Inulin-Based Prebiotic Delivery System Enhances Gut Microbiota Modulation to Alleviate Enteric Infections

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Antibiotics disrupt gut microbiota and have limited efficacy against enteric infections.
• Gastrointestinal complexity and mucosal barriers pose challenges for treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a genistein-loaded nanoparticle (Gen_Wi) using whey protein isolate and inulin.
• To evaluate Gen_Wi's efficacy in improving gut microbiome health and combating enteric infections.

Main Methods:

• Gen_Wi nanoparticles were synthesized using whey protein isolate and inulin.
• Gen_Wi's effects on oxidative stress and inflammation were assessed in intestinal epithelial cells.
• The impact of Gen_Wi on Salmonella-induced intestinal damage and gut microbiota was evaluated in vivo.
• Mechanistic analysis involved assessing Nrf2/NF-κB pathways and short-chain fatty acid production.

Main Results:

• Gen_Wi mitigated oxidative stress and inflammation by activating Nrf2 and suppressing NF-κB pathways, reducing TNF-α and IL-1β levels.
• Oral Gen_Wi administration reduced Salmonella colonization by 1000-fold, restored goblet cells, and enhanced tight junction proteins.
• Gen_Wi reshaped gut microbiota, promoting beneficial bacteria and increasing short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate, butyrate).

Conclusions:

• Gen_Wi acts as a prebiotic system integrating prebiotic functionality with anti-inflammatory properties.
• Gen_Wi effectively combats enteric infections by modulating host-microbe interactions and strengthening the gut barrier.
• This novel nanoparticle system offers a promising approach for improving gut microbiome health.