Probiotic Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 spores exhibit excellent in-vitro functional efficacy in simulated gastric survival, mucosal adhesion and immunomodulation

Probiotic Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 spores were evaluated in-vitro for their ability to survive simulated digestion, adhesion to colonic cells and immunomodulatory properties. The spores showed significant survival (92%) during simulated digestion and substantially adhered to the human colonic cells HT-29 (86%) and LS174T (81%) compared with the L. acidophilus control. They exerted marked immunomodulatory effects in HT-29 cells, by reducing IL-8 and increasing IL-10 secretion. Moreover, they exhibited pronounced differential immunomodulatory efficacy in response to lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation under co-treatment (increased IL-10 and reduced IL-8) relative to post-treatment (reduced IL-8 with no IL-10 detection) in HT-29 cells. This observation supports the application of B. coagulans spores before or during the onset of inflammation to maximise the probiotic benefits in treating inflammatory bowel conditions. The results provide additional evidence of the probiotic properties of B. coagulans spores and support their incorporation into functional foods for improved gut health.