Distinct Limosilactobacillus reuteri microcapsule models: construction and therapeutic evaluation in DSS-induced colitis mice

The limited stability of L. reuteri in liquid formulations during storage, transport, and gastrointestinal transit presents a major challenge for its application as a probiotic. To address this, our study developed two distinct microcapsulation models for L. reuteri A-1, tailored for specific release profiles: slow-release and quick-release model. Utilizing single-factor experiments and response surface methodology, we optimized the encapsulation process, achieving a maximum embedding efficiency of 88.64% for the slow-release model. The quick-release model demonstrated a high cumulative release rate of 83.3%. Structural characterization revealed microcapsules with dense, smooth surfaces and internal porous structures. Storage stability tests confirmed that low temperature (4 °C) best preserved viability. In the DSS-induced murine colitis model, the quick-release model significantly alleviated disease symptoms, including weight loss, colon shortening, inflammatory cytokine imbalance, and mucosal damage. 16S rRNA analysis further showed that the quick-release system helped restore the gut microbiota of colitis mice to a state closer to that of healthy controls. This work establishes a novel technological platform for the controlled release and targeted delivery of probiotics, holding significant promise for the development of live biotherapeutic products.