Vaginal Intimate Microenvironment host-microbe interaction Organ-on-Chip (VIMtima)

Better understanding of vaginal health

The VIMtima project addresses this gap by developing a human relevant laboratory model of the vaginal microenvironment. By combining expertise from research, clinical practice and industry, the project aims to accelerate innovation towards safer and more effective solutions for women’s health.

Studying host–microbe interactions

At the heart of VIMtima is the need to better understand how vaginal tissue interacts with microorganisms under realistic conditions. These host–microbe interactions determine the balance between health and disease, and influence how treatments perform.

Gaining reliable insights into these processes is essential to improve diagnostics, prevention strategies and treatment development. The project therefore focuses on creating a research model that captures these interactions more accurately than existing systems.

A dynamic organ-on-chip approach

The consortium will develop the VIMtima‑Chip, an advanced organ on chip model that combines human vaginal tissue with a representative microbiome in a controlled and dynamic environment. This approach makes it possible to study biological processes under conditions that closely resemble those in the human body.

To ensure relevance for clinical practice, results from the model will be systematically compared with clinical data. This validation step is key to building confidence in the model’s predictive value.

From model development to real world impact

By addressing the lack of reliable, human relevant testing models, VIMtima contributes to animal free innovation and more predictive research. This enables earlier and better assessment of treatments, supporting the development of safer and more effective products in women’s health.

TNO acts as project coordinator and leads the development, validation and dissemination of the model. By bringing together multidisciplinary expertise in biology, technology and application, TNO connects research outcomes to practical use and supports implementation within the broader ecosystem.

Get involved

Are you working on innovation in women’s health and interested in reliable, human relevant testing models? Get in touch to explore how the VIMtima‑Chip can support your research, product development or validation activities.

Together, we can advance knowledge and improve outcomes in women’s health.

The collaboration project HH-PPS-25061-OoC (VIMtima) is co-funded by PPP Subsidy awarded by Health-Holland, to stimulate public private partnerships.