We isolate F. prausnitzii from human fecal material under rigorously controlled anaerobic workflows (anaerobic chambers, prereduced media, redox monitoring). Identity is confirmed by 16S rRNA and genome-level typing. We then screen clones for high butyrate output, growth kinetics, oxygen stress tolerance, and stability using GC/LC SCFA profiling, viability curves, and standardized oxidative challenge assays.
Our bioprocess team establishes scalable, strictly anaerobic fermentations for F. prausnitzii, optimizing carbon sources (e.g., acetate/peptides/inulin), pH control, agitation, nitrogen sparging, and reducing systems (e.g., cysteine). We progress methodically from serum bottles to benchtop bioreactors, mapping critical process parameters (CPPs) and developing in-process analytics to support lot-to-lot consistency and tech transfer.
Because F. prausnitzii is highly oxygen-sensitive, we design stabilization strategies combining antioxidants (e.g., cysteine, riboflavin), cryo/bulking agents, moisture control, and oxygen-scavenging packaging. Accelerated/real-time stability studies quantify CFU decline, redox drift, and residual oxygen, supporting data-backed shelf-life claims and shipping protocols for cold chain logistics.
We develop freeze-dried powders and microencapsulated formats (e.g., alginate-based, polysaccharide blends, multilayer coatings) that protect F. prausnitzii through processing and storage. Acid-bile challenge models, simulated GI transit, and low-oxygen handling are integrated to maximize post-reconstitution viability and delivery to distal gut compartments with minimal oxidative stress exposure.
To support colon-targeted research, we prototype enteric and colonic release systems (pH/time-dependent coatings, polysaccharide matrices) and low-oxygen exposure carriers. In-vitro dissolution/colon simulation tests and oxygen ingress mapping guide selection of vehicles that preserve cell fitness and release profiles aligned to experimental objectives.
We quantify butyrate and broader SCFAs via GC/LC, and profile secreted factors with emphasis on NF-κB modulation. Reporter cell lines, barrier assays, and pathway panels characterize F. prausnitzii bioactivity; we also examine indicators linked to the Microbial Anti-inflammatory Molecule (MAM) axis to contextualize NF-κB inhibition and downstream cytokine patterns.
Using primary human intestinal epithelial monolayers, organoid-derived systems, and co-cultures, we assess transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), tight junction markers (e.g., ZO-1), mucin expression, and chemokine signatures after exposure to F. prausnitzii cells or supernatants—building translational evidence of barrier support and epithelial crosstalk.
We co-culture dendritic cells, macrophages, and T-cell subsets with F. prausnitzii or conditioned media to map cytokine profiles (IL-10, IL-6, TNF-α), Treg induction potential, and Th1/Th17 skewing, supported by NF-κB reporter assays and transcriptomics to pinpoint immune-relevant mechanisms for preclinical exploration.
