Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ming Yin, Yongkai Yuan, Maoshen Chen, Fei Liu, Md Nazmus Saqib, Bor-Sen Chiou, Fang Zhong
Summary: Heat shock and hygroscopicity are two main factors causing low viability of probiotics in spray-dried microcapsules during storage. Combination of hydrophobic polyester shellac with whey protein isolate (WPI) can solve this problem. The best protection during storage is provided by the 1:1 shellac-WPI ratio, as shellac has a moisture barrier effect under moderate humidity.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Huimin Bi, Yuqiao Xu, Fangyu Fan, Xue Sun
Summary: This study evaluated the physical properties, resistance to gastrointestinal and bile salt conditions, and stability of LGG microcapsules prepared using spray and vacuum freeze drying methods. Both methods were suitable for LGG microcapsule preparation, with low water content and high encapsulation efficiency. The survival rates of the microencapsulated LGG under simulated gastrointestinal conditions were over 96%. The spray dried LGG microcapsules showed higher survival rate at 0.6% bile salt concentration compared to the vacuum freeze dried LGG. The stability of the microcapsules varied under different water activity conditions.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Preethi Jayaprakash, Claire Gaiani, Jean-Maxime Edorh, Frederic Borges, Elodie Beaupeux, Audrey Maudhuit, Stephane Desobry
Summary: This study investigates the benefits and drawbacks of electrostatic spray drying (ESD), a novel technique that uses electrostatic charge and lower temperatures to encapsulate lactic acid bacteria. The study compares the viability of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) using different encapsulation agents and finds that ESD preserves more LGG cells during processing and provides better stability during storage compared to traditional spray drying (SD) and freeze drying (FD).
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Geraldine Broeckx, Shari Kiekens, Katarina Jokicevic, Eline Byl, Tim Henkens, Dieter Vandenheuvel, Ingmar Claes, Sarah Lebeer, Filip Kiekens
Summary: Research in the probiotic field, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, has gained global attention. New insights into the functionality of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, and their role in health and disease have been obtained. Additionally, studying the impact of industrial processing techniques on the viability and functionality of probiotics has become crucial.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ming Yin, Maoshen Chen, Yongkai Yuan, Fei Liu, Fang Zhong
Summary: This study aimed to improve the encapsulation efficiency of solid fat for probiotics during spray drying. The encapsulation was achieved by forming coacervates using whey protein isolate-high melting point fat shortening oil (SO) and gum arabic. The addition of SO reduced the temperature of microcapsules without affecting the drying rate. The formulated microcapsules showed the highest survival rate and cell integrity during storage.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2024)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Srijita Sireswar, Gargi Dey, Sutapa Biswas
Summary: The study found that a sea buckthorn beverage fortified with probiotics demonstrated better restorative potential on intestinal barrier function and mucosal damage, stronger antioxidant activity, and inhibition of Toll-like receptor expression and pro-inflammatory gene upregulation induced by DSS in zebrafish.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Joshua A. Owens, Bejan J. Saeedi, Crystal R. Naudin, Sarah Hunter-Chang, Maria E. Barbian, Richard U. Eboka, Lauren Askew, Trevor M. Darby, Brian S. Robinson, Rheinallt M. Jones
Summary: The study shows that oral administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG can enhance colonic CD8 T-cell responses in mice and reduce tumor burden. This suggests the potential use of LGG to augment antitumor immune responses in colorectal cancer patients and increase the efficacy of immunotherapy.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Paloma Barajas-Alvarez, Marisela Gonzalez-Avila, Hugo Espinosa-Andrews
Summary: The study successfully encapsulated Lactobacillus rhamnosus cells using gum arabic blended with various materials, protecting their viability. The selection of materials and encapsulation method significantly impacted the performance of microcapsules.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Saeedeh Azizi, Mahmoud Rezazadeh-Bari, Hadi Almasi, Saber Amiri
Summary: The study investigated the use of sesame protein isolate (SPI) as a material for encapsulation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 7469, exploring the effects of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) and different encapsulation methods (freeze drying, spray drying, and electrospraying). The results showed that the encapsulation method and MTGase treatment impacted the physicochemical characteristics and viability of the encapsulated bacteria. Ultimately, spray drying was found to have the greatest protective effect on the viability of L. rhamnosus, indicating the potential of SPI as a candidate for probiotic encapsulation.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Kajal Farahmandi, Shadi Rajab, Fatemeh Tabandeh, Mahvash Khodabandeh Shahraky, Amir Maghsoudi, Morahem Ashengroph
Summary: The major challenge for functional foods containing probiotics is ensuring the survival of probiotic microorganisms during processing and storage to confer health benefits. Extensive studies have been conducted on enhancing survivability of probiotics through spray-drying. The study focused on maximizing the total CFU yield of spray-dried L. rhamnosus powder by considering survivability, powder production, and stability.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hanne L. P. Tytgat, Pia Rasinkangas, Jarmo Ritari, Justus Reunanen, Steven Aalvink, Chia-wei Lin, Airi Palva, Francois P. Douillard, Willem M. de Vos
Summary: The sortase-negative mutant strain PA11 of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG secretes its SpaCBA pili into the supernatant due to a defect in housekeeping sortase A. This strain provides novel opportunities for characterizing and therapeutically applying the mucus-binding pili of L. rhamnosus GG, potentially allowing for low-cost, large-scale production.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mohammed Nadeem Bijle, Manikandan Ekambaram, Edward C. M. Lo, Cynthia Kar Yung Yiu
Summary: The study found that combining 2% L-arginine, 2000 ppm sodium fluoride, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG provides an optimum synbiotic-fluoride synergism.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Xiang Liu, Ge Jin, Qiang Tang, Shumin Huang, Yujie Zhang, Yue Sun, Tianyu Liu, Zixuan Guo, Cheng Yang, Bangmao Wang, Kui Jiang, Weilong Zhong, Hailong Cao
Summary: Early life colonisation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) can inhibit intestinal tumour formation in offspring by influencing gut microbiota composition and regulating signaling pathways.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Yongsong Bai, Qingwei Meng, Cheng Wang, Kaidi Ma, Jibo Li, Jianping Li, Anshan Shan
Summary: This study demonstrates that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) improves deoxynivalenol (DON)-induced anorexia by modulating gut microbiota. LGG enhances intestinal barrier function, reduces intestinal inflammation, promotes food intake, and decreases weight loss. Antibiotic treatment and fecal microbiota transplant experiments confirm that gut microbiota is the primary vector for DON toxic effects and an essential mediator of LGG protection.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Taiyu Zhai, Wenbo Ren, Pingping Wang, Lei Zheng
Summary: Gut microbiota plays an important role in atherosclerosis, and probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG can effectively inhibit the generation of AS plaques. It participates in the antiatherosclerotic mechanism by altering the composition of gut microbiota and metabolites.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Correction
Allergy
Katleen Martens, Ilke De Boeck, Katarina Jokicevic, Filip Kiekens, Ricard Farre, Olivier M. Vanderveken, Sven F. Seys, Sarah Lebeer, Peter W. Hellings, Brecht Steelant
ALLERGY ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Bram Van den Broek, Charlotte Wuyts, Angela Sisto, Isabel Pintelon, Jean-Pierre Timmermans, Veerle Somers, Vincent Timmerman, Niels Hellings, Joy Irobi
Summary: This study demonstrates that HSPB8-enriched oligodendroglia secreted EVs have a supportive role comparable to native OL-EVs, functioning in controlling chronic inflammation and maintaining cellular homeostasis.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sofie Van Hees, Kimberley Elbrink, Marjorie De Schryver, Peter Delputte, Filip Kiekens
Summary: This research evaluates the uptake and intracellular fate of different-sized nanoparticles in sialoadhesin-expressing macrophages, and finds that functionalizing the nanocarriers with anti-sialoadhesin antibody enhances macrophage targeting.
JOURNAL OF NANOPARTICLE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Costanza E. Maurici, Robin Colenbier, Britta Wylleman, Luigi Brancato, Eke van Zwol, Johan Van den Bossche, Jean-Pierre Timmermans, Elisa Giovannetti, Marina G. M. C. Mori da Cunha, Johannes Bogers
Summary: The study found that hyperthermia not only directly inhibits the proliferation of PDAC cells, but also enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs, which has a positive impact on the treatment of PDAC patients.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Samuel Van Remoortel, Lana Lambeets, Jean-Pierre Timmermans
Summary: Mrgprs, a new family of Rhodopsin A-like G protein-coupled receptors, have been shown to play a critical role in itch, pain, and the inflammatory/allergic responses in the skin. Their role is not limited to the skin but extends to other mucosal surfaces. In the gastrointestinal tract, Mrgprs are emerging as novel sensory pathways associated with health and disease, closely linked to the gut's immune system.
ANATOMICAL RECORD-ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kimberley Elbrink, Sofie Van Hees, Dirk Roelant, Tine Loomans, Rene Holm, Filip Kiekens
Summary: The present study investigates the oral bioavailability of celecoxib when incorporated into solid lipid nanoparticles either dissolved or suspended. Encapsulation of the compound into the nanocarriers with good physicochemical properties for oral administration was successful. In vitro release profiles showed significant differences between the solubilized and suspended compound formulations. The relative bioavailability of celecoxib from the solid lipid nanoparticles was higher compared to the reference drug. The study suggests that solid lipid nanoparticles have the potential to improve the oral bioavailability of celecoxib and reduce dosing frequency.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS AND BIOPHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Ilke De Boeck, Eline Cauwenberghs, Irina Spacova, Thies Gehrmann, Tom Eilers, Lize Delanghe, Stijn Wittouck, Peter A. Bron, Tim Henkens, Imane Gamgami, Alix Simons, Ingmar Claes, Joachim Marien, Kevin K. Arien, Diana Bakokimi, Katherine Loens, Kevin Jacobs, Margareta Ieven, Patricia Bruijning-Verhagen, Peter Delputte, Samuel Coenen, Veronique Verhoeven, Sarah Lebeer
Summary: Primary care urgently needs effective treatments for COVID-19 patients. This study evaluated the use of a throat spray containing antiviral lactobacilli strains in COVID-19 patients. The results suggest that the spray has the potential to reduce nasopharyngeal viral loads and acute symptoms.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Jean-Pierre Timmermans
Summary: This article presents an introductory comment and overview of the autonomic nervous system research in Eastern Europe, with a focus on its innervation of the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system. It also provides a selected overview of notable papers on these topics published in The Anatomical Record since 1906.
ANATOMICAL RECORD-ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Wannes Van Holm, Rita Carvalho, Lize Delanghe, Tom Eilers, Naiera Zayed, Fabian Mermans, Kristel Bernaerts, Nico Boon, Ingmar Claes, Sarah Lebeer, Wim Teughels
Summary: Several oral diseases are caused by changes in the oral microbiome, and antibiotics are commonly used to treat them. However, due to antibiotic resistance, alternatives such as probiotics are being explored. This study compared the effects of different strains of Lactobacillus and Streptococcus salivarius on oral biofilms. It was found that certain Lactobacillus strains reduced the pathobiont A. actinomycetemcomitans, while S. salivarius strains were more effective against other pathobionts.
NPJ BIOFILMS AND MICROBIOMES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Irina Spacova, Ilke De Boeck, Eline Cauwenberghs, Lize Delanghe, Peter A. Bron, Tim Henkens, Alix Simons, Imane Gamgami, Leentje Persoons, Ingmar Claes, Marianne F. L. van den Broek, Dominique Schols, Peter Delputte, Samuel Coenen, Veronique Verhoeven, Sarah Lebeer
Summary: The study developed a throat spray with live lactobacilli that exhibited several mechanisms of action against respiratory viral infections. Three selected strains showed significant reduction in the cytopathogenic effects of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza A/H1N1 and B viruses, and HCoV-229E coronavirus in co-culture models. Administration of the throat spray in healthy volunteers confirmed temporary colonization of the throat by metabolically active lactobacilli. The developed spray may be a potential broad-acting live biotherapeutic strategy against respiratory viral diseases.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Inge Brouns, Dirk Adriaensen, Jean-Pierre Timmermans
Summary: Exciting new imaging and molecular tools, combined with state-of-the-art genetically modified mouse models, have recently boosted interest in pulmonary (vagal) sensory pathway investigations. In addition, the review highlights the importance of studying the cellular and neuronal components of the pulmonary neuroepithelial bodies (NEBs) microenvironment (NEB ME) in mice, as it plays a crucial role in the mechano- and chemosensory potential of airways and lungs. Furthermore, the presence of different types of stem cells in the NEB ME and their potential role in lung pathogenesis or pathobiology is also discussed.
ANATOMICAL RECORD-ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Samuel Van Remoortel, Lana Lambeets, Heiko De Schepper, Jean-Pierre Timmermans
Summary: In recent years, it has been discovered that the family of Mas-related G protein-coupled receptors (MRGPRs) plays a crucial role in neuro-immune communication in the skin. However, the expression of MRGPRs at other mucosal surfaces remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the expression of MRGPRs in mucosal biopsies of the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The results showed that MRGPRF mRNA was the only detectable member of the MRGPR family expressed in human mucosal biopsies of the terminal ileum and sigmoid colon. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that MRGPRF was specifically expressed in mucosal entero-endocrine cells (EECs).
CELL AND TISSUE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biology
Debby Van Dam, Femke Valkenburg, Kristof Van Kolen, Isabel Pintelon, Jean-Pierre Timmermans, Peter Paul De Deyn
Summary: The tau protein dysfunction is a core feature of neurodegenerative diseases, and mouse models expressing mutated tau protein associated with FTDP-17 can mimic some aspects of the disease. Our study demonstrates the validity of these models in replicating the pathology and symptoms of FTDP-17.
Article
Cell Biology
Sarah Lebeer, Eline F. M. Oerlemans, Ingmar Claes, Tim Henkens, Lize Delanghe, Sander Wuyts, Irina Spacova, Marianne F. L. van den Broek, Ines Tuyaerts, Stijn Wittouck, Ilke De Boeck, Camille N. Allonsius, Filip Kiekens, Julien Lambert
Summary: This study demonstrates that carefully selected and formulated lactobacilli are a viable therapeutic option for treating common acne lesions. They are able to reduce inflammatory lesions on the skin and may have an additional immunomodulatory effect.
CELL REPORTS MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Denise van der Graaff, Shivani Chotkoe, Benedicte De Winter, Joris De Man, Christophe Casteleyn, Jean-Pierre Timmermans, Isabel Pintelon, Luisa Vonghia, Wilhelmus J. Kwanten, Sven Francque
Summary: In non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatic blood flow is impaired and the blood pressure in the liver blood vessels is increased as a result of an increased response of the liver vasculature to vasoconstrictors. Using drugs to block the constriction of the intrahepatic vasculature, the resistance of the liver blood vessels decreases and the increased portal pressure is reduced. Moreover, blocking the vasoconstrictive endothelin-1 pathway restored parenchymal architecture and reduced disease severity.