Bacteriophage Delivery Systems Based on Composite PolyHIPE/Nanocellulose Hydrogel Particles

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Microbiology

Background:

• Bacteriophage therapy is regaining prominence for treating infections.
• Effective oral delivery of bacteriophages to the gastrointestinal tract faces challenges, including stomach acid and premature release.
• Targeted delivery systems are needed to protect and release bacteriophages at specific sites in the gastrointestinal tract.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an efficient polyHIPE/hydrogel system for targeted oral delivery of bacteriophages.
• To ensure bacteriophage protection in the stomach and rapid release in the duodenum.
• To achieve zero-order release kinetics for improved therapeutic outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Encapsulation of T7 bacteriophages within low crosslinked anionic nanocellulose-based hydrogels.
• Crosslinking of hydrogels within highly porous spherical polyHIPE particles (average diameter 24 μm).
• Evaluation of hydrogel stability at low pH (stomach conditions) and network degradation at higher pH (duodenal conditions).

Main Results:

• The polyHIPE/hydrogel system successfully protected bacteriophages at pH < 3.9.
• The hydrogel network completely degraded at pH > 3.9, enabling bacteriophage release.
• The polyHIPE scaffold protected hydrogels from mechanical stress, preventing premature release.
• Small particle size facilitated rapid, zero-order release of bacteriophages at the target site.

Conclusions:

• The developed polyHIPE/hydrogel system offers an efficient method for targeted oral bacteriophage delivery.
• The system provides protection in the stomach and rapid, controlled release in the duodenum.
• This technology holds significant potential for improving bacteriophage therapy and targeted drug delivery in medicine and pharmacy.