In Vivo Digestion of Pectin Emulsion for Colon-Targeted Delivery of Short-Chain Fatty Acids

This study aimed to deliver tripropionin (TP) and tributyrin (TB) as sources of propionic acid (PA) and butyric acid (BA), respectively, into the colon using an oil-in-water emulsion stabilized by citrus pectin. The INFOGEST in vitro digestion method and ileal-cannulated pig model were combined to evaluate the stability of a pectin-stabilized short-chain triglyceride delivery system through the stomach and small intestine and its delivery of PA and BA to the large intestine. After in vitro intestinal digestion, the release of PA and BA and lipolysis were approximately 40%, while in vivo, the lipolysis degree was around 50% at the terminal ileum. A high proportion of TP and TB remained after the in vivo intestinal digestion (∼50%), indicating successful delivery of PA and BA into the colon. In feces, TP and TB were not detected, showing complete hydrolysis of TP and TB and release of PA and BA in the colon.