Lactoferrin-Loaded Alginate Microparticles to Target Clostridioides difficile Infection

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Bovine lactoferrin (bLf) exhibits antimicrobial properties against Clostridioides difficile.
• Protein stability and targeted delivery are challenges for therapeutic bLf use.
• Developing effective delivery systems is crucial for combating C. difficile infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create and assess colon-targeted, pH-triggered alginate microparticles loaded with bioactive bLf.
• To evaluate the anti-C. difficile defense capabilities of these microparticles in vitro.
• To investigate the potential of bLf-loaded microparticles as a therapeutic strategy against C. difficile.

Main Methods:

• Encapsulation of metal-bound bLf in alginate microparticles via emulsification or internal gelation.
• Chitosan coating of microparticles to control bLf release.
• In vitro release studies under simulated gastrointestinal pH conditions.
• Assessment of cytotoxic effects on Caco-2 and Vero cells using bacterial toxins and supernatant.

Main Results:

• Alginate microparticles demonstrated pH-triggered release, with minimal bLf release at acidic pH and significant release at simulated colonic pH.
• bLf delivered via microparticles significantly reduced the cytotoxic effects of C. difficile toxins A and B on intestinal epithelial cells.
• Protection against toxin-mediated epithelial damage and barrier function impairment was observed.

Conclusions:

• Colon-targeted alginate-bLf microparticles provide effective protection against C. difficile toxin-mediated damage in vitro.
• This pH-triggered delivery system enhances the therapeutic potential of bLf for C. difficile infections.
• Further research into lactoferrin-loaded alginate microparticles for C. difficile is warranted.