Food-grade cationic antimicrobial ε-polylysine transiently alters the gut microbial community and predicted metagenome function in CD-1 mice

Abstract

Diet is an important factor influencing the composition and function of the gut microbiome, but the effect of antimicrobial agents present within foods is currently not understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of the food-grade cationic antimicrobial ε-polylysine on the gut microbiome structure and predicted metagenomic function in a mouse model. The relative abundances of predominant phyla and genera, as well as the overall community structure, were perturbed in response to the incorporation of dietary ε-polylysine. Unexpectedly, this modification to the gut microbiome was experienced transiently and resolved to the initial basal composition at the final sampling point. In addition, a differential non-random assembly was observed in the microbiomes characterized from male and female co-housed animals, although their perturbation trajectories in response to diet remain consistent. In conclusion, antimicrobial ε-polylysine incorporated into food systems transiently alters gut microbial communities in mice, as well as their predicted function. This indicates a dynamic but resilient microbiome that adapts to microbial-active dietary components.

Supplementation of oligosaccharide-based polymer enhanced growth and disease resistance of weaned pigs by modulating intestinal integrity and systemic immunity

“…Thus, the blood group A antigen in Coligo may affect the composition and function of microbial communities when fed to pigs. Moreover, recent studies demonstrated that dietary supplementation of ε-PL altered ileal microbiota structure and function in pigs [ 58 ] and fecal microbial community in mice [ 59 ]. ε-PL supplementation may promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the intestinal tract, therefore, reducing the proliferation of pathogens.…”

Food Preservatives Induce Proteobacteria Dysbiosis in Human-Microbiota Associated Nod2-Deficient Mice

“…Irwin et al [14] showed on four probiotic strains that sulphites may in vitro inhibit bacterial growth at concentrations regarded as safe. Another group showed that antimicrobial biopolymer ε-polylysine could trigger transient compositional alterations in the mouse gut microbiome [15]. Our recent in vitro research on human gut isolates demonstrates that some gut microbes are highly susceptible to commonly used antimicrobial food additives.…”

Impact of Food Additives on Gut Homeostasis

“…Another commonly applied agent is the cationic homopolymer ε-polylysine, certified as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) and used in food processing in United States, Korea and Japan. Daily intake of ε-polylysine for 1, 5 and 9 weeks at the dose of 1.4 × 10 −6 g/g body weight in mice, which corresponds to the U.S. average per capita annual consumption of soft drinks, perturbs transiently both composition and function of gut microbiome [56]. Although the initial microbiota can be re-established at the end of the ε-polylysine-enriched-diet [56], this observation raises the possibility that prolonged intake of this agent may trigger permanent alterations of microbial composition and induce colitis.…”