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New Procedure to Maintain Fecal Microbiota in a Dry Matrix Ready to Encapsulate
Andrea Aira1,2, Elisa Rubio3, Andrea Ruiz2
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Abstract:
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is one of the recommended treatments for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection, but endoscopy and available oral formulations still have several limitations in their preparation, storage, and administration. The need for a viable oral formulation that facilitates the implementation of this highly effective therapy in different settings has led us to test the microcrystalline cellulose particles as an adsorbent of concentrated filtered fresh feces in comparison to lyophilized feces. This free-flowing material can provide protection to bacteria and results in a dried product able to maintain the viability of the microbiota for a long time. Adsorbate formulation showed a stabilizing effect in gut microbiota, maintaining bacteria viability and preserving its diversity, and is a competitive option for lyophilized capsules.
Insights
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) using microcrystalline cellulose particles offers a stable, viable oral option for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. This method preserves bacterial diversity and viability, overcoming limitations of current FMT delivery methods.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) treatment guidelines recommend fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).
- Current FMT methods, including endoscopy and oral capsules, face challenges in preparation, storage, and administration.
- There is a need for improved oral formulations for FMT to enhance accessibility and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate microcrystalline cellulose particles as an adsorbent for concentrated feces for FMT.
- To compare the efficacy of this novel adsorbent formulation with traditional lyophilized feces.
- To assess the impact of the adsorbent formulation on bacterial viability and gut microbiota diversity.
Main Methods:
- Concentrated filtered fresh feces were adsorbed onto microcrystalline cellulose particles.
- Lyophilized feces were used as a comparative control.
- Bacterial viability and microbial diversity of the FMT products were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The microcrystalline cellulose adsorbent formulation demonstrated a stabilizing effect on the gut microbiota.
- This formulation maintained bacterial viability and preserved microbial diversity over time.
- The adsorbent formulation proved to be a viable alternative to lyophilized capsules for FMT.
Conclusions:
- Microcrystalline cellulose particles offer a promising approach for developing a stable, viable oral formulation for FMT.
- This method addresses key limitations of current FMT delivery, potentially improving treatment accessibility for recurrent CDI.
- The adsorbent formulation supports long-term microbiota stability and bacterial viability, making it a competitive option for clinical application.
