Biomimetic intestinal barrier based on microfluidic encapsulated sucralfate microcapsules

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Gastroenterology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Intestinal barriers are crucial for preventing gut-derived diseases.
• Maintaining intestinal barrier function is a key therapeutic strategy.
• Sucralfate's mucosal adhesive properties offer potential for barrier enhancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a biomimetic intestinal barrier using microfluidic encapsulated sucralfate microcapsules.
• To investigate the efficacy of this barrier in preventing obesity and other intestinal diseases.

Main Methods:

• Microfluidic electrospray for fabricating sucralfate microcapsules with dietary-fiber shells.
• In vitro adhesion studies.
• In vivo computed tomography (CT) imaging and in vivo imaging system (IVIS) for efficacy assessment.

Main Results:

• The microcapsules formed a continuous, stomach-tolerant biomimetic intestinal barrier.
• The barrier effectively blocked gut food fermentation.
• Reduced fat generation, disease risk indexes, and prevented obesity in vivo.

Conclusions:

• Microfluidic encapsulated sucralfate microcapsules provide a promising approach for creating a biomimetic intestinal barrier.
• This technology demonstrates potential for treating obesity and other intestinal diseases.