Investigating the potential to source novel postbiotics with anti-microbial or immune-modulatory activity from distillery waste

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to find a novel source for antimicrobial and immunomodulatory compounds. Here we investigate the antimicrobial and immunomodulatory potential of postbiotics sourced from whisky distillation. With the increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and rising incidence of chronic inflammatory conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) there is an urgent and pressing need to identify new sources of antimicrobial and immune-modulators which can either directly target bacteria or modify the immune response. Indeed, every year the incidents of deaths attributed to multidrug resistance MDR strains of bacteria increases, and the critical need for novel antimicrobials rises. Chronic conditions like IBD can stem from a dysregulation of the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and host immune system, with overactivation of the immune system being linked to an altered gut bacterial microbiome, in particular an increase in pathogenic strains. Central to this inflammatory response are the resident macrophages, the first responders of the immune system. Thus, this study investigated the antimicrobial potential of postbiotics sourced from whisky distillation waste and furthermore, their ability to modulate the macrophage inflammatory response. Results revealed significant antimicrobial properties, both inhibitory and bactericidal. Additionally, the postbiotics demonstrated immunomodulatory effects by enhancing cytokine activity, particularly inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses, and significantly increasing macrophage phagocytosis. These findings suggest potential immune training activity by novel postbiotic samples, highlighting their relevance and encouraging further research for potential human health benefits