Free and microencapsulated Lactobacillus and effects of metabolic induction on urea removal

We have previously reported the experimental use of genetically engineered Escherichia coli with microencapsulation to lower nitrogenous waste. Concern has surfaced, nonetheless, about safety of genetically engineered product. The purpose of this study is to explore the alternative use of probiotics in removal of plasma urea. After repeated cycles of exposure of Lactobacillus delbrueckii in urea-rich medium under anaerobic environment, the organisms were demonstrated to lower plasma urea concentration in vitro. Suspension of Lactobacillus in uremic plasma reduced the urea nitrogen levels from 51.5 +/- 5.2 mg/dL to 44.3 +/- 3.9 mg/dL (P = 0.02) after 24 hours. With microencapsulation of Lactobacillus (inside semipermeable alginate-polylysine-alginate polymeric membrane), further lowering of urea nitrogen levels was achieved (35.4 +/- 0.8 mg/dL, P = 0.03) at 24 hours. These preliminary data show that expression of certain enzymes could be induced in Lactobacillus delbrueckii and thus capable of lowering plasma urea. Further studies and molecular analysis would be indicated to explore and refine the techniques.