Feed Probiotics-Enterococcus

Enterococcus spp., a type of Gram-positive facultative anaerobic cocci, can be found in the intestinal flora. As commensals, they naturally colonize the digestive system and play a role in regulating the immune system of humans and animals. However, they also pose risks as food contaminants and have the potential to become epidemics in hospital environments due to their occasional virulence and resistance to multiple drugs. BioVenic offers a range of solutions for developing Enterococcus as feed probiotics, including strain development, safety and efficacy evaluation, fermentation solutions, quality control, and related probiotic products development.

Fig. 1 Enterococcus faecalis¹

Strain Development for Probiotic Enterococcus

• Enterococcus Isolation and Identification

Our solutions provide various products and services, such as the development of isolation culture medium, ELISA and qPCR assays, as well as assay method development. These enable the isolation and identification of potential probiotic Enterococcus strains from digesta, feces, and other samples.

• Genetic Research on Enterococcus

By studying the genome of Enterococcus, we offer information on genetic diversity, antibiotic resistance, and virulence factors at the genetic level. Whole genome sequencing of potential probiotic Enterococci can assist in evaluating the safety of Enterococcus as probiotics.

Safety and Efficacy Assessment of Probiotic Enterococcus

• Safety Assessment of Enterococcus

Although Enterococcus is occasionally used as probiotics, certain strains are important nosocomial pathogens that can cause infections like bacteraemia and endocarditis. Some Enterococcus spp. strains are resistant to antibiotics and possess virulence factors like adhesins, invasins, pili, and haemolysin. To assess the safety of Enterococcus, we employ comparative genomics and phenotypic analysis, including antibiotic resistance testing, identification of antibiotic resistance genes, and analysis of virulence factors.

To learn more, please visit the following links:

Table. 1 Names of major virulence genes carried by Enterococcus faecium³

• In Vitro Efficacy Assessment of Enterococcus as Feed Probiotics

Our in vitro efficacy assessment allows for the study of the efficacy of Enterococcus strains, helping you select the strain with the best probiotic activity in vitro. This assessment includes evaluating antimicrobial activity, tolerance to bile and acid, and inhibition of pathogenic cell adherence.

• In Vivo Probiotic Effect Study of Enterococcus

We offer a comprehensive in vivo probiotic effect study platform. Based on your research needs, we can develop various in vivo models for farm and companion animals. Additionally, we provide services such as feed analysis and animal nutrition metabolite analysis. Our expertise enables the study of safety, effectiveness, optimal dosage, and interaction effects of Enterococcus probiotics as feed additives in different animals. Our animal omics study platform also offers valuable insights into the probiotic mechanisms of Enterococcus.

Fig. 2 Mechanism of Enterococcus faecium enhancing intestinal function^2,3

Probiotic Enterococcus Fermentation Solution

We can assist you in studying the fermentation characteristics of enterococci using the culture medium components you provide or specify. Through optimization of fermentation parameters such as inoculation amount, temperature, pH, and culture medium, we can provide valuable references for large-scale production of enterococcal probiotic products.

Enterococcus Probiotics Development

Our quality control measures span the entire process of probiotic development and production. This includes ensuring strain activity and safety during Enterococcus probiotics development, as well as controlling product activity, impurity content, and raw material quality during fermentation. Based on the results of safety and efficacy studies conducted in vivo and in vitro, we provide development services for Enterococcus development. The final products are available in various forms, including liquid, freeze-dried, mixed, and encapsulated, catering to your specific needs.

Probiotic Effects of Enterococcus on Animals

The Enterococcus genus consists mainly of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) found in the gut of humans and animals. Certain Enterococcus species are used as probiotics to promote a healthy gastrointestinal microbiota and reduce inflammation. Some species can also produce bacteriocins, which inhibit the growth or kill other competing bacteria.

Table. 2 Effects of Enterococcus probiotics on animals

Feed Probiotic Enterococcus Development Workflow

Why Choose Us?

BioVenic's experienced animal nutrition and feed research team can assist you through the entire pipeline of Enterococcus strain development, safety and efficacy evaluation, fermentation method development, and finished product development. If you require the development of strains from Enterococcus spp. as animal feed additives, please contact us, and we will promptly respond to your inquiry.

References

1. From Wikipedia.
2. Image retrieved from Figure 1 "Mechanism of Enterococcus faecium enhancing intestinal function" Liu et al., 2023, used under [CC BY 4.0]. Without modification.
3. Liu, Zhi-lin, et al. "Progress in the application of Enterococcus faecium in animal husbandry." Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology 13 (2023).