Bacterial Cellulose In Vitro Uptake by Macrophages, Epithelial Cells, and a Triculture Model of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Biomacromolecules. 2024 Oct 14;25(10):6748-6761. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00972. Epub 2024 Sep 21.

Abstract

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has a long-standing human consumption history in different geographies without any report of adverse effects. Despite its unique textural and functional properties, the use of BC in food products in Europe is still restricted due to concerns over its nanosize. Here, we evaluated the potential uptake of celluloses (from plant and microbial sources, processed using different blenders) by macrophages (differentiated THP-1 cells) and human intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2 and HT29-MTX cells) without (coculture) or with (triculture) Raji-B cells. A carbohydrate-binding module coupled to a green fluorescent protein was employed to observe cellulose in the cell cultures by confocal laser scanning microscopy and stimulated emission depletion microscopy. The methodology demonstrated excellent sensitivity, allowing detection of single nanocrystals within cells. All celluloses were taken up by the macrophages, without significantly compromising the cell's metabolic viability. The viability of the cocultures was also not affected. Furthermore, no internalization was observed in the triculture cell model that was exposed 24 h to BC and Avicel LM310. When (rarely) detected, cellulose particles were found on the apical side of the membrane. Overall, the obtained results suggest that BC should not be absorbed into the human gut.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Caco-2 Cells
  • Cellulose* / metabolism
  • Coculture Techniques / methods
  • Epithelial Cells* / metabolism
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / metabolism
  • HT29 Cells
  • Humans
  • Macrophages* / metabolism
  • THP-1 Cells

Substances

  • Cellulose