Reducing Intestinal Digestion and Absorption of Fat Using a Nature-Derived Biopolymer: Interference of Triglyceride Hydrolysis by Nanocellulose

Abstract

Engineered nanomaterials are increasingly added to foods to improve quality, safety, or nutrition. Here we report the ability of ingested nanocellulose (NC) materials to reduce digestion and absorption of ingested fat. In the small intestinal phase of an acellular simulated gastrointestinal tract, the hydrolysis of free fatty acids (FFA) from triglycerides (TG) in a high-fat food model was reduced by 48.4% when NC was added at 0.75% w/w to the food, as quantified by pH stat titration, and by 40.1% as assessed by fluorometric FFA assay. Furthermore, translocation of TG and FFA across an in vitro cellular model of the intestinal epithelium was significantly reduced by the presence of 0.75% w/w NC in the food (TG by 52% and FFA by 32%). Finally, in in vivo experiments, the postprandial rise in serum TG 1 h after gavage with the high fat food model was reduced by 36% when 1.0% w/w NC was administered with the food. Scanning electron microscopy and molecular dynamics studies suggest two primary mechanisms for this effect: (1) coalescence of fat droplets on fibrillar NC (CNF) fibers, resulting in a reduction of available surface area for lipase binding and (2) sequestration of bile salts, causing impaired interfacial displacement of proteins at the lipid droplet surface and impaired solubilization of lipid digestion products. Together these findings suggest a potential use for NC, as a food additive or supplement, to reduce absorption of ingested fat and thereby assist in weight loss and the management of obesity.

Synthesis, physicochemical properties, and health aspects of structured lipids: A review

“…For example, most recently, Deloid et al. () have demonstrated the delaying effect of fibrillar nanocellulose (NC) on TAG digestion and absorption by adopting a series of in vitro (a simulated GIT and a small intestinal epithelial model) and in vivo (a rat gavage model) approaches. They also explored the possible mechanisms through particle size analysis, SEM observation, and molecular dynamics simulation.…”

“…They also explored the possible mechanisms through particle size analysis, SEM observation, and molecular dynamics simulation. Furthermore, it is indicated that the chemical structure of lipids (for example, fatty acid unsaturation and chain length) may affect lipid digestion in the presence of NC, but no definite conclusion could be made due to complex food matrix in their studies (Deloid et al., ). SLs can be produced with modified fatty acid composition and/or positional distribution, and we have also discussed their metabolic properties in relation to nutritional values.…”

“…In fact, lipid digestion and adsorption in a real food system under physiological conditions are much more complicated, which requires further in-depth investigations with more advanced methods. For example, most recently, Deloid et al (2018) have demonstrated the delaying effect of fibrillar nanocellulose (NC) on TAG digestion and absorption by adopting a series of in vitro (a simulated GIT and a small intestinal epithelial model) and in vivo (a rat gavage model) approaches. They also explored the possible mechanisms through particle size analysis, SEM observation, and molecular dynamics simulation.…”

Are cellulose nanocrystals “alien particles” to human experience?

“…In particular, CNCs have been shown to be very interesting barrier coatings, capable of further reducing the gas permeability than synthetic polymers (eg, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)) to a much thinner thickness . In addition, no studies to date have demonstrated any dangerousness of the CNCs, and recent results suggested that cellulose nanoparticles might potentially be used as useful antimicrobial packaging materials as well as regulators of lipid absorption; in particular, used as food additives or supplements, they might provide a safe and nonchemical means of reducing fat absorption, thus allowing weight loss …”

“…6,7 In addition, no studies to date have demonstrated any dangerousness of the CNCs, 4,8 and recent results suggested that cellulose nanoparticles might potentially be used as useful antimicrobial packaging materials as well as regulators of lipid absorption; in particular, used as food additives or supplements, they might provide a safe and nonchemical means of reducing fat absorption, thus allowing weight loss. 9,10 CNCs are nanoparticles whose shape and dimensions are largely influenced by the type of cellulosic sources and processes used for their fragmentation. However, they are generally reported as rod-like particles, with length of 100 to 200 nm and width of 5 to 10 nm.…”