Nanotechnology in Probiotics and Prebiotics
14 Oct 2016-pp 199-218
About: The article was published on 2016-10-14. It has received 2 citations till now.
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TL;DR: The main features of prebiotics and probiotics are highlighted, together with the discussion of emerging applications of nanotechnologies in their formulation, and current research strategies are discussed, in particular the promising use of nanofibers for the delivery of probiotics.
Abstract: Over the last few years, the application of nanotechnology to nutraceuticals has been rapidly growing due to its ability to enhance the bioavailability of the loaded active ingredients, resulting in improved therapeutic/nutraceutical outcomes. The focus of this work is nanoprebiotics and nanoprobiotics, terms which stand for the loading of a set of compounds (e.g., prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics) in nanoparticles that work as absorption enhancers in the gastrointestinal tract. In this manuscript, the main features of prebiotics and probiotics are highlighted, together with the discussion of emerging applications of nanotechnologies in their formulation. Current research strategies are also discussed, in particular the promising use of nanofibers for the delivery of probiotics. Synbiotic-based nanoparticles represent an innovative trend within this area of interest. As only few experimental studies on nanoprebiotics and nanoprobiotics are available in the scientific literature, research on this prominent field is needed, covering effectiveness, bioavailability, and safety aspects.
55 citations
01 Jan 1999
TL;DR: Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are non-digestible carbohydrates, which are resistant to gastrointestinal digestive enzymes, but are fermented by specific colonic bacteria as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are non-digestible carbohydrates, which are resistant to gastrointestinal digestive enzymes, but are fermented by specific colonic bacteria. After the discovery of bifidogenic activity of GOS and the development of an industrial production process by transgalactosidase activity of β-galactosidases, GOS have been extensively studied for their physiological roles on the intestinal flora and functions. GOS are selectively utilized by bifidobacteria in vitro, and show a bifidogenic effect at a daily intake of more than 2.5 g in human studies, whereas at least 5 g are needed to have effects on stool frequency. It is suggested that the products of fermentation of GOS in the colon, mainly short chain fatty acids, have a role in the improvement of the colonic environment, energy supply to the colonic epithelium, and calcium and magnesium absorption. These physiological effects in conjunction with the physicochemical characteristics of GOS enable GOS to be promising prebiotic food ingredients applicable to a variety of designed foods.
19 citations
References
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TL;DR: Exposing the mesothelial lining of the body cavity of mice to long multiwalled carbon nanotubes results in asbestos-like, length-dependent, pathogenic behaviour, including inflammation and the formation of lesions known as granulomas.
Abstract: Carbon nanotubes have distinctive characteristics, but their needle-like fibre shape has been compared to asbestos, raising concerns that widespread use of carbon nanotubes may lead to mesothelioma, cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos. Here we show that exposing the mesothelial lining of the body cavity of mice, as a surrogate for the mesothelial lining of the chest cavity, to long multiwalled carbon nanotubes results in asbestos-like, length-dependent, pathogenic behaviour. This includes inflammation and the formation of lesions known as granulomas. This is of considerable importance, because research and business communities continue to invest heavily in carbon nanotubes for a wide range of products under the assumption that they are no more hazardous than graphite. Our results suggest the need for further research and great caution before introducing such products into the market if long-term harm is to be avoided.
2,458 citations
TL;DR: The concept of resistant starch has evoked new interest in the bioavailability of starch and in its use as a source of dietary fiber, particularly in adults, and is now considered to provide functional properties and find applications in a variety of foods.
Abstract: The concept of resistant starch (RS) has evoked new interest in the bioavailability of starch and in its use as a source of dietary fiber, particularly in adults. RS is now considered to provide functional properties and find applications in a variety of foods. Types of RS, factors influencing their formation, consequence of such formation, their methods of preparation, their methods of estimation, and health benefits have been briefly discussed in this review.
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TL;DR: Oral administration of a probiotic preparation containing 5 x 10 per gram of viable lyophilized bacteria of 4 strains of lactobacilli, 3 strains of bifidobacteria, and 1 strain of Streptococcus salivarius subsp.
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TL;DR: In this paper, a timely and targeted release of food ingredients at the right place and the right time is provided by microencapsulation, which can improve the effectiveness of food additives, broaden the application range of ingredients and ensure optimal dosage, thereby improving cost effectiveness for the food manufacturer.
Abstract: Controlled release of food ingredients at the right place and the right time is a key functionality that can be provided by microencapsulation A timely and targeted release improves the effectiveness of food additives, broadens the application range of food ingredients and ensures optimal dosage, thereby improving cost-effectiveness for the food manufacturer Reactive, sensitive or volatile additives (vitamins, cultures, flavors, etc) can be turned into stable ingredients through microencapsulation With carefully fine-tuned controlled release properties, microencapsulation is no longer just an added value technique, but the source of totally new ingredients with matchless properties
1,320 citations
TL;DR: Recent scientific investigation has supported the important role of probiotics as a part of a healthy diet for human as well as for animals and may be an avenue to provide a safe, cost effective, and ‘natural' approach that adds a barrier against microbial infection.
Abstract: Probiotics are usually defined as microbial food supplements with beneficial effects on the consumers. Most probiotics fall into the group of organisms' known as lactic acid-producing bacteria and are normally consumed in the form of yogurt, fermented milks or other fermented foods. Some of the beneficial effect of lactic acid bacteria consumption include: (i) improving intestinal tract health; (ii) enhancing the immune system, synthesizing and enhancing the bioavailability of nutrients; (iii) reducing symptoms of lactose intolerance, decreasing the prevalence of allergy in susceptible individuals; and (iv) reducing risk of certain cancers. The mechanisms by which probiotics exert their effects are largely unknown, but may involve modifying gut pH, antagonizing pathogens through production of antimicrobial compounds, competing for pathogen binding and receptor sites as well as for available nutrients and growth factors, stimulating immunomodulatory cells, and producing lactase. Selection criteria, efficacy, food and supplement sources and safety issues around probiotics are reviewed. Recent scientific investigation has supported the important role of probiotics as a part of a healthy diet for human as well as for animals and may be an avenue to provide a safe, cost effective, and 'natural' approach that adds a barrier against microbial infection. This paper presents a review of probiotics in health maintenance and disease prevention.
1,306 citations