Camel milk extracellular vesicles as a promising antibiotic alternative: gastrointestinal stability, antimicrobial, and immunoregulatory activities

The increasing demand for sustainable alternatives to in-feed antibiotics in animal production underscores the scarcity of thorough research on natural bioactive carriers that endure gastrointestinal digestion and offer multiple benefits. This study explored the potential of camel milk extracellular vesicles (CM-EVs) as natural alternatives to antibiotics in animal production. The research evaluated the gastrointestinal stability and multifunctional properties of CM-EVs through in vitro analysis. Simulated digestion experiments revealed that CM-EVs maintained their structural integrity throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, they exhibited significant dose-dependent antioxidant activity and demonstrated effective antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis. In macrophage models, CM-EVs enhanced cell viability and selectively reduced the release of IL-1β and IL-6, without affecting TNF-α levels. These results indicate that CM-EVs are stable during digestion and possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties, highlighting their potential as a natural supplement to enhance animal health and reduce reliance on conventional antibiotics.