Effects of exopolysaccharide from Lactobacillus rhamnosus on human gut microbiota in in vitro fermentation model

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by some bacteria have prebiotic potential and contribute to the regulation of the gut microbiota. Four types of EPS with different molecular composition from Lactobacillus rhamnosus ZFM231 were identified. In this work, we evaluated the potential of EPS on human gut microbiota by in vitro fermentation model. It was found that purified EPS fractions were degraded effectively by human gut microbiota. Gas chromatography (GC) assay revealed that EPS could be fermented to produce short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by gut microbiota in human fecal samples from twelve healthy volunteers. 16S rDNA sequencing showed that EPS mainly increased the abundance of Ruminococcus, Dorea, Butyricicoccus, Blautia and others. The current research provides valuable new information on the mechanisms of absorption, utilization and functional activity of Lactobacillus rhamnosus EPS in the gastrointestinal tract of the human body.

Automated summary

The study identified four types of EPS with different molecular composition from Lactobacillus rhamnosus ZFM231, and evaluated their potential impact on the human gut microbiota through in vitro fermentation model. Results showed that EPS could be effectively degraded by human gut microbiota and fermented to produce short chain fatty acids. Furthermore, EPS mainly increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Ruminococcus, Dorea, Butyricicoccus, and Blautia. This research provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of Lactobacillus rhamnosus EPS in the gastrointestinal tract of the human body.