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The 'biodrug' concept: an innovative approach to therapy
S Blanquet1, S Marol-Bonnin, E Beyssac
1Equipe de Recherche Technologique Conception, Ingénierie et Développement de l'Aliment et du Médicament, Faculté de Pharmacie, 28 place Henri-Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
Trends in Biotechnology
|October 6, 2001
Summary
Genetically engineered microorganisms serve as novel
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microbiology
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Cell engineering with recombinant microorganisms offers new avenues for drug development.
- Living, genetically engineered microbes can function as delivery vehicles to the gastrointestinal tract.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate the 'biodrug' concept using engineered microorganisms.
- To demonstrate the potential of recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae for therapeutic applications like biodetoxification.
Main Methods:
- Utilized recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae engineered to express plant cytochrome P450 73A1.
- Employed an artificial gastrointestinal tract model to simulate human digestion and validate the biodrug concept.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated the 'biodrug' concept with engineered yeast.
- The engineered enzyme showed potential for biodetoxification within a simulated digestive environment.
Conclusions:
- Living, engineered microorganisms represent a novel platform for drug delivery and therapeutic applications.
- This approach offers a new strategy for both drug discovery and in vitro testing.