Intestinal iron bio-accessibility changes by Lignin and the subsequent impact on cell metabolism and intestinal microbiome communities

Novel pectin-carboxymethylcellulose-based double-layered mucin/chitosan microcomposites successfully protect the next-generation probiotic Akkermansia muciniphila through simulated gastrointestinal transit and alter microbial communities within colonic ex vivo bioreactors

The rapid acceleration of microbiome research has identified many potential Next Generation Probiotics (NGPs). Conventional formulation processing methods are non-compatible, leading to reduced viability and unconfirmed incorporation into intestinal microbial communities; consequently, demand for more bespoke formulation strategies of such NGPs is apparent. In this study, Akkermansia muciniphila (A.muciniphila) as a candidate NGP was investigated for its growth and metabolism properties, based on which a novel microcomposite-based oral formulation was formed. Initially, a chitosan-based microcomposite was coated with mucin to establish a surface culture of A.muciniphila. This was followed by 'double encapsulation' with pectin (PEC) using a novel Entrapment Deposition by Prilling method to create core-shell double-encapsulated microcapsules. The formulation of A.muciniphila was verified to require no oxygen-restriction properties, and additionally, biopolymers were selected, including carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), that support and enhance its growth; consequently, a high viability (6 log CFU/g) of A.muciniphila microencapsulated in PEC-CMC double-encapsulates was obtained. Subsequently, the high stability of the PEC-CMC double-encapsulates was verified in simulated gastric fluid, successfully protecting and then releasing the A.muciniphila under intestinal conditions. Finally, employing a model of gastrointestinal transit and faecal-inoculated colonic bioreactors, significant alterations in microbial communities following administration and successful establishment of A.muciniphila were demonstrated.

Influence of Dietary Fibre and Protein Fractions on the Trace Element Bioaccessibility of Turnip Tops (Brassica rapa) Growing under Mediterranean Conditions

The objective of this work was to study the influence of three dietary fibre fractions (pectin, gum arabic and cellulose) and three protein fractions (casein, lactalbumin and soy) on the trace element bioaccessibility (Fe, Mn, Ni, Se and Zn) of turnip tops (B. rapa subsp. Rapa) growing under Mediterranean conditions. Then, it aimed to promote the use of this vegetable not only for direct fresh consumption but also as a main ingredient in the development of food mixtures. The results showed that soluble fibre fractions, such as pectin and gum arabic, can enhance the bioaccessibility of trace elements, such as Fe, Mn, Se and Zn. This effect was not proved for cellulose (an insoluble fibre fraction), in which, at best, no bioaccessibility effect was observed. Regarding the protein fractions, with the exception of Se, caseins and lactalbumin had a neutral effect on improving the trace element bioaccessibility. This did not hold true for soy protein, in which a considerable improvement in the bioaccessibility of Fe, Mn, Se and Zn was determined.

Iron Intake and Human Health

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a global nutritional disorder affecting large population groups in varying magnitudes in different countries [...].