Development of novel Immunosynbiotics with wakame utilizing immunobiotics and immunogenics

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K14982
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 42010:Animal production science-related
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: Zhou Binghui 東北大学, 農学研究科, 助教 (70906031)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: Immunobiotics / Wakame / L. salivarius / immunogenic

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In order to minimize the impact of antibiotic resistance in livestock production, microbial materials with immuno-modulatory functions have been proposed to be promising candidates for antibiotic substitutes. Immunosynbiotics, a combination of immunomodulatory microorganisms (immunobiotics) and immunomodulatory food materials (immunoprebiotics), may have synergetic effects to protect animals from pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Wakame is a prospective material for immunoprebiotics, promoting growth of lactobacilli, which have been proved to have in vitro immunomodulatory ability. To improve the effectiveness of immunosynbiotics in the gut health of pigs, I aim to determine sugar utilization profiles and host immune modulatory patterns using biochemical, genomic, and immunological approach. Finally, the efficacy of the developed immunosynbiotics will be evaluated using in vitro and in vivo porcine models to improve the healthy growth of antibiotic-independent porcine production.

Free Research Field

Animal Science

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、イムノシンバイオティクスが抗生物質代替として有効であることを実証し、ワカメと乳酸菌の組み合わせが豚の腸内環境を改善することを明らかにしました。特に、免疫反応の向上と腸内微生物叢の変化で、持続可能な畜産方法への貢献が期待されます。ゲノム解析による乳酸菌のワカメ利用も微生物の理解を深める成果です。ワカメを飼料にすることで抗生物質使用を減らし、耐性菌の拡大を防ぐことが可能です。また、東日本大震災後の宮城県経済復興に寄与し、地域経済の活性化にもつながります。持続可能な畜産業の発展に向けた新しい飼料開発として、広く社会に良い影響を与えることが期待されます。