Chen Tan

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic autoimmune diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The incidence of IBD has been increasing in newly industrialized countries, whereas current conventional therapeutic medications are ineffective and have unavoidable side effects. In recent years, exosome-like nanoparticles (ELNs) isolated from natural dietary ingredients have played a positive role in the treatment of IBD. These vesicles can exert therapeutic effects on IBD through modulating inflammation-related cytokines, repairing the intestinal barrier, and regulating the intestinal microbiota. In this study, we outline the physiological functions and applications of plant-and animal-derived of ELNs in IBD. Particular emphasis is given to the therapeutic mechanism and efficacy of these ELNs Additionally, the modification of ELNs and loading bioactive compounds in ELNs for improved effects on IBD are discussed. Finally, the prospects and challenges of the dietary-derived ELNs are proposed.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are prebiotics with great potential to improve constipation. This study set out to investigate the usefulness of consuming FOS as a dietary supplement on bowel movement frequency, stool consistency, abundance of Bifidobacteria, gastrointestinal transit time, and gastrointestinal symptoms through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases up to 2 March 2024. Randomized controlled trials reporting the use of FOS as a supplement by participants were included. Bias risk was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool. Results were synthesized using a random-effects model or fixed-effects model, combining outcomes using odds ratios (OR), weighted mean differences (MD), or standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The meta-analysis encompassed 17 randomized controlled trials, involving a total of 713 study participants. Overall, the intake of FOS significantly increased bowel movement frequency (95% CI: 0.80, 1.50, p < 0.00001) and positively affected stool consistency, softening the stool (SMD: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.60, p = 0.76). It also reduced the effort and pain during defecation (SMD: −0.60, 95% CI: −0.85, −0.34, p = 0.12). At the same time, mild bloating was noted as an adverse event associated with FOS ingestion (OR: 10.36, 95% CI: 3.32, 33.23, p = 0.24). No reports of serious adverse events were documented. Overall, FOS may enhance bowel movement frequency, stool consistency, and overall constipation symptoms, suggesting cautious optimism regarding their use as a dietary treatment alternative. Nevertheless, further robust and definitive randomized controlled trials are required to more accurately determine the most effective dosage and duration of use. Additional research and evidence are necessary before the efficacy of FOS as a therapeutic method for treating functional constipation can be firmly established.

Fisetin has shown numerous health benefits, whereas its food application is constrained by water insolubility, poor stability, and low bioaccessibility. This work investigated the potential of hyaluronic acid (HA)-coated nanoliposomes for the encapsulation and delivery of fisetin. It was observed that HA can adsorb onto the liposomal membrane through hydrogen bonding and maintain the spherical shape of nanoliposomes. Fluorescence analysis suggested that the HA coating restricted the motion and freedom of phospholipid molecules in the headgroup region and reduced the interior micropolarity of the nanoliposomes but did not affect the fluidity of the hydrophobic core. These effects were more pronounced for the HA with a low molecular weight (35 kDa) and moderate concentration (0.4%). The HA coating improved the storage and thermal stability of the nanoliposomes, as well as the digestive stability and bioaccessibility of the encapsulated fisetin. These findings could guide the development of HA-coated nanoliposomes for the controlled delivery of hydrophobic bioactives such as fisetin in functional foods.

Tree peony seed oil (TPSO) is an important plant source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (α-linolenic acid, ALA > 40%) that is receiving increasing attention for its excellent antioxidant and other activities. However, it has poor stability and bioavailability. In this study, a bilayer emulsion of TPSO was successfully prepared using a layer-by-layer self-assembly technique. Among the proteins and polysaccharides examined, whey protein isolate (WPI) and sodium alginate (SA) were found to be the most suitable wall materials. The prepared bilayer emulsion contained 5% TPSO, 0.45% whey protein isolate (WPI) and 0.5% sodium alginate (SA) under selected conditions and its zeta potential, droplet size, and polydispersity index were −31 mV, 1291 nm, and 27%, respectively. The loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency for TPSO were up to 84% and 90.2%, respectively. It was noteworthy that the bilayer emulsion showed significantly enhanced oxidative stability (peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances content) compared to the monolayer emulsion, which was accompanied by a more ordered spatial structure caused by the electrostatic interaction of the WPI with the SA. This bilayer emulsion also exhibited markedly improved environmental stability (pH, metal ion), rheological properties, and physical stability during storage. Furthermore, the bilayer emulsion was more easily digested and absorbed, and had higher fatty acid release rate and ALA bioaccessibility than TPSO alone and the physical mixtures. These results suggest that bilayer emulsion containing WPI and SA is an effective TPSO encapsulation system and has significant potential for future functional food development.