Oral delivery of Lactobacillus paracasei via microcapsule modulates gut health and intestinal microbiota

Abstract

Background: The beneficial impact of probiotics on host health is impaired due to the significant loss of survivability during gastric transit, small intestinal enzymes, and bile acids. Encapsulation helps to preserve the probiotics species from severe environmental factors. This study investigated the effects of oral delivery of probiotics via microcapsule on different parameters of gut health. Methods: Lactobacillus paracasei, highly sensitive probiotic species to gastric acid, was encapsulated with novel encapsulating material, polyacrylate resin, to get a microcapsule. C57BL/6 male mice were equally divided into three groups; supplementing basal feed, a mixture of encapsulating material and Lactobacillus paracasei, and encapsulated Lactobacillus paracasei (microcapsule) for four weeks. Fecal moisture percentage was measured regularly, which was elevated in the encapsulated group, but not in the mixed group. Based on this data, mice from control and encapsulated groups were sacrificed to study the different parameters of gut health. Results: Compared to control, encapsulated probiotics increased villi height, the ratio of villi height to crypt depth, and decreased crypt depth. Simultaneously, the tight junction proteins were upregulated on encapsulated group showing enhancement of intestinal barrier functions. The level of SigA and mucin increased along with gene expression of MUC-2 but, albumin level was decreased. In addition, we found a rise in the relative gene expression of anti-inflammatory factor (IL-10) and decreased pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α). Meanwhile, microbiota metabolites, fecal LPS and TMAO were downregulated while SCFA and lactate were upraised compared to control. Furthermore, GSH-Px and TAOC level were increased and MDA was decreased. Microbiota analysis revealed the proportion of firmicutes was higher at the phylum level on an encapsulated group, while Lactobacillus was elevated at the genus level. We also found a remarkable increase in the population of Lactobacillus murinus at the species level. In summary, the oral delivery of probiotics via microcapsule effectively improves the animals' gut health by improving morphology, barrier function, anti-inflammatory action, antioxidant ability and modulating gut microbiota.

Probiotic‐fermented edible herbs as functional foods: A review of current status, challenges, and strategies

“…On the other hand, probiotics in fermented MFH also influence the composition of the gut microbiota. By supplementing mice with microencapsulated Lactobacillus paracasei, the researchers observed an increase in the proportion of lactic acid bacteria within the intestinal microbiota of the mice and an improvement in the intestinal barrier (Gyawali et al, 2023). Probiotics can maintain the homeostasis of the gut microbiota by exogenously supplementing or increasing the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut and competing with pathogens.…”