DuPont demonstrates impact of strain specificity on HMO utilization

Major strain specific adaptations in Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis Bi-26™ proves efficient utilization of HMOs

Continuing its leading research on human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences released the findings of a new study demonstrating the importance of probiotic strain specificity, even within a sub-species, when related to efficient utilization of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs).

Several species of Bifidobacterium have been shown to utilize HMOs, but little work has been done to study utilization variations within the species or sub-species. This study examined two strains of B. infantis, a prevalent species in the guts of breastfed infants.

The study found that B. infantis Bi-26™ has a unique strategy to quickly utilize 2-Fucolsyllactose (2’-FL), 3’-FL and difucosyllactose (DFL) which results in faster growth, unique metabolite production, and a distinct global gene transcription response when compared to the type strain ATCC 15697 (reference strain for the B. infantis subspecies).

“We are excited to further the research on defining the individual strain’s role within the complex system of the microbiome. It is essential to understand the numerous interactions affecting our health throughout life which can eventually be used as a guide to develop products for supplementation,” stated the study’s lead author, Bryan Zabel, assistant scientist, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences.

“Our research helps us to further understand the interactions between probiotic strains and HMOs and allows us to develop targeted health products,” said Dr. Ratna Mukherjea, Technical Fellow and Technology & Innovation Leader, Specialized Nutrition, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences. “This study marks a significant advancement in DuPont’s work in early life nutrition.”