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Updated: May 20, 2025
An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota
Published on: July 31, 2019
Comparative effect of sialic acid and 3'-sialyllactose on fecal microbiota fermentation and prebiotic activity in
Qiwen Zhou1, Shuhuan Lu2, Kejue Feng2
1College of Life Science, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China.
Background:
Sialic acid (SA) and 3'-sialyllactose (3'-SL) are potential food supplements, capable of promoting gut health and brain development. Structurally, 3'-SL can be formed by coupling a sialyl moiety to lactose via α-2,3 glycosidic linkages. However, there is currently no conclusive evidence regarding the role of the sialyl moiety in the prebiotic function of 3'-SL or its contribution to the biological activity of 3'-SL itself.
Results:
This study demonstrated that SA and 3'-SL differentially modulate the gut microbial community structure during in vitro fermentation, selectively promoting the growth of specific microbiota and altering short-chain fatty acid production profiles. Specifically, SA significantly increased acetate levels whereas 3'-SL mainly elevated the production of butyrate. At the cellular level, both compounds consistently strengthened intestinal barrier integrity in IPEC-J2 cells, reduced apoptosis, and alleviated oxidative stress induced by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli.
Conclusion:
This study highlights the prebiotic potential of SA and 3'-SL in maintaining intestinal homeostasis, an effect likely mediated by their distinct structural properties. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
