Gut microbiota play a pivotal role in regulating host immunity and maintaining intestinal homeostasis. However, overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria such as Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) can disrupt this balance, contributing to intestinal disorders including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC). While probiotics like Clostridium butyricum (Cb) have shown promise in alleviating these adverse effects, broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapies often destroy beneficial bacteria and exacerbate dysbiosis. This underscores the urgent need for a targeted antimicrobial strategy that selectively eliminates pathogens without harming probiotics.
In a recent publication in Nano Today, researchers from Tianjin Medical University proposed a novel antibiotic-free "probiotic antagonism" therapy by encapsulating Cb within a selective antimicrobial lipid carrier, S12. This lipid, derived from lauric acid (LA), demonstrates strong bactericidal activity against Fn while preserving Cb viability. The study utilized abinScience's Anti-Occludin Antibody (Catalog No. HS920014) for immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent staining, assessing the therapeutic effects on intestinal barrier repair.
Figure 1. Article title, journal, and author information
Selective Antimicrobial Lipid S12 Restores Gut Balance
Researchers screened 12 candidate lipids and identified S12 as the most effective at targeting Fn while protecting Cb. By encapsulating Cb in S12 (denoted as Cb@S12), they enhanced probiotic stability and bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract. In murine models, mice were divided into groups receiving vehicle control, S12 alone, Cb alone, or Cb@S12 treatment. Outcomes including body weight, intestinal inflammation, and microbiota composition were closely monitored.
Figure 2. Illustration of this study approach
The Cb@S12 group showed significant improvements in weight recovery and reduced intestinal inflammation. Histological analysis revealed enhanced epithelial integrity in these mice, indicating successful repair of the intestinal barrier. Microbiome profiling showed an increased abundance of Clostridium and a marked reduction in Fn, demonstrating the selective action of S12. Additionally, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) measurements revealed elevated butyrate levels, which are associated with anti-inflammatory effects and gut health.
Figure 3. Formulation of Cb@S12 for protection against gastrointestinal fluids and enhanced retention in intestinal tract
abinScience's Anti-Occludin Antibody Validates Barrier Recovery
Occludin, a transmembrane protein found in tight junctions, is a key component of the intestinal epithelial barrier. The study employed abinScience's Anti-Occludin Antibody (Catalog No. HS920014) to evaluate Occludin expression in colon tissue. This analysis provided insights into the extent of epithelial damage and the protective effects of Cb@S12. The results confirmed that S12-enhanced probiotic therapy effectively restored barrier function compromised by inflammation and pathogen invasion.
About abinScience
abinScience specializes in the development and production of high-quality biological reagents. With strong R&D capabilities and rigorous quality control, abinScience offers a comprehensive product portfolio spanning autoimmune diseases, microbiology, neuroscience, and immunological targets. Their product lines—including antibodies, recombinant proteins, assay kits, and functional tools—are known for high sensitivity and specificity, empowering multidisciplinary research in life sciences.
To thank the global scientific community, abinScience has launched a Publication Reward Program for all researchers who publish papers using abinScience products in SCI-indexed journals. The higher the impact factor, the greater the reward!
Thank you for choosing abinScience. We're proud to support your scientific endeavors and look forward to helping you advance discovery through innovation.
