Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 29, 2026

Use of a High-throughput In Vitro Microfluidic System to Develop Oral Multi-species Biofilms
07:09

Use of a High-throughput In Vitro Microfluidic System to Develop Oral Multi-species Biofilms

Published on: December 1, 2014

13.4K

Microfluidic-derived montmorillonite composite microparticles for oral codelivery of probiotic biofilm and

Zhonglin Fang1, Xinyuan Yang1, Luoran Shang1

  • 1Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.

Science Advances
|March 19, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This study developed advanced microparticles for oral delivery of probiotics and postbiotics to treat ulcerative colitis (UC). The novel formulation improved gut retention and effectively reduced inflammation in a mouse model.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology and Microbiology
  • Biomaterials Science
  • Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

  • Oral probiotics show potential for ulcerative colitis (UC) but face challenges like degradation and poor adhesion.
  • Current treatments for UC are limited by efficacy and side effects.
  • Developing effective delivery systems is crucial for enhancing probiotic therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To create acid-resistant, gut-responsive composite microparticles for co-delivery of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) biofilm and postbiotics.
  • To enhance the stability, mucosal adhesion, and therapeutic efficacy of oral probiotics for UC treatment.
  • To investigate the potential of these microparticles in alleviating colitis.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized microfluidic electrospray to fabricate composite microparticles encapsulating montmorillonite-supported LA biofilm and indole-3-propionic acid.
  • Assessed microparticle acid resistance and gut-environment responsiveness.
  • Evaluated the therapeutic effects in a mouse model of colitis, measuring inflammatory markers, intestinal barrier function, and gut microbiota composition.

Main Results:

  • Developed stable, acid-resistant microparticles that improved intestinal retention of LA biofilm.
  • Demonstrated significant alleviation of colitis in mice, including reduced inflammation and improved intestinal barrier function.
  • Showed modulation of the gut microbiota composition following administration of the composite microparticles.

Conclusions:

  • Composite microparticles offer a promising strategy for enhanced oral delivery of probiotics and postbiotics.
  • This novel formulation effectively alleviates colitis in a preclinical model.
  • The developed microparticle system holds high potential for improving probiotic therapeutic efficacy in UC treatment.

More Related Videos

A Microfluidic Platform to Study Bioclogging in Porous Media05:10

A Microfluidic Platform to Study Bioclogging in Porous Media

Published on: October 13, 2022

1.8K
Author Spotlight: Development and Characterization of Eco-Friendly Lignin-Based Microparticles for Enhanced Delivery of Bioflavonoids07:42

Author Spotlight: Development and Characterization of Eco-Friendly Lignin-Based Microparticles for Enhanced Delivery of Bioflavonoids

Published on: March 1, 2024

614

Related Concept Videos

Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Stability Enhancement and GI Retention01:05

Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Stability Enhancement and GI Retention

Improving a drug's stability in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is paramount for enhancing its bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness. Various strategies are employed to protect the drug from the harsh gastric milieu and to ensure its release and absorption at the desired site within the GI tract.Polymer coatings are one such method used to shield drugs from the stomach's acidic environment. By preventing premature drug release, these coatings improve the bioavailability of unstable...
332
Biofilms01:29

Biofilms

Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular polysaccharide matrix attached to surfaces. These microbial consortia can include single or multiple species, providing enhanced survival benefits by forming organized, multilayered structures.The formation of biofilms occurs through four key stages: attachment, colonization, development, and dispersal.During attachment, free-swimming planktonic cells adhere to a surface, often facilitated by...
2.1K
Microbial Corrosion01:24

Microbial Corrosion

Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a significant form of material degradation caused by the metabolic activities of microorganisms. This phenomenon poses substantial challenges across various industries, including oil and gas, maritime, and water treatment sectors.MIC occurs when microorganisms, such as bacteria, archaea, and fungi, colonize metal surfaces, forming biofilms that alter the local electrochemical environment. These biofilms can lead to the production of corrosive...
90
Probiotics01:22

Probiotics

Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic microorganisms that confer health benefits by modulating the gut microbiota. The human gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex microbial ecosystem, and the balance of this microbiota is crucial for digestive and systemic health. Among the most extensively studied and utilized probiotics are species formerly classified within the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These organisms not only naturally colonize the human gut but are also consumed through...
292
The Oral Microbiota01:27

The Oral Microbiota

The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...
90
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
65