Fabrication of quercetin-loaded nanoparticles based on Hohenbuehelia serotina polysaccharides and their modulatory effects on intestinal function and gut microbiota in vivo

This research was aimed to construct the nanoparticles based on Hohenbuehelia serotina polysaccharides for encapsulation of quercetin (QC-HSP NPs), and investigate their effects on intestinal function and gut microbiota in mice. Results showed that in comparison with HSP and control, QC-HSP NPs significantly improved immune organ indexes, colon length, fecal moisture content and intestinal peristalsis capacity of mice. The productions of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in colon were also increased after treatment with QC-HSP NPs, while the colonic fecal pH was decreased and defecation time was shortened. Through analysis of 16S rRNA sequencing, QC-HSP NPs could increase α and β diversities of gut microbiota, modulate their structure and composition, and increase the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria together with reducing the richness of harmful bacteria. In addition, QC-HSP NPs ameliorated the metabolic functions of gut microbiota by modulating metabolic pathways. This study suggested that QC-HSP NPs might be served as a prebiotic for protecting intestinal health.