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Continuous Liquid-Liquid Extraction of Medium-Chain Fatty Acids from Fermentation Broth Using Hollow-Fiber Membranes
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Medium-chain fatty acid and its derivative impact mucus properties and vary with age and gestational maturity

J S Mortensen1, L S Krog1, S S-R Bohr2

  • 1Center for Biopharmaceuticals and Biobarriers in Drug Delivery (BioDelivery), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|August 16, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) enhance the intestinal mucus barrier function, particularly in younger and older pigs. This lipid-based approach offers a promising strategy for improving gut health across different life stages.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Mucosal Immunology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • The intestinal mucus layer is a crucial defense against pathogens.
  • Mucus barrier integrity is compromised in early and late life stages.
  • Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) can potentially strengthen the mucus barrier.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of MCFAs on intestinal mucus barrier properties in pigs of varying ages.
  • To determine how gestational maturity influences mucus barrier function and response to MCFAs.
  • To elucidate the role of sialic acid in the interaction between MCFAs and mucus.

Main Methods:

  • Ex vivo analysis of porcine intestinal mucus from pigs aged 5 days to 4 months.
  • Measurement of pathogen marker diffusion and mucus viscosity.
  • Assessment of mucus physicochemical properties (osmolality, protein, sialic acid content).
  • Evaluation of the impact of sodium decanoate (C10) and salcaprozate sodium (SNAC) on mucus properties.
  • Analysis of mucus viscosity changes after sialic acid cleavage.

Main Results:

  • Pathogen marker diffusion decreased with increasing pig age and gestational immaturity.
  • MCFAs (C10) and SNAC significantly increased mucus viscosity and reduced pathogen diffusion.
  • These effects were more pronounced in mucus from older and gestationally immature pigs.
  • Mucus properties varied with donor pig age and gestational maturity.
  • Cleavage of mucin-bound sialic acids reduced the viscosity-enhancing effect of C10 and SNAC.

Conclusions:

  • Intestinal mucus barrier properties and the efficacy of MCFAs are significantly influenced by age and gestational maturity.
  • Sialic acid plays a key role in the interaction between MCFAs and the mucus barrier.
  • Tailored nutritional and therapeutic strategies targeting specific age periods are needed for optimal gut health.
Keywords:
Decanotate, SalcaprozateGlycoprotein sialic acidSingle particle tracking

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