A recent study has revealed that combining the xylanase enzyme from BIO-CAT with fiber-rich foods such as wheat bran can produce prebiotics beneficial for gut health. The study found that this xylanase, derived from the fermentation of Trichoderma longibrachiatum, effectively breaks down fiber under simulated digestive conditions, yielding prebiotics like xylooligosaccharides (XOS) and xylose, which nourish beneficial gut bacteria including Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides. Additionally, these processes can lead to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are associated with various benefits for gut health, including immune regulation.
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The proof-of-concept study titled “Xylanase from Trichoderma longibrachiatum produces xylooligosaccharides from wheat xylans under simulated human gastrointestinal conditions: a novel prebiotic strategy” was published in *Food Chemistry* in November 2025. Researchers utilized the INFOGEST in vitro Static Digestion Model to replicate human digestion, testing the xylanase enzyme on various substrates such as purified beechwood xylan, brown rice, whole wheat bran muffins, and cooked bulgur wheat.
Results indicated that the enzyme, referred to as TLX in the study, was effective in producing XOS from certain substrates, particularly beechwood xylan and wheat bran, while showing less effectiveness with less viscous foods like rice and corn. Notably, TLX produced 350 times more total XOS from bran muffin substrate compared to rice, and also reduced viscosity, which may enhance nutrient absorption. The researchers emphasized that the study is the first of its kind to demonstrate TLX's efficacy in generating prebiotic XOS from specific xylan-rich food matrices under relevant gastrointestinal conditions.
The research team advocated for further investigation of TLX, proposing a human clinical trial to assess its effects when consumed in combination with xylan-rich foods. The study also highlighted TLX's potential to increase prebiotic availability in plant-based diets.
Furthermore, principal scientist Jim Farmar, PhD, pointed out that while gut microbiota play a crucial role in gastrointestinal health, incorporating more fiber into diets, especially during the holiday season, can be challenging. He stated that this research suggests ways to enhance the benefits of fiber already consumed. Notably, 64% of Americans are reportedly trying to increase their fiber intake, up from 54% in 2021, as per the International Food Information Council's survey. Farmar concluded that simple steps, such as enhancing fiber consumption, can significantly impact gut health.