Torsten Scheithauer

Field of research

I am a project manager and scientist specializing in gut health and gut microbiome research, with a strong track record in both fundamental and clinical studies. My work focuses on developing and applying highly human-relevant in vitro models, including the i-screen® and InTESTine™ platforms, as well as combined multi-organ model systems and emerging oral microbiome models.

I lead research on microbiome–nutrition interactions, biomarker discovery, and the translation of in vitro findings into human applications. This includes recent work demonstrating successful translation of i-screen results to clinical outcomes through integrated in vitro and clinical studies. My research also investigates the role of the gut microbiota in complex chronic conditions, including post-COVID syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome, where microbiome-host interactions may contribute to inflammation, immune dysregulation, and symptom persistence.

In addition, I am involved in digital biomarker discovery, particularly in inflammatory bowel disease, combining digital health platforms with microbiome data. Within TNO’s Microbiology & Systems Biology department, I integrate expertise in wet-lab research, bioinformatics, and clinical study design to develop innovative, human-relevant testing strategies for nutrition and health.

Recent publications

• Hoevenaars, F. P. M., Scheithauer, T. P. M., Maarse, B. C. E., De Oliveira, I. M., Warnke, I., Sybesma, W., Moerland, M., Van Den Broek, T. J., & Schuren, F. H. J. (2025). Translating in vitro gut microbiota models to human context: compositional correlations under dietary fiber intervention. Frontiers in Microbiology, 16, 1708906. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1708906
• Scheithauer, T. P. M., De Oliveira, I. M. F., Ossendrijver, M., Dehay, E., Van Der Wurff, M., Rahaoui, H., Ballet, N., & Keijser, B. J. F. (2025). Yeast cell wall derivatives as a potential strategy for modulating oral microbiota and dental plaque biofilm. Frontiers in Oral Health, 6, 1543667. https://doi.org/10.3389/froh.2025.1543667
• Scheithauer, T. P. M., Montijn, R. C., & Mieremet, A. (2024). Gut microbe–host interactions in post-COVID syndrome: a debilitating or restorative partnership? Gut Microbes, 16(1), 2402544. https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2024.2402544
• Scheithauer, T. P. M., Rampanelli, E., Nieuwdorp, M., Vallance, B. A., Verchere, C. B., Van Raalte, D. H., & Herrema, H. (2020). Gut microbiota as a trigger for metabolic inflammation in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Frontiers in Immunology, 11, 571731. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2020.571731