Model nutraceuticals and gut microbiota

The balance of the gut microbiota is fundamental for human health because it directly influences many essential biological processes. The gut hosts trillions of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea) that together form a dynamic ecosystem. When this ecosystem is balanced, it supports homeostasis, but when it is disturbed (a state called dysbiosis), it can contribute to disease.

Nutraceuticals are designed to promote health, prevent disease, and support the body’s functions naturally through bioactive compounds derived from food (dietary supplements, functional foods, herbal extracts).

Many nutraceuticals act through the intestinal ecosystem, and in turn the microbiota can influence how nutraceuticals work in the body.

The characterization of the impact of a nutraceutical in development on the gut microbiota is crucial, because this interaction often determines the nutraceutical’s efficacy, safety, and market value.

At Vibiosphen, we provide a robust model to support the development of novel nutraceuticals. Our model is designed to generate clinically relevant data that help pharmaceutical, and biotechnology companies accelerate food supplement discovery.
 

Background of Model nutraceuticals and gut microbiota

A balanced gut microbiota acts like an organ of its own, supporting digestion, immunity, metabolism, skin and even brain function. Maintaining this balance is key to long-term health.
Nutraceuticals can shape the microbiota composition and function, while the microbiota transforms nutraceuticals into active compounds that benefit the host.

This model allows you to explore the two-way relationship that exists between nutraceuticals and the gut microbiota. 
 

Mouse Model nutraceuticals and gut microbiota

• The primary mouse lineages used in preclinical studies are inbred strains known for their genetic uniformity, which minimizes experimental variability.
  • C57BL/6 mice 
  • BALB/c mice
• Outbred mice, unlike their inbred counterparts, are maintained in large, randomly bred colonies to maximize genetic variation. This heterogeneity makes each mouse genetically unique.
  • CD-1 (also known as ICR) mice
  • Swiss mice
     

Readouts in the model nutraceuticals and gut microbiota

• Primary endpoints
  • Microbiota composition (metagenomic)
  • Microbial function (metabolomic)
  • Gut barrier integrity: (FITC-dextran) 
  • Inflammation (blood, colon)
     
• Secondary endpoints
  • Gut-brain axis (fecal tryptophan metabolites).

• Tissue and sample collection
  • Feces
  • Intestinal segments
  • Blood
     

Why Choose Vibiosphen?

• Proven expertise in infectious disease research
• Flexible and customized study designs adapted to sponsor requirements (see downloads available as example) 
• Advanced facilities to ensure reliable and reproducible results (BSL2 and BSL3) 
• Strong collaborations with pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and academic partners

Vibiosphen combines scientific excellence with industry know-how to deliver actionable preclinical data that drive innovation in infectious disease therapeutics.

Contact Us

If you are developing new treatments or vaccines against pulmonary infections, Vibiosphen can help accelerate your research.

Contact us today to discuss your project and explore how our pulmonary infection models can support your development strategy. 

We will be pleased to facilitate your project by providing a customized study design to your project objectives.