Thyme oil (TO) is emerging as a promising candidate to counteract antimicrobial resistance due to its renowned antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, rapid gastric absorption of its bioactive compounds limits its intestinal delivery, where its action is required, so the protection of these components is necessary. This pilot study optimized TO-loaded emulsions for targeted intestinal release. High-shear homogenization and membrane emulsification were compared to formulate single oil in water (O/W) and double water in oil in water (W/O/W) emulsions, screening emulsifiers (lecithin, Tween 20, Tween 80) and functional biopolymers (pectin, sodium alginate). High-shear homogenization with lecithin (0.5%), pectin (1.80%), and sodium alginate (0.2%) yielded stable submicron O/W emulsion (Span = 0.5; d(v,0.5) = 0.21 µm), achieving electrostatic stabilization (ζ-potential = −51.5 ± 1.5 mV) at a target poultry dosage. A pH-responsive behavior was observed: protective hydrogel formed in gastric conditions (d(v,0.5) = 2.64 µm) and maintained stability at intestinal pH (d(v,0.5) = 3.03 µm). Membrane emulsification enabled precise droplet control under mild conditions, producing monodisperse O/W emulsions (d(v,0.5) = 38–59 µm; Span ≤ 1.0) and W/O/W double emulsions (d(v,0.5) = 26.5 µm; Span = 0.6) with ultra-low interfacial tension (0.52 mN·m⁻¹). Repeated membrane passes reduced droplet size to ~6.6 µm. These systems represent a foundational step toward bioactive intestinal delivery, providing a viable antibiotic-free strategy for sustainable livestock production.

L-lysine (L-Lys) is the first-limiting amino acid in swine nutrition, but free-form supplements exhibit poor intestinal absorption, reducing their bioavailability. This study aimed to enhance the gastric retention, controlled intestinal release, and systemic availability of L-Lys by optimizing solid lipid microcapsules (SLMs). SLMs were formulated using hydrogenated triglycerides (C16:0 or C18:1), free fatty acids, and varying emulsifier concentrations. Gastric retention and intestinal release were evaluated in vitro under simulated gastrointestinal conditions (a pepsin buffer at pH 5.0 for 2 h, followed by a pancreatin buffer at pH 6.5 for up to 8 h at 39 °C). SLMs with hydrogenated triglycerides showed significantly higher gastric retention (94–95%) than those with free fatty acids (48%). Specifically, C16:0 triglyceride-based SLMs achieved 74% intestinal release, which was enhanced to 90% with 1% emulsifier. This refined formulation was subsequently evaluated in vivo using weaned pigs (three groups; n = 4) fed a basal cornmeal diet. The treatments included a single oral administration of saline solution (placebo), free L-Lys (0.17 g/kg BW), or L-Lys SLMs (0.38 g/kg BW, equally providing L-Lys at 0.17 g/kg BW). The SLMs delayed the L-Lys plasma peak (T. max. 3–4 h vs. 1 h) and significantly increased the total L-Lys amount in the plasma over 24 h, demonstrating the enhanced relative bioavailability of encapsulated L-Lys.

Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between the chemical composition of Yucca schidigera saponins and their antimicrobial and anticoccidial activities against Clostridium perfringens and Eimeria tenella . Methods: Extracts of Y. schidigera were obtained using 100% methanol (MeOH), 50% MeOH, and water, and characterized by LC–HRMS to identify saponins. Multivariate analyses (PLS–DA and OPLS-DA) were performed to assess chemical differences among extracts. In vitro assays were conducted to evaluate antimicrobial activity against C. perfringens and anticoccidial activity against E. tenella . The most active extract was fractionated into three saponin-enriched subfractions, and ridge regression was applied to link chemical composition to bioactivity. Results: LC–HRMS identified multiple saponins in all extracts, with chemical differences among solvents. The 100% and 50% MeOH extracts inhibited C. perfringens growth at 750 ppm, while the water extract was inactive. The 100% MeOH extract reduced E. tenella intracellular development by 77%, compared with 48% and 25% inhibition by the 50% MeOH and water extracts. Fractionation of this extract produced three subfractions, of which the first (fraction 1) showed the highest bioactivity (MIC = 500 ppm; 84% inhibition of E. tenella ). Ridge regression highlighted schidigerasaponins D3/D4, smilagenin, sarsasapogenin, and hecogenin as key contributors to bioactivity. Conclusion: Y. schidigera saponins exhibit significant antimicrobial and anticoccidial activity. The study establishes a data-driven framework for predicting structure–activity relationships, providing a rational basis for botanical screening and standardization.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly persistent contaminants frequently detected in foods of animal origin, raising concern for human health. Eggs and egg products are recognized by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as one of the major dietary sources of PFAS exposure in Europe. This study applied the relative potency factors (RPFs), based on hepatic toxicity, to estimate cumulative dietary exposure to PFAS from eggs across different population groups. The 95th percentile occurrence data were combined with food consumption patterns to express exposure in perfluorooctanoic acid equivalents, providing a biologically relevant metric. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid emerged as the dominant contributor to cumulative exposure. Toddlers exhibited the highest estimated weekly intake, reaching 1.63 ng/kg bw per week, while adolescents, adults, and elderly populations showed progressively lower values. These findings highlight children as a particularly vulnerable group due to higher intake per body weight. Consistent with previous studies, commercial eggs generally contained PFAS only at trace levels, whereas home-produced eggs often showed elevated contamination, in some cases exceeding the European Union maximum levels and EFSA’s tolerable weekly intake. Overall, this work demonstrates the potential of the RPF approach for mixture-based risk assessment, underscores the need for refined exposure evaluation, and reinforces the importance of continuous monitoring of PFAS in eggs.