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Puhlmann et al. Microbiome Res Rep 2024;3:28 Microbiome Research
DOI: 10.20517/mrr.2024.04
Reports

Original Article Open Access

Analysis of the fermentation kinetics and gut
microbiota modulatory effect of dried chicory root

reveals the impact of the plant-cell matrix
rationalizing its conversion in the distal colon

2
Marie-Luise Puhlmann 1,2 , Ember van de Rakt , Evangelia N. Kerezoudi 3,4 , Ignacio Rangel 3 , Robert J.
5
Brummer 3 , Hauke Smidt 1 , Frederik S. Kaper , Willem M. de Vos 1,6
1
Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen 6708 WE, the Netherlands.
2
Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen 6708 WE, the Netherlands.
3
Nutrition-Gut-Brain Interactions Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro
University, Örebro 70182, Sweden.
4
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, Athens 17671, Greece.
5
WholeFiber BV, Emmeloord 8300 BA, the Netherlands.
6
Human Microbiome Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
Correspondence to: Marie-Luise Puhlmann, Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4,
Wageningen 6708 WE, the Netherlands. E-mail: marie-luise.puhlmann@wur.nl
How to cite this article: Puhlmann ML, van de Rakt E, Kerezoudi EN, Rangel I, Brummer RJ, Smidt H, Kaper FS, de Vos WM.
Analysis of the fermentation kinetics and gut microbiota modulatory effect of dried chicory root reveals the impact of the plant-cell
matrix rationalizing its conversion in the distal colon. Microbiome Res Rep 2024;3:28. https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/mrr.2024. 04

Received: 15 Jan 2024 First Decision: 21 Feb 2024 Revised: 4 Apr 2024 Accepted: 19 Apr 2024 Published: 26 Apr 2024

Academic Editor: Maria L. Marco Copy Editor: Pei-Yun Wang Production Editor: Pei-Yun Wang

Abstract
Aim: The cell matrix of plant foods has received little attention in prebiotic fiber research. We aimed to understand
the impact of the plant cell matrix in dried chicory root on its breakdown in the human gut to explain its reported
beneficial effects on gut and metabolic health.
Methods: We applied in vitro digestion and fermentation models together with an ex vivo gut barrier integrity
model. Plant cell matrix intactness in the upper gastrointestinal tract was investigated by scanning electron
microscopy. Colonic breakdown of inulin, and chicory root cubes and powder was assessed by gut microbiota
analysis using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and determining the kinetics of changes in pH, gas, and short-
chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. Finally, effects on gut barrier integrity were explored by exposing colonic

© The Author(s) 2024. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
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