Hydrosome Labs, a Chicago-based biotechnology company, announced results from a pre-clinical trial on Hydrosome H2O, a unique technology that leverages ultrafine bubbles to enhance the delivery of active ingredients to cells.  

The study demonstrates the potential for regular consumption of Hydrosome H2O to positively impact gut health by increasing microbiome diversity and reducing inflammatory markers in mammals. According to the company, approximately 30 years ago, scientists began to investigate the formation of tiny bubbles in water, sometimes called ultrafine bubbles. These bubbles, invisible to the naked eye and among the smallest ever detected, have unique properties. Hydrosome Labs' ultrafine bubbles, "Hydrosomes," possess characteristics no other water technology has. They include:

- A significantly higher surface area than bubbles in regular water (1 trillion fit in one champagne bubble) makes them excellent transporters to cells.
- Products leveraging "Hydrosomes" have a longer shelf life (up to 18 months or more) than any other ultrafine bubble technology. The closest shelf life in the emerging category is four to six months.
- The process is sustainable. The patented process does not add chemicals or consumables and requires little energy.

Commercial uses include delivering faster, longer-lasting, enhanced hydration in performance drinks, driving more efficient and sustainable processes for precision fermentation, helping plants grow faster and healthier with less fertilizer, and improving nutrient uptake in skincare.

The microbiome study builds upon previous peer-reviewed research highlighting the link between ultrafine bubble water and gut microbiome diversity. The trial was conducted on mammalian test subjects and compared populations consuming purified water with and without ultrafine bubbles. The trial went beyond existing research by looking at longer-term consumption (12 weeks vs. 4-8 weeks for previous research) and critical health measures.

Results indicated statistically significant changes in gut microbiome composition consistent with prior studies. Most notably, significant increases in short-chain fatty acids, including butyrate, iso-valerate, and valerate, were observed, alongside decreases in inflammatory markers such as IL-1BETA, TNF-ALPHA, and IL-10. Commercial applications could ultimately include various products in the food and beverage categories.

The microbiome's diversity influences gut health and is pivotal to digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. A well-balanced microbiome supports overall health, while dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the microbiome, can lead to various health issues.

Hydrosome Labs is now seeking partners to transition this promising research into human trials and expand its scope to explore additional effects of ultrafine bubbles on the gut microbiome. This includes expanding the scope of pre-clinical efforts to include the impact of different gases inside the bubbles (e.g., N2, H2) on the gut microbiome.