A montmorillonite-based oral fermentation system enables long-lasting in-situ biosynthesis to restore intestinal homeostasis.

MOFS was fabricated by loading metabolic substrates into montmorillonite's lamellar structure via cation replacement and adsorbing substrate-related bacteria through electrostatic interactions.

• Montmorillonite's layered silicate structure enabled incorporation of metabolic substrates via cation replacement
• Bacteria were adsorbed onto the montmorillonite surface through electrostatic interactions
• The fabrication strategy combined both substrate loading and bacterial carrier functions in a single clay-based platform

The water-impermeable property and mucoadhesive ability of montmorillonite provided MOFS with high oral availability and extended retention in the gut.

• Montmorillonite's water-impermeable property was identified as a key factor in oral availability
• Mucoadhesive ability of montmorillonite contributed to extended gut retention
• These physicochemical properties distinguished MOFS from conventional probiotic or substrate delivery approaches

MOFS enabled long-term and efficient in-situ biosynthesis of beneficial metabolites in the intestine through continuous substrate release and bacterial biofilm formation.

• Continuous release of loaded substrates was achieved from the montmorillonite lamellar structure
• Carried bacteria formed biofilms within the intestine, supporting sustained metabolite production
• The combination of substrate release and biofilm formation enabled what the authors describe as 'long-term yet efficient synthesis of beneficial metabolites'

MOFS comprehensively improved gut microbiota composition, suppressed intestinal inflammation, and increased gut barrier integrity.

• Three distinct aspects of intestinal homeostasis were positively affected: microbiota composition, inflammation, and barrier integrity
• Suppression of intestinal inflammation was demonstrated as one of the primary outcomes
• Increased integrity of the gut barrier was reported as a measurable endpoint of MOFS treatment

In murine models of imbalanced intestinal homeostasis, MOFS demonstrated superior efficacy compared to clinical therapeutics in alleviating associated symptoms.

• Multiple murine models of imbalanced intestinal homeostasis were used to evaluate MOFS
• MOFS performance was directly compared against clinical therapeutics
• MOFS showed superior efficacy over clinical comparators in alleviating disease-associated symptoms