Silver carp by-product hydrolysate: A promising mucin substitute for stimulating Akkermansia muciniphila growth and metabolic activity

Abstract

This study explores the potential of silver carp by-product hydrolysate (SCBH) as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to mucin for cultivating Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk), a beneficial probiotic known to help prevent metabolic diseases like obesity, type II diabetes, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Traditionally, Akk relies on mucin in BHI medium, which is expensive and poses potential risks, including the transmission of swine influenza and restrictions due to religious considerations. We evaluated SCBH's effects on Akk's growth, morphology, and metabolic activity, focusing on short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production and the underlying mechanisms through which SCBH influences its growth and metabolism. Metabolomic analysis revealed that SCBH significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced propionic, butyric, and isovaleric acid production by 19.05%, 332.33%, and 35.88%, respectively. Additionally, SCBH promoted the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acid, supported amino acid metabolism, and increased taurine production while inhibiting ferroptosis, which may collectively enhancing Akk's probiotic potential. SCBH also preserved Akk's key morphological traits. These findings demonstrate SCBH's efficacy as a mucin substitute, offering a novel and sustainable strategy for valorizing silver carp by-products and advancing Akk cultivation. This research provides mechanistic insights into SCBH's role in optimizing Akk's metabolic and functional properties.