Development of acetylated inulin microparticles via coaxial electrospraying for enhanced intestinal delivery and probiotic protection of Lactobacillus reuteri
Findings reveal that In–Ac-based microparticles fabricated via electrospraying provide a stable, biocompatible delivery platform that effectively protects probiotics during gastrointestinal transit, offering a promising platform for enhanced intestinal delivery and probiotic protection.
Abstract
Probiotic therapy provides clinical potential for systemic health, but its therapeutic efficacy is limited by low bioavailability in the harsh gastrointestinal environment. Natural polysaccharides, such as inulin, are promising candidates for bioactive delivery; however, they easily dissolve in water and rapidly break down under acidic conditions, limiting their function as protective materials. In this study, we applied chemical modification to create a stable, acid-resistant inulin shell to protect probiotics from the gastric environment and to improve their stability during gastrointestinal transit. We prepared acetylated inulin (In–Ac) through a controlled esterification process, verifying its molecular structure by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. NMR analysis confirmed successful synthesis with a high degree of acetyl substitution (79.7% ± 3.0%). Using a coaxial electrospraying system, we encapsulated Lactobacillus reuteri within these In–Ac shells. An optimized coaxial electrospraying process using a 30% (w/v) shell solution produced well-defined spherical microparticles with an average diameter of 5.62 ± 2.13 µm. The In–Ac matrix exhibited good structural integrity under acidic conditions (pH 3.0), indicating resistance against acid-induced degradation. In HuH-6 and Caco-2 cell models, the material demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, with no significant toxicity at relevant concentrations; moreover, in an in vivo mouse model, the In–Ac matrix exhibited improved probiotic stability and delivery efficiency under physiological conditions. Overall, these findings reveal that In–Ac-based microparticles fabricated via electrospraying provide a stable, biocompatible delivery platform that effectively protects probiotics during gastrointestinal transit, offering a promising platform for enhanced intestinal delivery and probiotic protection.
Microencapsulation has become an indispensable technique across various industries that require the controlled release and stability of bioactive agents. In this study, the encapsulation of cinnamon essential oil (CEO), known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, was study to enable controlled release when applied to textile substrates. This procedure involves defining and examining several steps to establish a stable, scalable complex coacervation methodology. To form a stable microcapsule matrix, CEO was emulsified using a combination of surfactants (Span 80, Tween 20, and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate). After forming micelles containing CEO, two biopolymers (chitosan and gum Arabic) were used at various proportions to form a microcapsule shell via a layer-by-layer approach. Advanced characterization techniques, such as spectrophotometry and laser scattering, were used to evaluate microcapsule stability, size, and release kinetics, as well as to assess potential antibacterial activity. The presence of oil-containing microcapsules was confirmed using fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results demonstrate that Span 80 concentrations of 0.4 and 0.7 g/L provided the most stable encapsulation environment and enabled a controlled CEO release profile after being applied to cotton substrates. In addition, the influence of the fabric’s chemical characteristics was clearly illustrated in the drug delivery experiments. However, antibacterial efficacy was limited due to the low CEO concentration within the microcapsules, indicating the need for further optimization. These findings provide valuable insights into the broader application of essential oil encapsulation, particularly within the pharmaceutical, textile, and cosmetic sectors.
Paula Cota, Leyre Marqués, Gabriela Mijas et al.· Textiles· 1 citation
Overall, the Eu-S100@TCh/CS microbead system represents a rationally designed colon-targeted delivery platform with potential to improve local therapeutic efficacy and reduce systemic toxicity.
Huma Hameed, Syed Muhammad Ahmad, Shazia Akram Ghumman et al.· RSC Advances· 0 citations
Microbial biofilms are highly resistant to conventional antibiotics, leading to persistent infection and rapid food spoilage. In this study, pentabromophenol (PBP) loaded liposomes were synthesized as a dual-functional nanocarrier for antibiofilm activity and postharvest grape preservation. The optimized formulation 3 showed lipid vesicles, strong colloidal stability, and a high encapsulation efficiency of 94%. Encapsulation significantly improved the antibiofilm activity of PBP against Staphylococcus aureus, achieving 86.9% inhibition at 0.1 µg/mL, which is fivefold higher than that of free PBP. A lipid-mixing assay confirmed concentration-dependent membrane fusion that facilitated sustained PBP release and efficient biofilm inhibition. When applied as a coating, PBP liposomes reduced microbial growth by more than 80%, maintained grape firmness, and minimized weight loss during 7 days of storage. Biocompatibility assays using Raphanus sativus and Caenorhabditis elegans demonstrated no potential toxicity. Overall, PBP liposomes offer a safe and efficient platform for controlling S. aureus and extending grape shelf life.
D. Bharathi, Dilna Damodaran PV, Jin-Hyung Lee et al.· ACS Applied Bio Materials· 0 citations
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is one of the most studied probiotic organisms due to its adaptability, gastrointestinal tolerance, antimicrobial activity, and health-promoting properties. However, the survival and efficacy of this probiotic can be significantly reduced during processing, storage, and gastrointestinal transit, limiting its effectiveness in food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical products. Synbiotic formulations, which are prepared by combining probiotics with prebiotics, have emerged as a promising approach to enhance the survival and efficacy of probiotics. In this context, encapsulation technologies play a crucial role in protecting probiotic cells from environmental and physiological stresses and in enabling controlled release at targeted sites within the gastrointestinal tract. This review describes recent developments in encapsulation strategies for L. plantarum-based synbiotic formulations, including traditional methods such as spray drying, freeze drying, extrusion and emulsion-based systems, as well as emerging methods such as nanoencapsulation and hydrogel-based delivery systems. The properties of commonly used encapsulating materials, and functional applications in food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products are also described. Furthermore, current challenges and future prospects are also highlighted. Overall, encapsulation represents an effective strategy to improve the stability, delivery and therapeutic potential of L. plantarum-based synbiotic formulations.
K. Zhakipbekov, M. Ashirov, B. K. Makhatov et al.· Microorganisms· 0 citations
Poor adherence to prolonged antibiotic regimens remains a major challenge in the treatment and prevention of chronic infectious diseases such as tuberculosis. Transdermal drug delivery systems capable of sustained antibiotic release may improve therapeutic compliance while reducing the need for frequent oral administration. In this study, electrospun polymeric membranes based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) were developed as transdermal rifampicin delivery platforms. Homogeneous nanofibrous membranes with average fiber diameters of approximately 250 nm were successfully fabricated and exhibited efficient drug incorporation while preserving the structural integrity of the polymeric matrix. The electrospun membranes retained sufficient tensile strength and dimensional stability after accelerated temperature–humidity aging, supporting their stability during storage, handling, and application. In vitro cytotoxicity and biocompatibility assays using primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) demonstrated that the developed systems did not induce significant cytotoxic or pro-inflammatory responses. Transdermal permeation studies using an in vitro mouse skin model demonstrated sustained rifampicin diffusion for at least 72 h. Importantly, the antibiotic recovered after skin permeation preserved antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra and Mycobacterium bovis BCG, confirming that rifampicin maintained its biological functionality after electrospinning and transdermal migration. Overall, these findings demonstrate the potential of electrospun PLA/PCL membranes as stable and biocompatible transdermal antibiotic delivery systems capable of sustained release and preservation of antimicrobial activity. This proof-of-concept study supports the translational potential of electrospun polymeric platforms for controlled antibiotic delivery in long-term infectious disease therapies.
Esmeralda Juárez, Elizabeth Ortiz, Ningel Omar Gama et al.· Polymers· 0 citations
INTRODUCTION
Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) is a specialized pro-resolving mediator with potential to modulate dental pulp inflammation. However, its therapeutic use is limited by instability and rapid degradation. This study aimed to develop and evaluate LXA4-loaded nanoemulsions (NELX) as a delivery system to promote inflammation resolution both in vitro and in vivo.
METHODS
NELX were formulated with LXA4 and characterized by dynamic light scattering, tunable resistive pulse sensing, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Encapsulation efficiency, stability, and drug payload were determined. In vitro, THP-1-derived macrophages (M0, M1, M2) were exposed to NELX, and metabolic activity, cytokine expression, and secretion were assessed. In vivo efficacy was investigated in a murine air pouch model and a rat molar pulpitis model. Histologic and immunohistochemical analyses (hematoxylin and eosin, CD68, CD163) were performed.
RESULTS
NELX achieved complete encapsulation (100%) of 20 μM LXA4 by day 3 and remained stable for 45 days at 4°C. In vitro, NELX preserved metabolic activity and promoted macrophage polarization toward an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, with increased IL10 and IL1RA expression and IL1RA secretion. In vivo, NELX reduced IL6 levels in the air pouch model and suppressed IL6 and IL1β secretion in the pulpitis model, with effects comparable to Ledermix™ Paste. Histology confirmed reduced inflammatory infiltration and enhanced recruitment of CD163+ macrophages.
CONCLUSIONS
NELX provide a stable and effective delivery system for LXA4, promoting resolution of dental pulp inflammation through targeted immunomodulation. This strategy holds promise for novel biologically based anti-inflammatory therapies in endodontics.
L. Guyon, S. Tessier, Mikaël Croyal et al.· Journal of Endodontics· 0 citations