Development of gastro-resistant coated probiotic granulates and evaluation of viability and release during simulated upper gastrointestinal transit

Dairy-based multi-strain probiotic community successfully mitigated obesity-related gut microbiota dysbiosis in vitro (CoMiniGut)

Introduction. Obesity is a global health concern, affecting individuals of all ages and genders. One promising strategy to combat obesity is by addressing gut microbiota dysbiosis, with probiotics being a reliable intervention. However, single-strain probiotics may not effectively modulate the complex microbial communities in the gut, suggesting the need for multi-strain approaches.Gap Statement. Probiotics are known to benefit gut health; however, the efficacy of single-strain probiotics in modulating gut microbiota is limited. Multi-strain probiotic community (MSPC) may offer a more effective approach for addressing obesity-related gut dysbiosis, but its specific effects on individuals and microbial diversity require further investigation.Aim. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of a dairy-origin MSPC in modulating obesity-related gut microbiota from lean and obese Pakistani volunteers using a simulated CoMiniGut model.Methodology. Gut microbiota from lean and obese volunteers were treated with MSPC in a simulated CoMiniGut system. Bacterial counts, microbial diversity (α- and β-diversity) and microbial community composition were analysed pre- and post-treatment. The impact of MSPC on specific bacterial genera and microbial metabolites was assessed, with statistical significance determined (P≤0.05).Results. The effect of MSPC was individualized, reducing bacterial counts in lean 1 and lean 2 samples, while significantly increasing bacterial counts in obese 2 and obese 3 samples (P≤0.05). MSPC significantly improved α-diversity in lean 2, lean 3, obese 2 and obese 3 samples (P≤0.05). Proteobacteria decreased in the lean group and increased in the obese group post-MSPC treatment. In the lean group, pathogenic bacteria such as Klebsiella, Escherichia and Enterobacter were significantly reduced (P≤0.05), whereas beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus increased significantly in the obese group (P≤0.05). Among the selected metabolites, only butanoic acid was detected in all tested samples, with MSPC affecting metabolite concentrations and types.Conclusion. MSPC demonstrated a potential for modulating gut microbiota dysbiosis in both lean and obese individuals, with effects on bacterial counts, microbial diversity and metabolite concentrations. MSPC could serve as a promising option for personalized the modulation of gut microbiota in obesity management.

Encapsulation of Probiotics within Double/Multiple Layer Beads/Carriers: A Concise Review

An increased demand for natural products nowadays most specifically probiotics (PROs) is evident since it comes in conjunction with beneficial health effects for consumers. In this regard, it is well known that encapsulation could positively affect the PROs' viability throughout food manufacturing and long-term storage. This paper aims to analyze and review various double/multilayer strategies for encapsulation of PROs. Double-layer encapsulation of PROs by electrohydrodynamic atomization or electrospraying technology has been reported along with layer-by-layer assembly and water-in-oil-in-water (W1/O/W2) double emulsions to produce multilayer PROs-loaded carriers. Finally, their applications in food products are presented. The resistance and viability of loaded PROs to mechanical damage, during gastrointestinal transit and shelf life of these trapping systems, are also described. The PROs encapsulation in double- and multiple-layer coatings combined with other technologies can be examined to increase the opportunities for new functional products with amended functionalities opening a novel horizon in food technology.