Jasmine Bhathena

Erratum of “Investigation of Microencapsulated BSH Active Lactobacillus in the Simulated Human GI Tract”

This is to confirm that there is an error in the article “Investigation of Microencapsulated BSH Active Lactobacillus in the Simulated Human GI Tract” by Martoni et al. Published online December 25, 2007, doi: 10.1155/2007/13684. Figure 5 should be replaced by Figure 5 below. Figure 5 Evaluation of microcapsule integrity and morphological changes during simulated GI transit. (a) Pre-stomach transit (b) Post-stomach transit (60 minutes) (c) Post-stomach (60 minutes) and intestinal (10 hours) transit.Microcapsule size (a) 608 ± ...

Microencapsulation to reduce mechanical loss of microspheres: implications in myocardial cell therapy §

OBJECTIVE Previous regenerative studies have demonstrated massive cell losses after intramyocardial cellular delivery. Therefore, efforts at reducing mechanical losses may prove more successful in optimising cellular therapy. In this study, we hypothesized that escalating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) dose will not produce corresponding improvement in cardiac function due to washout of the small cells in microcirculation. Using microspheres similar in size to MSCs, that are encapsulated in alginate-poly-l-lysine-alginate (APA), we tested the hypothesis that size is an important factor in early losses. METHODS In experiment I, five groups of rats (n=9 each) underwent coronary ligation; group I had no treatment; the other groups received escalating 0.5 × 10(6), 1.5 × 10(6), 3 × 10(6) and 5 × 10(6) of MSCs each. Echocardiogram was performed at baseline, 2 days and 7 weeks after surgery. In experiment II, cell-sized microspheres (10 μm) were encapsulated in APA microcapsules. In group I (n=16), rats received bare microspheres, group II (n=16) microspheres within 200 μm microcapsules and in group III (n=16), microspheres within 400 μm microcapsules. After 20 min, hearts were quantified for the amount retained. RESULTS Myocardial function did not improve further with escalating cell doses beyond an initial response at 1.5 × 10(6) cells. Encapsulated microspheres in 200 μm and 400 μm microcapsules demonstrated a fourfold increase in retention rate compared with 10 μm microspheres. CONCLUSION We concluded that suboptimal functional improvement in this animal model starts at 1.5 × 10(6) cells and does not respond to escalating cell doses. Improving mechanical retention is possible by increasing the size of the injectate. Microencapsulation could be used to encapsulate donor cells and facilitate functional improvement in cellular heart failure therapy.

Estimation of the Potential Antitumor Activity of Microencapsulated Lactobacillus acidophilus Yogurt Formulation in the Attenuation of Tumorigenesis in Apc(Min/+) Mice

There is a strong correlation between orally administered probiotics and suppression of the low-grade inflammation that can lead to restoration of normal local immune functions. We studied the potential immunomodulatory and antitumorigenic properties of microencapsulated probiotic bacterial cells in a yogurt formulation in Min mice carrying a germline APC mutation. Daily oral administration of microencapsulated Lactobacillus acidophilus bacterial cells in the yogurt formulation mice resulted in significant suppression of colon tumor incidence, tumor multiplicity, and reduced tumor size. Results show that oral administration of microencapsulated L. acidophilus contributed to the stabilization of animal body weight and decreased the release of bile acids. Histopathological analyses revealed fewer adenomas in treated versus untreated animals. Furthermore, treated animals exhibited fewer gastrointestinal intra-epithelial neoplasias with a lower grade of dysplasia in detected tumors. Results suggest that oral administration of microencapsulated probiotic L. acidophilus exerts anti-tumorous activity, which consequently leads to reduced tumor outcome.

Orally delivered microencapsulated live probiotic formulation lowers serum lipids in hypercholesterolemic hamsters.

Elevated serum cholesterol is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease. Nutritional therapies such as probiotics have been suggested to manage elevated cholesterol. This study investigates the cholesterol and triglyceride lowering potential of a microencapsulated feruloyl esterase-producing Lactobacillus fermentum 11976 (LF11976) probiotic formulation. Male Bio F(1)B hamsters were assigned to two groups to receive either the microcapsule probiotic formulation (containing LF11976 cells at 12.51 log colony-forming units/mL) or placebo formulation (empty) microcapsules, twice daily, by oral gavage for 18 weeks. For the duration of the study, animals were fed a hypercholesterolemic diet. Serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and the atherogenic index were 21.36%, 31.43%, and 32.59% lower in the group gavaged with the microencapsulated probiotic formulation than in the placebo control group after 18 weeks (P < .05). Histology studies showed reduced progression of atherosclerotic lesions in animals treated with microencapsulated LF11976 as compared to control animals. Treatment with microencapsulated LF11976 formulation produces significant reductions in serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and serum triglyceride levels in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic hamsters. Findings suggest the potential of the oral microencapsulated probiotic cell formulation as a functional nutritional alternative for managing excessive serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Investigation of Microencapsulated BSH Active Lactobacillus in the Simulated Human GI Tract

This study investigated the use of microencapsulated bile salt hydrolase (BSH) overproducing Lactobacillus plantarum 80 cells for oral delivery applications using a dynamic computer-controlled model simulating the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Bile salt deconjugation rates for microencapsulated BSH overproducing cells were 4.87 ± 0.28 μmol/g microcapsule/h towards glycoconjugates and 0.79 ± 0.15 μmol/g microcapsule/h towards tauroconjugates in the simulated intestine, a significant (P< .05) increase over microencapsulated wild-type cells. Microcapsules protected the encased cells in the simulated stomach prior to intestinal release, maintaining cell viability above 109 cfu/mL at pH 2.5 and 3.0 and above 106 cfu/mL at pH 2.0 after 2-hour residence times. In the simulated intestine, encased cell viability was maintained above 1010 cfu/mL after 3, 6, and 12-hour residence times in bile concentrations up to 1.0%. Results show that microencapsulation has potential in the oral delivery of live BSH active bacterial cells. However, in vivo testing is required.

Ultrafine chitosan nanoparticles as an efficient nucleic acid delivery system targeting neuronal cells

Background: Cell transfection with nanoscaled cationic polymeric particles using Chitosan has been extensively explored. Because of its properties such as cationic charges, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity, it has been used as a potential gene, siRNA, protein (including antibodies), and drug carrier system. Method: This work describes the development of chitosan nanoparticles of a 20-nm diameter for a potential siRNA delivery application. The particles were prepared using an ionic gelation method, using sodium tripolyphosphate as a cross-linker. The effect of variation in pH was investigated on particle size and surface charge. Gene loading efficiency by chitosan nanoparticles was performed by varying weight ratios of chitosan : siRNA. Transfection efficiency was evaluated on Neuro2a cells. Results: It was observed that 20-nm-sized nanoscale complexes induced significant transfection in neuronal cells. Conclusion: These particles have potential in the delivery of siRNA to neural tissues.

Diet-induced metabolic hamster model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Background: Obesity, hypercholesterolemia, elevated triglycerides, and type 2 diabetes are major risk factors for metabolic syndrome. Hamsters, unlike rats or mice, respond well to diet-induced obesity, increase body mass and adiposity on group housing, and increase food intake due to social confrontation-induced stress. They have a cardiovascular and hepatic system similar to that of humans, and can thus be a useful model for human pathophysiology. Methods: Experiments were planned to develop a diet-induced Bio F1B Golden Syrian hamster model of dyslipidemia and associated nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the metabolic syndrome. Hamsters were fed a normal control diet, a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet, a high-fat/high-cholesterol/methionine-deficient/choline-devoid diet, and a high-fat/high-cholesterol/choline-deficient diet. Serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, atherogenic index, and body weight were quantified biweekly. Fat deposition in the liver was observed and assessed following lipid staining with hematoxylin and eosin and with oil red O. Results: In this study, we established a diet-induced Bio F1B Golden Syrian hamster model for studying dyslipidemia and associated nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the metabolic syndrome. Hyperlipidemia and elevated serum glucose concentrations were induced using this diet. Atherogenic index was elevated, increasing the risk for a cardiovascular event. Histological analysis of liver specimens at the end of four weeks showed increased fat deposition in the liver of animals fed with a high-fat/high cholesterol diet, as compared to animals fed with the control diet. Conclusion: Our study established that hamsters fed with a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet developed fatty liver and mild diabetes. Bio F1B hamsters fed with a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet may thus be a good animal model for research on the treatment of diet-induced metabolic syndrome complicated by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Preparation and in vitro analysis of microencapsulated live Lactobacillus fermentum 11976 for augmentation of feruloyl esterase in the gastrointestinal tract

FA (ferulic acid) is a well‐known phenolic phytochemical present in plant cell walls. Various studies have indicated that FA has many physiological functions in the prevention of chronic disease. It has been shown to play an important chemoprotective role in degenerative diseases. FA also shows strong antioxidant and nitrite‐scavenging potential and anticarcinogenic and antiinflammatory properties. The in vivo physiological importance of FA depends on its availability for absorption. Dietary fibre‐bound FA is partially released by gut micro‐organisms; however, the concentration of the released FA is too low to act as a chemopreventive agent. Therefore it is important to augment the bioavailability of FA to appreciate more fully its real physiological effect. This paper evaluates the suitability of the alginate–poly(l‐lysine)–alginate microcapsules for oral delivery of live feruloyl esterase‐producing Lactobacillus fermentum 11976 cells, in vitro, by using a dynamic simulated human GI (gastrointestinal) model. The present study shows that microencapsulated L. fermentum 11976 cells can efficiently break down a FA‐containing substrate, and establishes the biotechnological basis for their use in supplementing the bioavailability of dietary FA in the intestine.

Microencapsulated bacterial cells can be used to produce the enzyme feruloyl esterase: preparation and in-vitro analysis

Biotechnological production of ferulic acid, a precursor of vanillin, is an attractive alternative for various industries due to the high price and demand for natural ferulic acid. Feruloyl esterase has been identified as a key enzyme involved in microbial transformations of ferulic acid to vanillin. Several fungal feruloyl esterases have been purified and characterized for their use in the production of ferulic acid. This paper, for the first time, discusses the use of lactic acid bacteria for the production of ferulic acid. Specifically, we have used Lactobacillus cells and microencapsulation so that ferulic acid can be produced continuously using various types of fermentation systems. Bacteria were encapsulated in alginate-poly-l-lysine-alginate (APA) microcapsules, and the production of ferulic acid by lactobacilli was detected using a real-time high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-based assay. Results show that ferulic acid can be produced using microencapsulated Lactobacillus fermentum (ATCC 11976) with significant levels of biological feruloyl esterase activity.

Oral Probiotic Microcapsule Formulation Ameliorates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Bio F1B Golden Syrian Hamsters

The beneficial effect of a microencapsulated feruloyl esterase producing Lactobacillus fermentum ATCC 11976 formulation for use in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was investigated. For which Bio F1B Golden Syrian hamsters were fed a methionine deficient/choline devoid diet to induce non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Results, for the first time, show significant clinical benefits in experimental animals. Examination of lipids show that concentrations of hepatic free cholesterol, esterified cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids were significantly lowered in treated animals. In addition, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid and insulin resistance were found to decrease in treated animals. Liver histology evaluations showed reduced fat deposits. Western blot analysis shows significant differences in expression levels of key liver enzymes in treated animals. In conclusion, these findings suggest the excellent potential of using an oral probiotic formulation to ameliorate NAFLD.