Multi-functionalized probiotics through layer-by-layer coating with tannic acid-Mg²⁺ and casein phosphopeptide...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Ulcerative colitis (UC) is driven by gut microbiota imbalance, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
• Probiotics offer a potential alternative to antibiotics for UC prevention but face delivery challenges in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Developing robust probiotic delivery systems is crucial for effective UC management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an efficient surface coating strategy for probiotics to enhance their stability and therapeutic efficacy.
• To create multi-functionalized probiotics capable of withstanding gastrointestinal conditions and delivering therapeutic benefits.
• To evaluate the efficacy of coated probiotics in preventing dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in a mouse model.

Main Methods:

• Layer-by-layer coating of *Saccharomyces boulardii* (SB) with tannic acid (TA)-Mg²⁺ and casein phosphopeptide (CPP) complexes.
• Assessment of coated probiotic (SB@TA-Mg²⁺@CPP) stability in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids.
• Evaluation of SB@TA-Mg²⁺@CPP's antioxidant activity, cell viability, and effects on gut microbiota in a DSS-induced colitis mouse model.

Main Results:

• SB@TA-Mg²⁺@CPP demonstrated significantly enhanced stability, cell viability, and antioxidant activity.
• The coated probiotics exhibited potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in the DSS-induced colitis model.
• SB@TA-Mg²⁺@CPP treatment increased gut microbiota abundance and diversity, improved gut barrier integrity, and enhanced Mg²⁺ adsorption.

Conclusions:

• The developed TA-Mg²⁺-CPP coating strategy effectively protects probiotics and imparts multiple therapeutic functions.
• Multi-functionalized probiotics show significant potential for preventing ulcerative colitis by addressing key pathological mechanisms.
• This approach offers a promising avenue for developing advanced probiotic therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases.