Intake of nanoparticles and impact on gut microbiota: in vitro and animal models available for testing

The oral delivery of compounds associated with diet or medication have an impact on the gut microbiota balance, which in turn, influences the physiologic process. Several reports have shown significant advances in clarifying the impact, interactions and outcomes of oral intake of nanoparticles and the human gut. These interactions may affect the bioavailability of the delivered compounds. In addition, there is a considerable breakthrough in the development of antimicrobial nanoparticles for intestinal pathogenic bacteria. Several in vitro fermentation and in vivo models have been developed throughout the years and were used to test these systems. The methodologies and studies carried out so far on the modulation of human and animal gut microbiome by oral delivery nanosized materials were reviewed. Overall, the available in vitro studies mimic the real physiological events enabling to select the best production conditions of nanoparticulate systems in a preliminary stage of research. On the other hand, animal studies can be used to access the dosage effect, safety and correlation between haematological, biochemical and symptoms, with gut microbiota groups and metabolites.