A combination of a xylanase enzyme and fiber-rich foods may produce probiotics during digestion, a new study demonstrates.1 The enzyme used in the study, a non-GMO xylanase enzyme from BIO-CAT, contained enzyme concentrate derived from the fermentation of Trichoderma longibrachiatum. Under simulated digestive conditions, the enzyme was shown to break down fiber and produce natural prebiotics, xylooligosaccharides (XOS) and xylose, which help feed beneficial gut bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and Bacteroide. Additionally, the study notes that this can result in a production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which provide various gut health benefits, such as gut homeostasis and immune regulation.
Study design
The proof-of-concept study, “
Researchers used the INFOGEST in vitro Static Digestion Model to simulate human digestion. The substrates used for the xylanase enzyme testing included purified beechwood xylan (BX), brown rice with salt, whole wheat bran muffins, cooked whole bulgur wheat, and more.
Results: XOS production
TLX showed XOS producing activity on certain substrates including beechwood xylan, wheat bran, bulgur wheat, rye, spelt, farro, barley, wheat germ, oat bran, and flaxseed. TLX showed less activity for the less viscous foods such as rice, corn, casava, sorghum, and seaweed powders. For example, TLX released 350-fold more total XOS from bran muffin substrate than from the rice.
TLX also reduced viscosity, potentially helping to improve nutrient absorption.
“This study is the first to demonstrate that TLX, a GH11 xylanase from Trichoderma longibrachiatum, produced prebiotic XOS DP2–6, SMW xylans, and xylose from selected xylan-rich food matrices under physiologically relevant gastrointestinal conditions simulated by the INFOGEST protocol,” the researchers stated.
Results from the study supported continued investigation of TLX as a potential novel prebiotic enzyme, the researchers concluded. A human clinical trial would be the next step in the investigation, they add, to assess whether supplementation with a capsule containing a mixture of TLX and a xylans-rich food can generate XOS in a human gastrointestinal tract.
The results also suggested TLX showed potential for increasing prebiotic availability in plant-based diets.
Impact on digestive health
The study notes that gut microbiota are a significant factor in gastrointestinal health and immunity. However, supporting gut health and consuming nutritional foods during the holiday season can be difficult, the press release explains. “Most people want to eat healthier, but it’s not always easy to get enough fiber—especially around the holidays,” explained principal scientist Jim Farmar, PhD in a December 2, 2025, press release from BIO-CAT.2 “This research shows that we may be able to make the fiber people already eat more beneficial for both the microbiome and for their health.”
The press release also noted that changes to consumers’ diets would not be necessary, as the enzyme supplement can be added to fiber-rich foods.
“As we head into a season of heavy meals and indulgence, it’s a great reminder that supporting your gut doesn’t have to be complicated,” he added. “Small steps—like getting more fiber—can make a big difference.”
References
- Best, CH.; Qu, Y.; Tinker, KM.; Madden, En.; Farmar, JG. Xylanase from Trichoderma longibrachiatum produces xylooligosaccharides from wheat xylans under simulated human gastrointestinal conditions: a novel prebiotic strategy. Food Chemistry. 2025. 496(3). DOI:
10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.146916 . - BIO-CAT. Heading into the Holidays, Experts say Americans Should Focus on Fiber. December 2, 2025.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/heading-into-the-holidays-experts-say-americans-should-focus-on-fiber-302630600.html?tc=eml_cleartime (accessed 2025-12-02). - Krawiec, S. Is fiber poised to surpass protein as a top nutrient? November 20, 2025.
https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/is-fiber-poised-to-surpass-protein-as-a-top-nutrient- (accessed 2025-12-02).