Balancing carotenoid absorption and intestinal barrier function: the role of mucins and emulsifiers

• Project/Area Number: 25K08999
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 38050:Food sciences-related
• Research Institution: Kagawa University
• Principal Investigator: YONEKURA LINA 香川大学, 農学部, 教授 (20741391)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 石井 統也 香川大学, 農学部, 助教 (90847261)
• Project Period (FY): 2025-04-01 – 2028-03-31
• Project Status: Granted (Fiscal Year 2025)
• Budget Amount: ¥4,550,000 (Direct Cost: ¥3,500,000、Indirect Cost: ¥1,050,000); Fiscal Year 2027: ¥520,000 (Direct Cost: ¥400,000、Indirect Cost: ¥120,000); Fiscal Year 2026: ¥1,170,000 (Direct Cost: ¥900,000、Indirect Cost: ¥270,000); Fiscal Year 2025: ¥2,860,000 (Direct Cost: ¥2,200,000、Indirect Cost: ¥660,000)
• Keywords: carotenoid / mucin / intestinal barrier / emulsifiers

Outline of Research at the Start

Carotenoids in foods are protective factors against some degenerative diseases. However, their absorption mechanisms are not fully understood. Our previous research showed that the intestinal mucus layer may hinder carotenoid uptake by binding carotenoids. Some emulsifiers may reduce this trapping effect, but they can also impair intestinal barrier function. This study uses fluorescence spectroscopy, microstructural and rheological analysis to elucidate mucin's role in carotenoid absorption and to identify emulsifiers that enhance absorption while preserving intestinal barrier integrity.