Impact of Orally Administered Microcapsules on Gastrointestinal Microbial Flora: In-Vitro Investigation Using Computer Controlled Dynamic Human Gastrointestinal Model

Abstract

Oral administration of artificial cell microcapsules has been proposed for various therapy procedures using biologically active materials. Recently we have designed novel APPPA microcapsules using alginate, poly-L-lysine, pectin, poly-L-lysine and alginate that have shown superior oral delivery features. This article investigates, in-vitro using a computer controlled dynamic gastrointestinal (GI) model, effects of APPPA microcapsules on health of gastrointestinal (GI) microbial flora. The impact of APPPA microcapsules on GI bacterial population, total anaerobes, total aerobes, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus sp. and Staphylococcus sp. has been analyzed. In addition, the effects of microcapsules on GI microbial extracellular enzymatic activities have been investigated. Result shows the altered activities of microbial flora and enzymes due to the use of APPPA microcapsule. The most disparity is observed in the colon ascendans microbial activities. This study would have significant impact on future microcapsule design. However, further in-vivo studies are required.