Mucoadhesive Material Screening & Selection
We evaluate a panel of biopolymeric and synthetic mucoadhesive materials—including chitosan, alginate, hyaluronic acid derivatives, carbomers, and HPMC variants—for compatibility with your specific LBP strain. Screening covers cytotoxicity, impact on strain viability, and baseline mucin interaction assays. Selection criteria are defined against your target gut segment (small intestine vs. colon) and desired release profile.
Surface Modification & Coating Development
Beyond bulk matrix approaches, surface-level modification can enhance the mucosal affinity of individual bacterial cells. Depending on strain properties and program goals, we assess surface engineering approaches such as polymer coatings, layer-by-layer systems, or other mucoadhesion-oriented modifications, while monitoring viability, culturability, and adhesion-related changes throughout the process.
In Vitro Mucus-Binding & Cell Adhesion Assays
Quantitative adhesion data is the cornerstone of any formulation claim. We run in vitro mucus-binding assays using porcine or bovine mucin gels, as well as ex vivo intestinal mucosa preparations where appropriate, measuring adhesion efficiency by viable count, fluorescence, or quantitative PCR readouts. Complementary cell adhesion assays on intestinal epithelial monolayers capture both the mucus-associated and epithelium-associated adhesion components of the formulated LBP.
Formulation Optimization & Head-to-Head Comparison
Once candidate materials and coatings are identified, we design a structured optimization matrix—varying polymer concentration, coating parameters, crosslinking conditions, and encapsulation approaches—to support the retention-to-viability balance. Head-to-head adhesion comparisons between formulated and unformulated LBPs provide the quantitative data needed for internal decision-making and to support formulation choice rationale in development planning.
In Vivo Gut Retention and Persistence Tracking
In vitro results are contextualized with in vivo tracking studies in appropriate murine models. Depending on program design, we use strain-specific qPCR and, where available, fluorescent labeling to monitor spatial distribution and temporal persistence of the formulated LBP along the gastrointestinal tract. Data outputs support assessment of gut retention and colonization potential for formulated versus unformulated comparators.
Formulation Recommendation & Validation Roadmap
At the conclusion of the program, we deliver a written formulation recommendation that summarizes the evaluated strategies, data-supported rationale for the selected approach, and a proposed validation pathway including suggested additional in vitro, ex vivo, or in vivo steps to support later-stage preclinical or CMC development activities. The roadmap is tailored to your product format (oral capsule, suspension, powder sachet) and intended indication.
