# Stabilization of therapeutic microbes for inclusion in a liquid matrix for delivery to the intestines

> **NIH NIH R43** · VITAKEY, INC. · 2023 · $295,924

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Enteral feeding (EF) is an essential medical procedure used to supply nutrients directly to the
gastrointestinal (GI) tract of patients who are unable to eat independently. EF formula is often
purchased as a ready-to-use liquid that contains carbohydrates, protein, fats, and micronutrients
to ensure adequate nutritional benefit for the patient. The addition of therapeutic probiotics to
EF formula has been shown to improve patient health and recovery, while reducing the cost
burden to patients and hospitals. However, specific challenges remain which have prevented
widespread use. These include:
 an instability of probiotics in nutrient rich, complex liquid mediums, including
 high fat, salt, or sugar liquids and biphasic systems such as emulsions and
 collo ids,
 a narrow list of compatible probiotics with marginal therapeutic benefit,
 a risk of cross-contamination during handling/reconstitution of powder probiotics,
 sedimentation/aggregation of probiotics, causing blockage of the feeding tube,
 inactivation of the probiotics by the acidic stomach environment, and
 a lack of proper adhesion and growth in the gastrointestinal tract.
A platform drug delivery technology which encapsulates cells and stabilizes the compounds
during storage and digestion while facilitating both mucoadhesion and direct growth on intestinal
surfaces has previously been developed and will be optimized for use in liquid EF nutritional
formula in this proposal. Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001, a microbe reported to support gut
health and the immune system, will be coated with the platform technology and evaluated for
performance and shelf life stability in a complex liquid EF formula. Furthermore, multiple
excipients with moisture barrier features will be explored in an effort to extend the liquid shelf
life stability.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10603190
- **Project number:** 1R43GM146506-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** VITAKEY, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Aaron C Anselmo
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $295,924
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2023-02-01 → 2024-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10603190

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10603190, Stabilization of therapeutic microbes for inclusion in a liquid matrix for delivery to the intestines (1R43GM146506-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10603190. Licensed CC0.

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