Zixian Xia,Xiaoyan Guan,Rui Liu,Yeting Wu,Yingying Li,Mengmeng Liu,Yifeng Ding,Xiaohong Wang,Youyou Lu
Bifidobacterium faces major challenges in the gastrointestinal tract, including inactivation under acidic conditions and insufficient targeted release. In this study, three novel heterologous dual-protein complex systems were constructed by lactoferrin (LF) with α-lactalbumin (ALA), β-lactoglobulin (BLG), casein (CN). Subsequently, sodium alginate (SA) -cross-linked gel microcapsules loaded with these dual-protein complexes and B. animalis F1-7. The optimal preparation conditions for the dual-protein were as follows: ALA/LF = 1.5, 50 °C; BLG/LF = 2, 50 °C; CN/LF = 0.5, 25 °C. Incorporation of SA and endogenous emulsification method enabled efficient encapsulation of B . animalis F1-7, achieving encapsulation efficiency exceeding 90%. B. animalis F1-7@SA-(LF-ALA/BLG/CN) exhibited strong acid resistance, favorable intestinal responsiveness, and significantly improved microbial viability. The microcapsules enhanced gastric acid tolerance primarily through a spatial barrier effect, while the incorporation of dual-protein components contributed to matrix structural reinforcement and digestion-responsive release behavior. This integrated “physical protection-structural modulation” strategy also conferred excellent 28-day storage stability. In vitro experiments by mice/human feces, combined with 16S rRNA and metabolomics analysis, revealed that the composite microcapsules effectively regulated the structure of the microbial community and altered metabolite profiles (e.g. , pathways involved in nitrogen metabolism). Overall, this study provided reproducible preparation parameters and a theoretical basis for SA-based dual-protein composite encapsulation delivery systems, and offered a promising strategy to address the coordinated challenges of activity, controlled release, and storage stability of sensitive food bioactive microorganisms or nutrients.
Background/Objectives: Infant diarrhea is a major global cause of morbidity and mortality. WhileBifidobacteriumis linked to diarrhea, its preventive effects, underlying mechanisms, and potential synergistic benefits with prebiotics remain unclear. The objective of this study was to explore the efficacy of a synbiotic composed ofBifidobacterium animalissubsp.lactisBB-12 (BB-12) and 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL) in alleviating infant diarrhea.Methods: One-week-old C57BL/6J mice were used to construct a model of infant diarrhea via infection with enteropathogenicEscherichia coli(EPEC) O127. Mice were administered BB-12 (108CFU per mouse), 2′-FL (1 g/kg), or their combination (synbiotic) for three consecutive weeks.Results: Administration of the synbiotic not only markedly improved diarrhea, anxiety-like behavior, colon inflammation, and gut barrier function but also positively reshaped the microbial community. This was achieved through a significant rise in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria (e.g.,AkkermansiaandParaprevotella), a rise in fecal SCFAs, and a reduction in harmful bacteria such asEscherichia.Conclusions: The synbiotic effectively relieves EPEC-induced infant diarrhea by regulating gut microbiota composition and metabolic functions. These findings highlight its potential as a dietary intervention in infant diarrhea and provide new insights into infant health applications.