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Lactic acid bacteria as oral delivery systems for biomolecules
A Berlec1, M Ravnikar, B Strukelj
1Department of Biotechnology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Die Pharmazie
|December 6, 2012
Summary
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) show promise as delivery systems for biomolecules in the gut. Genetically modified LAB can deliver antigens for vaccines and therapeutic proteins for inflammatory and allergic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are increasingly recognized for their potential as delivery vehicles for biomolecules to the gastrointestinal tract.
- Many LAB strains survive intestinal transit and can colonize the gut, interacting with the host immune system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of LAB characteristics as delivery systems.
- To review current and emerging applications of LAB for delivering biological molecules.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on LAB as delivery systems.
- Focus on genetic modification techniques for LAB.
- Analysis of applications for delivering recombinant proteins and DNA.
Main Results:
- LAB, particularly Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium species, can deliver large biomolecules across the intestinal epithelium.
- Applications include antigen delivery for vaccination and therapeutic protein delivery for inflammatory bowel disease and allergic disorders.
- Delivery of DNA by LAB for vaccination is a promising area.
Conclusions:
- LAB possess favorable characteristics for use as live or killed delivery systems.
- Genetic modification of LAB enables targeted delivery of antigens, therapeutic proteins, and DNA.
- Further research may facilitate the clinical application of LAB-based delivery systems.
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