Beneficial Effects of Phytogenic Feed Additives on Epithelial Barrier Integrity in an In Vitro Co-Culture Model of the Piglet Gut

Industrial farming of livestock is increasingly focused on high productivity and performance. As a result, concerns are growing regarding the safety of food and feed, and the sustainability involved in their production. Therefore, research in areas such as animal health, welfare, and the effects of feed additives on animals is of significant importance. In this study, an in vitro co-culture model of the piglet gut was used to investigate the effects of two phytogenic feed additives (PFA) with similar compositions. Intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) were co-cultivated with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to model the complex porcine gut environment in vitro. The effects of treatments on epithelial barrier integrity were assessed by means of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) in the presence of an inflammatory challenge. Protective effects of PFA administration were observed, depending on treatment duration and the model compartment. After 48 h, TEER values were significantly increased by 12–13% when extracts of the PFA were applied to the basolateral compartment (p < 0.05; n = 4), while no significant effects on cell viability were observed. No significant differences in the activity of a PFA based mainly on pure chemical compounds versus a PFA based mainly on complex, natural essential oils, and extracts were found. Overall, the co-culture model was used successfully to investigate and demonstrate beneficial effects of PFAs on intestinal epithelial barrier function during an inflammatory challenge in vitro. In addition, it demonstrates that the two PFAs are equivalent in effect. This study provides useful insights for further research on porcine gut health status even without invasive in vivo trials.