Nanoencapsulation of Biotics: Feasibility to Enhance Stability and Delivery for Improved Gut Health

Author: mycolabadmin
9/11/2025
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Summary

This review explores how tiny nanoparticles can protect beneficial bacteria and dietary compounds as they travel through the digestive system. These nanotechnologies help probiotics survive stomach acid and reach the intestines where they provide health benefits. The research shows promising results for treating digestive diseases and improving overall gut health through better delivery of microbiota-modulating substances.

Background

The human gastrointestinal tract contains a complex microbiota that plays crucial roles in health maintenance, nutrient metabolism, and pathogen protection. Dysbiosis, a disruption in this microbial ecosystem, is associated with inflammatory and metabolic diseases. Biotics (probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics) can modulate the microbiota, but face challenges including low stability, reduced microbial viability, and delivery difficulties.

Objective

This review provides a comprehensive overview of nanoencapsulation techniques for biotics, examining their mechanisms of action, potential health benefits, and applications in functional foods and targeted therapies. It addresses limitations and discusses the future potential of these technologies in promoting gut health and disease prevention.

Results

Research demonstrates that single-cell nanocoating technologies protect probiotics against gastric acid, bile salts, and antibiotics, with multilayered approaches enhancing viability. Nanoencapsulation of prebiotics improves stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery to the colon, modulating microbiota composition and producing beneficial metabolites including short-chain fatty acids.

Conclusion

Nanoencapsulation technologies show significant promise for enhancing the stability and efficacy of biotics for gut health promotion. However, substantial challenges remain including industrial scaling, regulatory approval, and consumer acceptance. Future research must emphasize rigorous clinical trials to substantiate efficacy and ensure safety of nanoencapsulated biotic applications.

Published in:Pharmaceutics,
Study Type:Review,
Source: PMID: 41012516, DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics17091180