Search Results (141)

Early life is a critical window for immune system development, during which the gut microbiome shapes innate immunity, antigen presentation, and adaptive immune maturation. Disruptions in microbial colonization—driven by factors such as cesarean delivery, antibiotic exposure, and formula feeding—deplete beneficial early-life taxa (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, and Enterococcus) and impair key microbial functions, including short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production by these keystone species, alongside regulatory T cell induction. These dysbiosis patterns are associated with an increased risk of pediatric autoimmune diseases, notably type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. This review synthesizes current evidence on how the early-life microbiota influences immune maturation, with potential effects on the development of autoimmune diseases later in life. We specifically focus on human observational and intervention studies, where treatments with probiotics, synbiotics, vaginal microbial transfer, or maternal fecal microbiota transplantations have been shown to partially restore a disrupted microbiome. While restoration of the gut microbiome composition and function is the main reported outcome of these studies, to date, no reports have disclosed direct prevention of autoimmune disease development by targeting the early-life gut microbiome. In this regard, a better understanding of the early-life microbiome–immune axis is essential for developing targeted preventive strategies. Future research must prioritize longitudinal evaluation of autoimmune outcomes after microbiome modulation to reduce the burden of chronic immune-mediated diseases. Full article

This review addresses the recent advances made through various genetic engineering techniques to improve the properties of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, not only for industrial applications, but also for the health-related benefits. However, due to the strict regulations on microorganisms intended for human consumption, concerning the insufficient characterization degree of the newly isolated strains and the lack of data regarding the safety of the genetically modified (GM) variants, the feasibility of bringing such L. rhamnosus strains to the market and their safety prospects were evaluated. Given their multiple in vivo functions in the contexts of synbiotic and symbiotic functionality, L. rhamnosus strains are more than classic probiotics and need furthermore attention. In the functional food context, this review highlights the impact of L. rhamnosus derived bioactives on the human gut–organ axis, pointing out recently demonstrated molecular mechanisms of action with the host’s gut microbiome to reduce the negative effects of obesity and its related metabolic disorders, as well as depression and Parkinson’s disease, as the major challenges confronting humans today. Beyond that, considering L. rhamnosus delivery and its postbiotics accessibility to consumers via functional foods, notable progress was made to enhance their stability by developing various encapsulation systems, which are also emphasized. Full article

Background/Objectives: Impaired intestinal barrier function is a hallmark of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Akkermansia muciniphila and its outer membrane protein Amuc_1100 can enhance this barrier, but the clinical application of Amuc_1100 is limited by the fastidious growth of its native host. This study aimed to overcome this by utilizing the robust probiotic Lacticaseibacillus paracasei L9 for targeted Amuc_1100 delivery. Methods: We engineered Lc. paracasei L9 to express Amuc_1100 via intracellular (pA-L9), secretory (pUA-L9), and surface-display (pUPA-L9) strategies. Their efficacy was assessed in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages and a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model, evaluating inflammation, barrier integrity, and mucosal repair. Results: The secretory (pUA-L9) and surface-display (pUPA-L9) strains most effectively suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) in macrophages. In mice, both strains alleviated colitis and outperformed native A. muciniphila in improving disease activity. Crucially, they exhibited distinct, specialized functions: pUA-L9 acted as a systemic immunomodulator, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α), elevating anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-4 and IL-10), and promoting goblet cell differentiation; notably, the inhibitory effect of pUA-L9 on IL-6 expression was approximately 2-fold greater than that of pUPA-L9. In contrast, pUPA-L9 excelled in local barrier repair, uniquely restoring mucus layer integrity (Muc1, Muc2, and Tff3) and reinforcing tight junctions (ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin1, Claudin3, and Claudin4). In particular, pUPA-L9 increased Muc2 expression by approximately 3.6-fold compared with pUA-L9. Conclusions: We demonstrate that the subcellular localization of Amuc_1100 within an engineered probiotic dictates its therapeutic mode of action. The complementary effects of secretory and surface-displayed Amuc_1100 offer a novel, spatially targeted strategy for precision microbiome therapy in IBD. Full article

Background/Objectives: Three distinct strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), isolated from naturally fermented bread sourdough and representing the local autochthonous microflora, were selected to evaluate their potential probiotic properties. In addition, we evaluated whether these strains could be used in topical formulations. Methods: We evaluated probiotic properties such as the ability to co-aggregate with pathogens, antimicrobial activity, inhibition of pathogenic biofilms, and ability to adhere to human keratinocyte cells. Further, bacteria were encapsulated in calcium alginate microspheres using the emulsification/external gelation method, and their viability in topical formulations was assessed. Results: LAB significantly inhibited biofilm formation by the tested pathogens with complete inhibition observed in certain cases. The strength and specificity of these probiotic effects varied depending on the LAB strain and the target pathogen. Furthermore, among the tested strains, L. reuteri 182 exhibited the highest adhesion rates, reaching 77.94 ± 1.84%. In the context of potential topical applications, the preservative present in the formulation completely inactivated the planktonic cells of L. reuteri 182. In contrast, encapsulation within a biopolymeric system conferred protection against the preservative’s bactericidal effect. After 35 days of storage at room temperature, viable cell counts reached 5.94 ± 0.06 lg CFU/g. Conclusions: Our findings confirm that local LAB strains, specifically L. reuteri 182 and L. plantarum F1, possess essential probiotic characteristics and can be effectively incorporated into preservative-containing topical formulations via efficient encapsulation strategies. This underscores the potential of these topical probiotics for skin health and highlights the need for clear regulatory guidance to ensure their safe and effective application. Full article

Microparticles (MPs) are delivery systems for bioactive compounds with particle sizes in the micrometer range (1–1000 μm). This study reports a green protocol for the biosynthesis of ZnO-, MgO-, and CaO-MPs using the probiotic strains Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides. Ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used for the preliminary characterization of the metal oxide MPs. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against pathogenic and phytopathogenic microorganisms, including Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Ralstonia solanacearum. UV-Vis analysis revealed previously reported blue shifts in the ZnO- and CaO-MPs. DLS measurements showed particle sizes larger than 1000 nm in 95% of the cases, while smaller sizes were observed by SEM. The stability of the MPs, based on their zeta potential values, ranged from relatively to moderately stable. This study demonstrates that the six probiotic lactic acid bacteria strains are capable of synthesizing ZnO-MPs, CaO-MPs, and MgO-MPs. All MPs exhibited antimicrobial activity against pathogens and phytopathogens at different concentrations. Although similar antimicrobial effects have been reported for metal oxide nanoparticles produced by probiotic bacteria, considering the potential environmental and human health impacts of nanoparticles, the use of safer materials obtained through green synthesis—such as metal oxide MPs—may represent a more suitable alternative. Full article

This study aimed to develop functional calcium alginate hydrogels incorporating Chlorella vulgaris, carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.), and encapsulated Lactobacillus acidophilus in edible jelly gums with enhanced bioactivity and probiotic viability. Laboratory-prepared jellies containing encapsulated probiotics (encapsulated LAB-Jelly) and those with free cells (LAB-Jelly) were compared with a commercial jelly sample. The formulations were evaluated for phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and antiradical activity, texture, sensory characteristics, and probiotic survival under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The encapsulated LAB-Jelly exhibited significantly higher total phenolic content (4.6 ± 0.1 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity (25.9 ± 0.1 mg Fe⁺²/g) compared to the commercial product, mainly due to the presence of carob and Chlorella. Texture analysis showed lower hardness (21.8 N) but comparable elasticity (89.3%) and cohesiveness (72.8%) comparative to commercial jelly gum, while sensory evaluation confirmed their favorable acceptability and non-perceptible bead presence. Microencapsulation achieved 75% efficiency and improved probiotic survival during gastrointestinal simulation after 18 h (14% reduction in Logcfu/mL compared to 30% of the free probiotics). Overall, the combination of alginate encapsulation, Chlorella, and carob produced edible jelly gums with improved antioxidant and textural properties, offering a promising delivery system for functional foods enriched with probiotics and plant-based bioactives. Full article

LigiLactobacillus saerimneri (L. sae) has shown considerable promise as a probiotic in recent years, particularly in poultry production. Comprehensive evaluation of its genetic functions, safety profile, and immunogenicity is essential prior to practical application. Our previous study demonstrated that the chicken-derived strain L. sae M-11 colonizes effectively and exhibits a favorable safety profile at adequate dosages. In this study, we further evaluated the potential of L. sae M-11 by analyzing its genetic basis for intestinal adaptation, metabolic features, safety risks, and suitability as a delivery vector. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that L. sae has evolved distinctive genetic features and functional specialization that may facilitate host adaptation. Genomic stability assessments and virulence factor screening confirmed that L. sae M-11 poses no substantial health risks. Furthermore, based on transmembrane protein predictions, the LPQTGE-motif protein was identified as a cell wall anchor in genetically engineered L. sae M-11 using immunoelectron microscopy. Notably, this delivery system selectively activated peripheral blood monocyte-derived dendritic cells (PB-MoDCs) in vitro, as evidenced by the up-regulation of maturation markers (CD83, CD80), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6), Th1-associated IL-12, and the chemokine CXCLi1. However, it exhibited a limited antigen presentation capacity, indicated by low expression levels of CD40, MHCII, DEC205, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. The prospects and challenges associated with the application of L. sae M-11 have been discussed. Overall, these findings support the potential development of L. sae M-11 as a microbial cell factory and mucosal delivery vector. Full article

Probiotics have emerged as gut modulators, capable of restructuring microbial communities to enhance animal health and performance. This review synthesizes peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025, retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. It encompasses both ruminant and monogastric species to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation under diverse production environments. Evidence indicates that diet, age, host genetics, and management practices strongly influence gut microbiome composition and function, explaining the context-dependent nature of probiotic efficacy. These interventions improve growth performance, feed efficiency, gut morphology, pathogen resistance, and systemic immune parameters, supporting their potential as sustainable alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. However, responses vary and are context-dependent, based on differences in strain specificity, dosage, host physiology, and environmental stress. By explaining how probiotic-mediated modulation translates into improved productivity, reduced antimicrobial dependence, and greater resilience in real-world farming systems, this review highlights their practical value for modern livestock production. Future research should focus on field-based validation, multi-omics approaches to resolve host–microbiota–probiotic interactions, and long-term assessments of animal health, productivity, and environmental impacts. Strategic deployment of probiotics, combined with scalable delivery technologies and regulatory alignment, can enhance resilience, sustainability, and efficiency in livestock production systems. Full article

Bacterial biofilms pose significant challenges in clinical, industrial, and environmental settings due to their inherent resistance to antimicrobial agents and host immune responses. Encased within a self-produced extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix, these structured microbial communities demonstrate exceptional resilience, resisting conventional antimicrobial treatments and adapting to, as well as recovering from, environmental and therapeutic stresses, necessitating the development of novel anti-biofilm strategies. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of biofilm formation, resistance mechanisms, and current and emerging approaches for controlling biofilms, with a primary focus on advancements made over the last decade. Chemical, physical, and biological strategies, including enzymatic degradation, natural compounds, chelating agents, nanoparticles, photodynamic therapy, and probiotics, have demonstrated promising antibiofilm activity. Additionally, combination therapies and targeted drug delivery systems have emerged as viable solutions to enhance the eradication of biofilms. Despite these advancements, challenges such as cytotoxicity, bacterial adaptation, and clinical applicability remain. Addressing these hurdles requires interdisciplinary research to refine existing strategies and develop innovative solutions for effective biofilm management. Full article

Background/Objectives: The rising global prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, has resulted in an increase in the number of affected patients requiring dental care. The heightened risk of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in IBD patients, particularly when exposed to commonly used dental antibiotics, is attributable to their altered gut microbiota and frequent immunosuppressive therapy. The objective of this review is to evaluate current antibiotic strategies for dental management in IBD and to identify safe and effective alternatives that minimise CDI risk. Methods: A narrative review was conducted in accordance with the SANRA guidelines. A comprehensive analysis of literature sourced from PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted. Results: The available evidence suggests that first- and second-line dental antibiotics—amoxicillin, ampicillin, and clindamycin—carry the highest risk of CDI. In contrast, metronidazole, which exhibits a comparable antimicrobial spectrum, has been shown to possess significantly reduced CDI potential and minimal disruption of gut microbiota. The utilisation of emerging local delivery systems, such as platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), has the potential to further reduce systemic antibiotic exposure. The adjunctive use of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics has been demonstrated to have the capacity to maintain microbial balance during therapy. Conclusions: Tailored, microbiome-conscious antibiotic strategies are essential in dental management of IBD patients. Further clinical research is needed to develop evidence-based guidelines and validate promising adjunctive approaches. Full article

Background: The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in brain development and function, especially in early life. Disruptions in the pediatric microbiota–gut–brain axis have been linked to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. We hypothesize that early-life dysbiosis can perturb neurodevelopment via the pediatric microbiota–gut–brain axis, increasing risk and/or severity of neuropsychiatric outcomes, and that microbiota-targeted strategies may mitigate this risk. Methods: We conducted a narrative review by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to January 2025 for studies addressing pediatric microbiota, neuropsychiatric development, and interventions. Human and animal studies were included if they provided mechanistic or clinical insights. Results: Key determinants of microbiota development in childhood include mode of delivery, feeding practices, antibiotic exposure, diet, and environment. Altered microbial composition has been associated with autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, mood disorders, anxiety, and anorexia nervosa. Mechanistic pathways involve immune modulation, neural signaling (including the vagus nerve and enteric nervous system), and microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids. Interventions targeting the microbiota—ranging from dietary strategies and probiotics to psychobiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation—show promise but require further pediatric-focused trials. Conclusions: The pediatric microbiota–gut–brain axis represents a critical window for neuropsychiatric vulnerability and intervention. Early-life strategies to support a healthy microbiota may help reduce the risk or severity of psychiatric disorders. Future research should prioritize longitudinal pediatric cohorts and clinical trials to translate mechanistic insights into precision interventions. Full article

Personalized nutrition aims to optimize health by addressing interindividual differences in metabolism, microbiota composition, and dietary responses. Modulating the gut microbiota through probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics is promising, yet conventional systems such as capsules or fermented foods offer limited control over dosage, release kinetics, and microbial viability. These formats often cause 2–4 log reductions in viable counts during processing and gastrointestinal transit, underscoring the need for advanced delivery technologies. Three-dimensional (3D) food printing enables digital design of edible matrices with programmable geometry and composition to enhance microbial protection and controlled release. Coaxial and gel-in-gel architectures have retained over 90–96% of probiotic cells after printing and 80–85% after simulated digestion. Synbiotic formulations combining probiotics with fructooligosaccharides or whey protein achieve 98–99% survival and stability for 35 days. This review summarizes advances in formulation, encapsulation, and printing strategies, highlighting how 3D food printing uniquely overcomes challenges of viability, release control, and personalized dosage in microbiota-based nutrition. Full article

The enteric nervous system (ENS), frequently referred to as the “second brain,” is integral to maintaining gastrointestinal and systemic homeostasis. The structural and functional homeostasis of the ENS is crucial for both local intestinal processes (digestion, immunity) and systemic physiological equilibrium via the gut–brain axis, directly influencing overall health and disease. In recent years, dietary substances have attracted increasing scholarly attention for their potential to modulate the ENS, attributed to their safety and accessibility. This review commences with a systematic exploration of the anatomical structure of the ENS, including the myenteric and submucosal plexuses, its cellular constituents such as enteric neurons and enteric glial cells, and its core physiological functions, encompassing the regulation of gastrointestinal motility, the secretion–absorption balance, and the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Subsequently, it delineates the classification, distribution, and properties of essential dietary components, encompassing polyphenols, short-chain fatty acids, amino acids and their derivatives, as well as prebiotics and probiotics. Additionally, it examines the mechanisms through which these substances modulate the physiological functions of the ENS, including the regulation of intestinal motility, support for neuronal survival and network integrity, and the maintenance of neuro-immune homeostasis. The review concludes by highlighting current limitations—including reliance on rodent models, unclear human ENS mechanisms, and imprecise interventions—and proposes future directions focused on precision medicine, clinical translation, and advanced tools like single-cell sequencing and targeted delivery systems. Full article

Background/Objectives. Preterm birth (PTB), affecting approximately 11.1% of pregnancies globally, often results from inflammation at the maternal–fetal interface triggered by microbial or immune dysregulation. This study investigates the efficacy of cell-free supernatant derived from Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis CECT 7210 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei CECT 30660 in mitigating inflammation-induced PTB in a murine model. Methods. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was administered to induce preterm labor and systemic inflammation, mimicking infection-related PTB. Results. The results demonstrated that combined administration of CECT 7210 and CECT 30660 cell-free supernatants reduced preterm deliveries from 85.6% to 42.8% in mice and significantly attenuated systemic and intrauterine proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-6, in maternal plasma and myometrial tissues. Importantly, this anti-inflammatory effect was independent of maternal progesterone or oxytocin levels, suggesting a direct modulation of immune responses in this animal model. The cell-free supernatant combination also inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria, including Streptococcus agalactiae, highlighting its antimicrobial potential. Conclusions. This study underscores the potential of CECT 7210 and CECT 30660 cell-free supernatants as a therapeutic strategy to reduce the risk of PTB by targeting inflammation pathways. The findings pave the way for further preclinical and clinical research to validate the efficacy of these cell-free supernatants in preventing PTB and associated complications, offering a promising alternative to traditional probiotic approaches. Full article

As the increasing demand for clean-label, plant-based, and functional food systems, bigels, an innovative biphasic structured system composed of both hydrogels and oleogels, have emerged as promising research focus for delivering functional ingredients in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic fields. Plant-based bigels, formulated from edible biopolymers and vegetable oils, represent a sustainable and regulatory-compliant delivery platform. This review critically reviews the recent advances in the structural design and stabilization of plant-based bigels, with an emphasis on the regulation of phase behavior and interfacial interactions. Advanced strategies, including stimuli-responsive gelation, Pickering interfaces, and semi-interpenetrating networks, are explored to improve stability and enable targeted gastrointestinal release. Applications in the delivery of polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, lipophilic vitamins, and probiotics are highlighted, underscoring the relationship between structural construction and delivery performance. Furthermore, current challenges and potential solutions concerning stability enhancement, bioavailability improvement, and industrial scalability are outlined. Future research directions are proposed to address existing gaps and to further exploit the potential of plant-based bigels for functional compound delivery. Full article