At Creative Biolabs, we are at the forefront of preclinical research, offering specialized services for evaluating the efficacy and safety of probiotic formulations administered via intranasal or inhalation routes in relevant animal models. Our comprehensive service empowers researchers and pharmaceutical companies to explore novel therapeutic strategies for a wide range of respiratory, neurological, and systemic conditions, leveraging the unique advantages of direct probiotic delivery to the upper and lower airways. Request a quote

Fig.1 Intranasal/Inhalation Administration of probiotics to mice. (Creative Biolabs Authorized)

Overview: Unlocking the Potential of Airway Microbiome Modulation

The concept of probiotics has traditionally focused on gut health. However, emerging research highlights the critical role of the respiratory microbiome in maintaining health and influencing disease progression. Intranasal and inhalation administration of probiotics offers a direct, non-invasive, and highly targeted approach to modulate the microbial environment of the nasal passages, sinuses, and lungs, or to achieve systemic effects by bypassing first-pass metabolism. This innovative delivery method holds immense promise for addressing conditions ranging from respiratory infections and allergies to neurological disorders via the gut-brain axis, and even systemic inflammatory diseases. Our expert team and state-of-the-art facilities are equipped to design and execute robust preclinical studies, providing invaluable data to advance your probiotic product development.

Preclinical Probiotic Intranasal & Inhalation Delivery Studies in Animal Models: Tailored Solutions for Your Research Needs

Workflow

Fig.2 The workflow for Intranasal/Inhalation study of probiotics. (Creative Biolabs original)

Service Details

Animal Models
Administration
Analysis
Samples
Deliverables
Turnaround Time

Animal Models

Animal Model Selection: Expert guidance on choosing the most appropriate animal species (e.g., mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits) and disease models (e.g., allergic asthma, COPD, influenza infection, bacterial pneumonia, sinusitis, neuroinflammatory models).

Probiotic Administration Routes

  • Intranasal: Direct application of a liquid probiotic suspension into the nasal passages. This is relatively simple and mainly targets the upper respiratory tract.
  • Inhalation (Aerosol/Nebulization/Dry Powder Inhalers - DPIs): Delivering probiotics as an aerosol or fine powder for deeper penetration into the lungs. This requires specialized equipment (nebulizers, atomization devices, DPIs) and expertise in aerosol generation and characterization.
  • Oropharyngeal Aspiration: A method where a liquid is delivered to the back of the throat, which the animal then aspirates into the lungs.

Comprehensive Endpoints & Analysis

  • Microbiome Analysis
    • 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomic studies on the microbial communities in the nasal cavity, lungs, and intestines.
    • Quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting specific probiotic strains and the target pathogen.
  • Immunological Assays
    • Analysis of cytokines/cytokine chemotactic factors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, serum, and tissue homogenates (ELISA).
    • Flow cytometry for immune cell phenotyping in lymphoid organs, blood, and lung.
    • Histopathology and immunohistochemistry of respiratory tissues to assess inflammation, damage, and immune cell infiltration.
    • Mucosal immunity assessment (e.g., sIgA levels).
  • Pathogen Burden Quantification
    • If applicable, quantification of viral or bacterial pathogens in relevant tissues using qPCR, culture, or other methods.
  • Gene Expression (qPCR, RNA-seq)
    Analyzing the expression of immune markers or other relevant genes in lung tissue.
  • Safety & Toxicity Assessment
    Conduct a comprehensive assessment of potential adverse effects, including histopathological examinations of major organs, clinical chemical tests, and hematological tests.

Sample Information

To facilitate accurate proposal development and study design, please provide the following information:

  • Probiotic Strain Details: Full strain name (genus, species, strain designation), source, purity, viability data, and storage conditions.
  • Desired Formulation: Preferred delivery vehicle (e.g., saline, specific excipients), concentration, and volume per dose.
  • Target Indication/Disease Model: Specific disease or condition you wish to investigate and any preferred animal models.
  • Research Objectives: Clearly state the primary and secondary objectives of the research.
  • Key Endpoints of Interest: Specific measurements you wish to obtain (e.g., inflammatory markers, microbiome changes, pathogen reduction, behavioral improvements).
  • Preliminary Data (if available): Any in vitro or pilot in vivo data.

Deliverables

Deliverable Components Content Specifications
Detailed Study Report A professionally written report detailing methods, results, statistical analysis, and conclusions.
Raw Data Files All raw data generated during the study (e.g., sequencing data, ELISA absorbance values, flow cytometry plots, clinical observation logs)
Histopathology Images & Reports (if applicable) Stained tissue slides and expert pathology interpretations.

Turnaround Time

The timing of the research depends on the complexity of the experimental design, the animal model, and the types of evaluation indicators. However, we strive for efficient project completion. We will provide a detailed timeline specific to your project in our proposal.

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Advantages of Partnering with Creative Biolabs

Specialized Expertise

A dedicated team with extensive experience in probiotic research, animal models, and respiratory/CNS biology.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Equipped with advanced instrumentation for accurate dosing, comprehensive phenotyping, and high-throughput analysis.

Customized Study Design

Flexible and tailored approaches to meet your unique research questions and product development goals.

Ethical & Compliant Research

Strict adherence to animal welfare guidelines and regulatory standards.

High-Quality Data & Robust Analysis

Rigorous experimental execution and sophisticated data analysis to ensure reliable and interpretable results.

Collaborative Approach

Transparent communication and active partnership throughout the entire research process.

Accelerated Product Development

Providing critical preclinical data to support IND applications, patent filings, and further clinical development.

Fig.3 Study on Intranasal/Inhalation Application of probiotics. (Creative Biolabs Authorized)

Mechanism of Action: How Airway-Delivered Probiotics Exert Their Effects

  • Competitive Exclusion: Probiotic strains can compete with pathogenic microorganisms for adhesion sites on mucosal surfaces and available nutrients, thereby inhibiting pathogen colonization and growth.
  • Production of Antimicrobial Substances: Many probiotic strains produce antimicrobial compounds such as bacteriocins, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and hydrogen peroxide, which can directly inhibit or kill pathogens.
  • Immunomodulation: Probiotics can interact with immune cells in the respiratory mucosa and systemic circulation, modulating both innate and adaptive immune responses.
  • Metabolic Byproducts: The metabolic activities of probiotics can produce beneficial compounds that influence host physiology, potentially even impacting distant organs through systemic absorption.
  • Direct Interaction with Neuro-Immune Pathways: For intranasal delivery, there's the potential for direct transport of probiotics or their metabolites to the central nervous system (CNS) via olfactory and trigeminal pathways, offering exciting possibilities for neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.

Applications

  • Pharmaceutical Companies: Developing novel biotherapeutics for respiratory, neurological, or systemic conditions.
  • Biotechnology Companies: Exploring new applications for existing probiotic strains or developing new ones.
  • Nutraceutical and Functional Food Companies: Seeking scientific validation for health claims related to their probiotic products.
  • Academic Researchers: Requiring specialized preclinical expertise and resources for grant-funded projects.
  • Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs): Partnering to provide comprehensive R&D support for their clients.

Ready to explore the potential of intranasal/inhalation probiotic delivery for your product? Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation with our scientific experts. Let us help you accelerate your research and bring innovative probiotic therapies to market.

FAQs

What animal models do you typically use for intranasal/inhalation probiotic studies?

We commonly utilize mice and rats for their genetic tractability and established disease models. Depending on the specific research question and regulatory requirements, we can also work with other species like guinea pigs or rabbits.

How do you ensure the viability of probiotics during administration?

We employ strict cold chain management, aseptic techniques, and optimized delivery methods to maintain probiotic viability throughout the preparation and administration process. Viability checks before and after administration are routinely performed.

Can you help with developing custom disease models for my specific research?

Yes, our scientific team has extensive experience in developing and validating custom animal models. We can work with you to establish a model that accurately reflects your target disease.

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