Stabilized probiotics for tube‑feeding formulas
Stabilization of therapeutic microbes for inclusion in a liquid matrix for delivery to the intestines
Researchers are developing a way to keep helpful probiotic microbes alive in liquid tube‑feeding formulas so people on enteral feeding can get gut protection even while taking antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vitakey, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11256307 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you rely on tube feeding and take antibiotics, this team is working to add probiotics directly into ready‑to‑use liquid feeding formulas in a form that survives storage and the digestive tract. They plan to create a protective liquid matrix around the microbes and run laboratory tests to measure how long the probiotics stay alive in formula and during antibiotic exposure. The project includes simulated digestion and preclinical testing to show the microbes can reach the intestines intact. The goal is to confirm the probiotics can help prevent antibiotic‑associated diarrhea and support nutrient absorption.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people who receive liquid enteral (tube) feeding and are currently taking or expected to take systemic antibiotics.
Not a fit: People who do not use enteral feeding or who have contraindications to probiotics—such as severe immunosuppression or certain critical‑care infections—may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce antibiotic‑associated diarrhea, improve nutrient absorption, and improve quality of life for people on enteral feeding.
How similar studies have performed: Previous probiotic trials for antibiotic‑associated diarrhea have had mixed results, and putting stabilized probiotics directly into liquid tube‑feeding formulas is a relatively new approach with limited clinical data.
Where this research is happening
Washington, United States
- Vitakey, INC. — Washington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anselmo, Aaron C — Vitakey, INC.
- Study coordinator: Anselmo, Aaron C
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.