Integrative Analysis of the Gut Microbiota and Metabolome for In Vitro Human Gut Fermentation Modeling

This study aimed to find the best in vitro fermentation method by integrative analysis of the gut microbiota and metabolome. We selected five different media: brain heart infusion broth, Luria–Bertani broth, Mueller–Hinton broth, anaerobe basal broth, and anaerobic medium base (AMB). After in vitro fermentation, the gut microbiota and metabolites were analyzed at different culture times. The results showed that different culture media have different effects on the bacterial community structure and metabolites. The integrative analysis of gut microbiota and metabolism also proved that AMB medium is effective in keeping a stable bacterial community structure and producing less metabolites and short-chain fatty acids by simulating the nutrient-poor microenvironment in the human gut during in vitro fermentation. Thus, culturing with AMB medium for 48 h is the most suitable in vitro model for human gut microbiota fermentation, which provides an alternative approach for diet and health research.