Improved viability of Akkermansia muciniphila by encapsulation in spray dried succinate-grafted alginate doped with epigallocatechin-3-gallate

Fabrication of dry S/O/W microcapsule and its probiotic protection against different stresses

BACKGROUND

Encapsulation is commonly used to protect probiotics against harsh stresses. Thus, the fabrication of microcapsules with special structure is critical. In this work, microcapsules with the structure of S/O/W (solid-in-oil-in-water) emulsion were prepared for probiotics, with butterfat containing probiotics as the inner core and with whey protein isolate fibrils (WPIF) and antioxidants (epigallocatechin gallate, EGCG; glutathione, GSH) as the outer shell.

RESULTS

Based on the high viscosity and good emulsifying ability of WPIF, dry well-dispersed microcapsules were successfully prepared via the stabilization of the butterfat emulsion during freeze-drying with 30-50 g L-1 WPIF. WPIF, WPIF + EGCG, and WPIF + GSH microcapsules with 50 g L-1 WPIF protected probiotics very well against different stresses and exhibited similar inactivation results, indicating that EGCG and GSH exerted neither harm or protection on probiotics. This significantly reduced the harmful effects of antioxidants on probiotics. Almost all the probiotics survived after pasteurization, which was critical for the use of probiotics in other foods. The inactivation values of probiotics in microcapsules were around 1 log in simulated gastric juice (SGJ), about 0.5 log in simulated intestinal juice (SIJ), and around 1 log after 40 days of ambient storage.

CONCLUSION

Dry S/O/W microcapsule, with butterfat containing probiotics as the inner core and WPIF as the outer shell, significantly increased the resistance of probiotics to harsh environments. This work proposed a preparation method of dry S/O/W microcapsule with core/shell structure, which could be used in the encapsulation of probiotics and other bioactive ingredients.

Akkermansia muciniphila and Alcohol-Related Liver Diseases. A Systematic Review

SCOPE

Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) are Gram negative commensal bacteria, degrading mucin in the intestinal mucosa, modulating intestinal permeability and inflammation in the digestive tract, liver, and blood. Some components can promote the relative abundance of A. muciniphila in the gut microbiota, but lower levels of A. muciniphila are more commonly found in people with obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndromes, or inflammatory digestive diseases. Over-intake of ethanol can also induce a decrease of A. muciniphila, associated with dysregulation of microbial metabolite production, impaired intestinal permeability, induction of chronic inflammation, and production of cytokines.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using a PRISMA search strategy, a review is performed on the bacteriological characteristics of A. muciniphila, the factors capable of modulating its relative abundance in the digestive tract and its probiotic use in alcohol-related liver diseases (alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatic transplantation, partial hepatectomy).

CONCLUSION

Several studies have shown that supplementation with A. muciniphila can improve ethanol-related hepatic pathologies, and highlight the interest in using this bacterial species as a probiotic.

Akkermansia muciniphila Encapsulated in Calcium-Alginate Hydrogelated Matrix: Viability and Stability over Aerobic Storage and Simulated Gastrointestinal Conditions

Akkermansia muciniphila is considered a next-generation probiotic to be incorporated in new food and pharmaceutical formulations. Effective delivery systems are required to ensure high probiotic viability and stability during product manufacture, shelf-life, and post-consumption, namely, throughout digestion. Hydrogelated matrices have demonstrated promising potential in this dominion. Hence, this work aimed to evaluate the effect of a calcium-alginate hydrogelated matrix on A. muciniphila viability during 28-days refrigerated aerobic storage and when exposed to simulated gastrointestinal conditions, in comparison with that of free cells. Akkermansia muciniphila was successfully encapsulated in the calcium-alginate matrix via extrusion (60% encapsulation yield). Furthermore, encapsulated A. muciniphila exhibited high stability (a loss in viability lower than 0.2 log-cycle) after 28-days of refrigerated aerobic storage, maintaining its viability around 108 CFU/g. Prominently, as the storage time increased, encapsulated A. muciniphila revealed higher viability and stability regarding in vitro gastrointestinal conditions than free cells. This suggests that this encapsulation method may attenuate the detrimental effects of prolonged aerobic storage with a subsequent gastrointestinal passage. In conclusion, encapsulation via extrusion using a calcium-alginate hydrogelated matrix seems to be a promising and adequate strategy for safeguarding A. muciniphila from adverse conditions encountered during refrigerated aerobic storage and when exposed to the gastrointestinal passage.

Microencapsulation of Bacillus subtilis and oat β-glucan and their application as a synbiotic in fish feed

To improve survival during storage and exposure to adverse conditions, Bacillus subtilis was microencapsulated with oat β-glucan by spray-drying technology. The characterisation of the microcapsules was designed to compare free and microencapsulated cells through exposure to simulated gastric fluids (SGF) throughout storage for 90 days at different temperatures. The characterisation included analysis of efficiency, morphology, moisture, water activity, hygroscopicity, particle size, and zeta potential. The microcapsules presented a particle size of 1.5 ± 0.34 μm and an encapsulation efficiency of 77.9 ± 3.06%. After SGF, the survival of microencapsulated cells was 8.4 ± 0.07 log CFU mL-1 while that of free cells was 7.6 ± 0.06 log CFU mL-1. After 90 days of storage, only microencapsulated cells remained above 6 log-unit of viability. In conclusion, spray-drying technique combined with the addition of oat β-glucan proved to be an efficient method to protect B. subtilis under storage and SGF with potential application in fish feed.

Evaluation of immobilized microspheres of Clonostachys rosea on Botrytis cinerea and tomato seedlings

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a popular vegetable crop which is widely cultivated around the world. However, the production of tomatoes is threatened by several phytopathogenic agents, including gray mold (Botrytis cinerea Pers.). Biological control using fungal agents such as Clonostachys rosea plays a pivotal role in managing gray mold. However, these biological agents can negatively be influenced by environmental factors. However, immobilization is a promising approach to tackle this issue. In this research, we used a nontoxic chemical material, sodium alginate as a carrier to immobilize C. rosea. For this, sodium alginate microspheres were prepared using sodium alginate prior to embedding C. rosea. The results showed that C. rosea was successfully embedded in sodium alginate microspheres, and immobilization enhanced the stability of the fungi. The embedded C. rosea was able to suppress the growth of gray mold efficiently. In addition, the activity of stress related enzymes, peroxidase superoxidase dismutase and polyphenol oxidation was promoted in tomatoes treated with the embedded C. rosea. By measuring photosynthetic efficiency, it was noted that the embedded C. rosea has positive impacts on tomato plants. Taken together, these results indicate that immobilization of C. rosea improved its stability without detrimentally affecting its efficiency on gray mold suppression and tomato growth. The results of this research can be used as a basis for research and development of new immobilized biocontrol agents.

Liposomal Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate for the Treatment of Intestinal Dysbiosis in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Comprehensive Review

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by varying degrees of difficulty in social interaction and communication. These deficits are often associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, indicating alterations in both intestinal microbiota composition and metabolic activities. The intestinal microbiota influences the function and development of the nervous system. In individuals with ASD, there is an increase in bacterial genera such as Clostridium, as well as species involved in the synthesis of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) like Prevotella copri. Conversely, decreased amounts of Akkermansia muciniphila and Bifidobacterium spp. are observed. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is one of the polyphenols with the greatest beneficial activity on microbial growth, and its consumption is associated with reduced psychological distress. Therefore, the objective of this review is to analyze how EGCG and its metabolites can improve the microbial dysbiosis present in ASD and its impact on the pathology. The analysis reveals that EGCG inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria like Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium difficile. Moreover, it increases the abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. and Akkermansia spp. As a result, EGCG demonstrates efficacy in increasing the production of metabolites involved in maintaining epithelial integrity and improving brain function. This identifies EGCG as highly promising for complementary treatment in ASD.

Function of Akkermansia muciniphila in type 2 diabetes and related diseases

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing worldwide, with many patients developing long-term complications that affect their cardiovascular, urinary, alimentary, and other systems. A growing body of literature has reported the crucial role of gut microbiota in metabolic diseases, one of which, Akkermansia muciniphila, is considered the "next-generation probiotic" for alleviating metabolic disorders and the inflammatory response. Although extensive research has been conducted on A. muciniphila, none has summarized its regulation in T2D. Hence, this review provides an overview of the effects and multifaceted mechanisms of A. muciniphila on T2D and related diseases, including improving metabolism, alleviating inflammation, enhancing intestinal barrier function, and maintaining microbiota homeostasis. Furthermore, this review summarizes dietary strategies for increasing intestinal A. muciniphila abundance and effective gastrointestinal delivery.

Bacteria-Induced Colloidal Encapsulation for Probiotic Oral Delivery

Probiotic oral delivery has crucial implications in biomedical engineering, but its oral bioavailability remains unsatisfactory because of the limited survival and colonization of probiotics in the harsh gastrointestinal tract. Here, a bacteria-induced encapsulation strategy is achieved by assembling metastable colloids to enhance the oral bioavailability of probiotics. The colloids (NTc) composed of amino-modified poly-β-cyclodextrin and tannic acid are formed based on the balance of host-guest interaction-driven attraction and electrostatic repulsion between colloids. Negatively charged probiotics electrostatically attract positively charged NTc to break the balance and induce further assembly surrounding the probiotics. Through a facile one-step mixing, 97% of bacteria are rapidly encapsulated into NTc shells within 10 s, with a high utilization rate of feeding colloids of 91%. More importantly, we show that the compact, thick, and positively charged NTc shells synergistically endow the encapsulated probiotics with strong resistance against simulated gastric fluid with an excellent survival rate of up to 19%, 7500 times superior to the commercial enteric material L100. Moreover, owing to the dynamically noncovalent and self-adaptive nature of host-guest interactions, NTc shells support the proliferation of the encapsulated EcN comparable with that of the naked EcN. In vitro and in vivo experiments also confirm that the NTc-encapsulated probiotics possess durable intestinal adhesion, continuous proliferation activity, enhanced oral bioavailability, good oral biosafety, and excellent therapeutic efficacy in a colitis mouse model. This facile bacteria-induced colloidal encapsulation strategy may extend to various microbes as oral bioagents for treating various diseases.

Health and Disease: Akkermansia muciniphila , the Shining Star of the Gut Flora

Akkermansia muciniphila ( A. muciniphila ) has drawn much attention as an important gut microbe strain in recent years. A. muciniphila can influence the occurrence and development of diseases of the endocrine, nervous, digestive, musculoskeletal, and respiratory systems and other diseases. It can also improve immunotherapy for some cancers. A. muciniphila is expected to become a new probiotic in addition to Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium . An increase in A. muciniphila abundance through direct or indirect A. muciniphila supplementation may inhibit or even reverse disease progression. However, some contrary findings are found in type 2 diabetes mellitus and neurodegenerative diseases, where increased A. muciniphila abundance may aggravate the diseases. To enable a more comprehensive understanding of the role of A. muciniphila in diseases, we summarize the relevant information on A. muciniphila in different systemic diseases and introduce regulators of A. muciniphila abundance to promote the clinical transformation of A. muciniphila research.

Polyphenols as Drivers of a Homeostatic Gut Microecology and Immuno-Metabolic Traits of Akkermansia muciniphila: From Mouse to Man

Akkermansia muciniphila is a mucosal symbiont considered a gut microbial marker in healthy individuals, as its relative abundance is significantly reduced in subjects with gut inflammation and metabolic disturbances. Dietary polyphenols can distinctly stimulate the relative abundance of A. muciniphila, contributing to the attenuation of several diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases, and liver damage. However, mechanistic insight into how polyphenols stimulate A. muciniphila or its activity is limited. This review focuses on dietary interventions in rodents and humans and in vitro studies using different phenolic classes. We provide critical insights with respect to potential mechanisms explaining the effects of polyphenols affecting A. muciniphila. Anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols, flavonols, flavanones, stilbenes, and phenolic acids are shown to increase relative A. muciniphila levels in vivo, whereas lignans exert the opposite effect. Clinical trials show consistent findings, and high intervariability relying on the gut microbiota composition at the baseline and the presence of multiple polyphenol degraders appear to be cardinal determinants in inducing A. muciniphila and associated benefits by polyphenol intake. Polyphenols signal to the AhR receptor and impact the relative abundance of A. muciniphila in a direct and indirect fashion, resulting in the restoration of intestinal epithelial integrity and homeostatic crosstalk with the gut microbiota by affecting IL-22 production. Moreover, recent evidence suggests that A. muciniphila participates in the initial hydrolysis of some polyphenols but does not participate in their complete metabolism. In conclusion, the consumption of polyphenol-rich foods targeting A. muciniphila as a pivotal intermediary represents a promising precision nutritional therapy to prevent and attenuate metabolic and inflammatory diseases.

Effect of the molecular structure and mechanical properties of plant-based hydrogels in food systems to deliver probiotics: an updated review

Probiotic products' economic value and market popularity have grown over time as more people discover their health advantages and adopt healthier lifestyles. There is a significant societal and cultural interest in these products known as foods or medicines. Products containing probiotics that claim to provide health advantages must maintain a "minimum therapeutic" level (107-106 CFU/g) of bacteria during their entire shelf lives. Since probiotic bacteria are susceptible to degradation and reduction by physical and chemical conditions (including acidity, natural antimicrobial agents, nutrient contents, redox potential, temperature, water activity, the existence of other bacteria, and sensitivity to metabolites), the most challenging problem for a food manufacturer is ensuring probiotic cells' survival and stability enhancement throughout the manufacturing stage. Currently, the use of plant-based hydrogels for improved and targeted probiotic delivery has gained substantial attention as a potential approach to overcoming the mentioned restrictions. To achieve the best possible results from hydrogels, whether used as a coating for encapsulated probiotics (with the goal of stomach protection) or as carriers for direct encapsulation of live microorganisms should be applied kind of procedures that ensure high bacterial survival during hydrogels application. This paper summarizes polysaccharides, proteins, and lipid-based hydrogels as carriers of encapsulated probiotics in delivery systems, reviews their structures, analyzes their advantages and disadvantages, studies their mechanical characteristics, and draws comparisons between them. The discussion then turns to how the criterion affects encapsulation, applications, and future possibilities.

Characteristics of Probiotic Preparations and Their Applications

The probiotics market is one of the fastest growing segments of the food industry as there is growing scientific evidence of the positive health effects of probiotics on consumers. Currently, there are various forms of probiotic products and they can be categorized according to dosage form and the site of action. To increase the effectiveness of probiotic preparations, they need to be specifically designed so they can target different sites, such as the oral, upper respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts. Here we review the characteristics of different dosage forms of probiotics and discuss methods to improve their bioavailability in detail, in the hope that this article will provide a reference for the development of probiotic products.

Food-Grade Microencapsulation Systems to Improve Protection of the Epigallocatechin Gallate

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a catechin and one of the most abundant polyphenols in green tea, and it is under research for its potential benefit to human health and for its potential to be used in disease treatments, such as for cancer. However, the effectiveness of polyphenols depends on preserving their bioactivity, stability, and bioavailability. The EGCG was microencapsulated by a spray-drying process, using different biopolymers as encapsulating agents (gum arabic, modified chitosan and sodium alginate), in order to overcome some of the limitations of this compound. The microparticles showed a diameter around 4.22 to 41.55 µm (distribution in volume) and different morphologies and surfaces, depending on the encapsulating agent used. The EGCG release was total, and it was achieved in less than 21 min for all the formulations tested. The EGCG encapsulation efficiency ranged between 78.5 and 100.0%. The release profiles were simulated and evaluated using three kinetic models: Korsmeyer-Peppas (R²: 0.739-0.990), Weibull (R²: 0.963-0.994) and Baker-Lonsdale (R²: 0.746-0.993). The Weibull model was the model that better adjusted to the experimental EGCG release values. This study proves the success of the EGCG microencapsulation, using the spray-drying technique, opening the possibility to insert dried EGCG microparticles in different food and nutraceutical products.

Spray-Drying Encapsulation of the Live Biotherapeutic Candidate Akkermansia muciniphila DSM 22959 to Survive Aerobic Storage

Akkermansia muciniphila is regarded as a promising next-generation probiotic or live biotherapeutic candidate. Effective delivery strategies must be developed to ensure high enough viability of the probiotic strain throughout its industrial formulation, distribution chain, shelf-life, and, ultimately, the host’s gastrointestinal tract, where it should exert its beneficial effect(s). Among the possible methodologies, spray-drying is considered industrially attractive regarding its costs, efficiency, and scalability, with the due parameter customization. In this study, spray-drying was explored as a one-step process to encapsulate A. muciniphila DSM 22959, testing the drying settings and three different dairy-based matrices. Microcapsule morphology and size was assessed, and viability throughout storage at 4 or 22 °C and simulated gastrointestinal passage was determined. Akkermansia muciniphila microencapsulation by spray-drying, using 10% skim milk and inlet/outlet temperatures of 150/65 °C, is effective in terms of viability stabilization, both during prolonged aerobic storage and exposure to simulated gastrointestinal passage. Akkermansia muciniphila viability was maintained at around 107 CFU/g up to 28 days at 4 °C under aerobic conditions with viability losses inferior to 1 log reduction. This methodology provides the necessary conditions to efficiently deliver the recommended dose of live A. muciniphila in the human gut as a live biotherapeutic product.

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG) Modulates the Composition of the Gut Microbiota to Protect Against Radiation-Induced Intestinal Injury in Mice

The high radiosensitivity of the intestinal epithelium limits the outcomes of radiotherapy against abdominal malignancies, which results in poor prognosis. Currently, no effective prophylactic or therapeutic strategy is available to mitigate radiation toxicity in the intestine. Our previous study revealed that the green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) attenuates radiation-induced intestinal injury (RIII). The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of EGCG on the intestinal flora of irradiated mice. EGCG administration reduced radiation-induced intestinal mucosal injury, and significantly increased the number of Lgr5⁺ intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and Ki67⁺ crypt cells. In addition, EGCG reversed radiation-induced gut dysbiosis, restored the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, and increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria. Our findings provide novel insight into EGCG-mediated remission of RIII, revealing that EGCG could be a potential modulator of gut microbiota to prevent and treat RIII.

Recent development in fabrication and evaluation of phenolic-dietary fiber composites for potential treatment of colonic diseases

Phenolics have been shown by in vitro and animal studies to have multiple pharmacological effects against various colonic diseases. However, their efficacy against colonic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn's disease, and colorectal cancer, is significantly compromised due to their chemical instability and susceptibility to modification along the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) before reaching the colonic site. Dietary fibers are promising candidates that can form phenolic-dietary fiber composites (PDC) to carry phenolics to the colon, as they are natural polysaccharides that are non-digestible in the upper intestinal tract but can be partially or fully degradable by gut microbiota in the colon, triggering the release at this targeted site. In addition, soluble and fermentable dietary fibers confer additional health benefits as prebiotics when used in the PDC fabrication, and the possibility of synergistic relationship between phenolics and fibers in alleviating the disease conditions. The functionalities of PDC need to be characterized in terms of their particle characteristics, molecular interactions, release profiles in simulated digestion and colonic fermentation to fully understand the metabolic fate and health benefits. This review examines recent advancements regarding the approaches for fabrication, characterization, and evaluation of PDC in in vitro conditions.

In vitro co-metabolism of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) by the mucin-degrading bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila

Akkermansia muciniphila is a Gram-negative bacterium that resides within the gut mucus layer, and plays an important role in promoting gut barrier integrity, modulating the immune response and inhibiting gut inflammation. Growth stimulation of A. muciniphila by polyphenols including epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) from difference sources is well-documented. However, no published in vitro culture data on utilization of polyphenols by A. muciniphila are available, and the mechanism of growth-stimulating prebiotic effect of polyphenols on it remains unclear. Here in vitro culture studies have been carried out on the metabolism of EGCG by A. muciniphila in the presence of either mucin or glucose. We found that A. muciniphila did not metabolize EGCG alone but could co-metabolize it together with both these substrates in the presence of mineral salts and amino acids for mucin and protein sources for glucose. Our metabolomic data show that A. muciniphila converts EGCG to gallic acid, epigallocatechin, and (-)-epicatechin through ester hydrolysis. The (-)-epicatechin formed is then further converted to hydroxyhydroquinone. Co-metabolism of A. muciniphila of EGCG together with either mucin or glucose promoted substantially its growth, which serves as a further demonstration of the growth-promoting effect of polyphenols on A. muciniphila and provides an important addition to the currently available proposed mechanisms of polyphenolic prebiotic effects on A. muciniphila.

Alginate-based delivery systems for food bioactive ingredients: An overview of recent advances and future trends

Due to its advantagessuch as ionic crosslinking, pH responsiveness, excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability and low price, alginate has become one of the most important natural polysaccharides extensively used in constructing desired delivery systems for food bioactive ingredients. In this review, the fundamental knowledge of alginate as a building block for construction of nutraceutical delivery systems is introduced. Then, various types of alginate-based nutraceutical delivery systems are classified and summarized. Furthermore, the future trends of alginate-based delivery systems are highlighted. Currently, alginate-based delivery systems include hydrogel, emulsion, emulsion-filled alginate hydrogel, nanoparticle, microparticle, core-shell particle, liposome, edible film, and aerogel. Although alginate has been widely used in the fabrication of food bioactive ingredient delivery systems, further efforts and improvements are still needed. For this purpose, the future perspectives of alginate-based delivery systems are discussed. The feasible research trends of alginate-based delivery systems include the development of novel large-scale commercial preparation technology, multifunctional delivery system based on alginate, alginate oligosaccharide-based delivery system and alginate-based oleogel. Overall, the objective of this review is to provide useful guidance for rational design and application of alginate-based nutraceutical delivery systems in the future.

Enhanced In Vitro Functionality and Food Application of Lactobacillus acidophilus Encapsulated in a Whey Protein Isolate and (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Conjugate

The present study investigated the potential of free radical grafting conjugation of whey protein isolate (WPI) and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), followed by freeze-drying, for the safe delivery of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) upon digestion and in food systems. WPI-EGCG-LA microspheres presented higher encapsulation efficiency (97%) than native WPI-LA (70%) and maltodextrin (MD-LA 75%). The physicochemical characteristics of all microspheres, including moisture content, water activity, and hygroscopicity, were within the acceptable range for the stability of industrial powders. Scanning electron microscopy of WPI-EGCG-LA revealed a glass-like structure, with a smoother and less porous surface area than WPI-LA and MD-LA, as a result of the strong binding affinity between WPIs and EGCG. Particle sizes ranged from 438.4 to 453.3 μm. The structural stability of WPI-EGCG-LA was further confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectra, which revealed some changes in the protein secondary structure. Thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed that WPI-EGCG conjugates had higher thermal stability than native WPIs and MD. Additionally, cells encapsulated in WPI-EGCG conjugates demonstrated higher in vitro survivability and surface hydrophobicity compared to free or WPI- and MD-encapsulated cells. Furthermore, WPI-EGCG-LA microspheres exerted enhanced in vitro antioxidant (78%) and antidiabetic (52%) activities. Finally, the WPI-EGCG conjugates remarkably improved probiotic viability (8.55 ± 0.1 log cfu/g) during 30 days of storage in an apple juice drink of pH (3.2 ± 0.01). Hence, the WPI-EGCG conjugate represents a propitious carrier to enhance probiotic functional properties upon digestion and during storage in low-pH food products.

Co-Encapsulated Synbiotics and Immobilized Probiotics in Human Health and Gut Microbiota Modulation

Growing interest in the development of innovative functional products as ideal carriers for synbiotics, e.g., nutrient bars, yogurt, chocolate, juice, ice cream, and cheese, to ensure the daily intake of probiotics and prebiotics, which are needed to maintain a healthy gut microbiota and overall well-being, is undeniable and inevitable. This review focuses on the modern approaches that are currently being developed to modulate the gut microbiota, with an emphasis on the health benefits mediated by co-encapsulated synbiotics and immobilized probiotics. The impact of processing, storage, and simulated gastrointestinal conditions on the viability and bioactivity of probiotics together with prebiotics such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytochemicals, and dietary fibers using various delivery systems are considered. Despite the proven biological properties of synbiotics, research in this area needs to be focused on the proper selection of probiotic strains, their prebiotic counterparts, and delivery systems to avoid suppression of their synergistic or complementary effect on human health. Future directions should lead to the development of functional food products containing stable synbiotics tailored for different age groups or specifically designed to fulfill the needs of adjuvant therapy.

Dual Ion-Imprinted Mesoporous Silica for Selective Adsorption of U(VI) and Cs(I) through Multiple Interactions

Separation of uranium and cesium from low-level radioactive effluents (LLRE) is of great significance for sustainable development of the nuclear industry and for the environment. However, high salinity and massive coexisting ions of LLRE are giant challenges for the separation. To address the challenges, we report a strategy for efficient and simultaneous separation of uranium and cesium from a high-salt environment by dual ion-imprinted mesoporous silica based on multiple interactions. The as-prepared adsorbents can reach equilibrium for uranium and cesium within 1 h with a maximum capacity of 221.7 mg U g^-1 and 34.5 mg Cs g^-1. The sorption mechanism demonstrates that the highly active phenolic hydroxyl groups of imprinted cavities can extract uranium and cesium effectively through multiple interactions, including coulomb attraction, redox, ion exchange, and complexation. The synergism of multiple interactions and imprinted cavity endows the sorbent with good selectivity for uranium and cesium over other cations and with excellent salt tolerance. This work demonstrates a new strategy of selective extraction of nuclides by multifunction adsorbent through multiple interactions.

Alginate: From Food Industry to Biomedical Applications and Management of Metabolic Disorders

Initially used extensively as an additive and ingredient in the food industry, alginate has become an important compound for a wide range of industries and applications, such as the medical, pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors. In the food industry, alginate has been used to coat fruits and vegetables, as a microbial and viral protection product, and as a gelling, thickening, stabilizing or emulsifying agent. Its biocompatibility, biodegradability, nontoxicity and the possibility of it being used in quantum satis doses prompted scientists to explore new properties for alginate usage. Thus, the use of alginate has been expanded so as to be directed towards the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries, where studies have shown that it can be used successfully as biomaterial for wound, hydrogel, and aerogel dressings, among others. Furthermore, the ability to encapsulate natural substances has led to the possibility of using alginate as a drug coating and drug delivery agent, including the encapsulation of probiotics. This is important considering the fact that, until recently, encapsulation and coating agents used in the pharmaceutical industry were limited to the use of lactose, a potentially allergenic agent or gelatin. Obtained at a relatively low cost from marine brown algae, this hydrocolloid can also be used as a potential tool in the management of diabetes, not only as an insulin delivery agent but also due to its ability to improve insulin resistance, attenuate chronic inflammation and decrease oxidative stress. In addition, alginate has been recognized as a potential weight loss treatment, as alginate supplementation has been used as an adjunct treatment to energy restriction, to enhance satiety and improve weight loss in obese individuals. Thus, alginate holds the promise of an effective product used in the food industry as well as in the management of metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity. This review highlights recent research advances on the characteristics of alginate and brings to the forefront the beneficial aspects of using alginate, from the food industry to the biomedical field.