Stability of Blueberry Extracellular Vesicles and Their Gene Regulation Effects in Intestinal Caco-2 Cells

Plant extracellular vesicles (P-EVs) are considered promising functional food ingredients due to their various health benefits. In this study, blueberry extracellular vesicles (B-EVs) were collected and purified by size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The chemical compounds in B-EV extracts were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. In addition, the stability of B-EVs was evaluated during short- and long-term storage, heating, and in vitro digestion. The results showed that the B-EVs had a desirable particle size (88.2 & PLUSMN; 7.7 nm). Protein and total RNA concentrations were 582 & PLUSMN; 11.2 & mu;g/mL and 15.4 & mu;g/mL, respectively. The optimal storage temperatures for B-EVs were 4 & DEG;C and -80 & DEG;C for short- and long-term storage, respectively. Fluorescent labeling and qRT-PCR tests showed that B-EVs could be specifically internalized by Caco-2 cells, whereas virtually no cytotoxic or growth-inhibitory effects were observed. B-EVs down-regulated the expression levels of IL-1 & beta; and IL-8 and up-regulated the expression levels of NF-& kappa;& beta; and TLR5 in Caco-2 cells. Overall, the results proved that the intact structure of B-EVs could be preserved during food storage and processing conditions. B-EVs had the ability to reach the human intestine through oral delivery. Moreover, they could be absorbed by intestinal cells and affect human intestinal function.

Automated summary

In this study, blueberry extracellular vesicles (B-EVs) were collected and purified, and their stability during food storage and processing conditions was evaluated. The results showed that B-EVs had desirable properties and could affect human intestinal function.