treatments or preventive strategies influence vaginal health. Validation with clinical data helps link laboratory results to real‑world health outcomes.
The project will deliver a standardized, ready‑to‑use VIMtima‑Chip suitable for routine laboratory testing. Integrated sensors will enable real‑time monitoring of key health indicators, while clear protocols and reference datasets will support reliable use across multiple donors. The model will be demonstrated for testing preventive and therapeutic products, such as probiotics. Guidance on regulatory alignment, end‑user adoption, and a future scale‑up roadmap will support implementation beyond the project.
