Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 12, 2025
06:38
Enrichment of Native and Recombinant Extracellular Vesicles of Mycobacteria
Published on: December 8, 2023
1.2K
Bacterial Ghosts-Based Vaccine and Drug Delivery Systems
Haojie Chen1, Hao Ji1, Xiangjun Kong1,2
1Institute of Life Sciences & Engineering Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Pharmaceutical Development of Growth Factors, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
Pharmaceutics
|November 27, 2021
Summary
Bacterial ghosts (BGs), empty bacterial envelopes, show promise as novel drug delivery systems. Their inherent immunogenicity and protective nature make them ideal for targeted therapies against tumors, inflammation, and infections.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Microbiology
Background:
- Bacterial ghosts (BGs) are derived from Gram-negative bacteria using gene E expression.
- They feature a unique lysis tunnel structure within the empty bacterial envelope.
- BGs are recognized for their potential in vaccine delivery and as adjuvants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the preparation methods of bacterial ghosts.
- To explore the host-BG interactions.
- To highlight advancements in BG-based delivery systems for biomedical applications.
Main Methods:
- Controlled expression of cloned gene E to produce BGs.
- Analysis of BG structure and properties.
- Review of existing literature on BG applications.
Main Results:
- BGs possess intact cell membranes, conferring inherent immunogenicity.
- They serve as effective carriers, protecting encapsulated drugs from external factors.
- BG-based systems demonstrate potential in targeting tumors, inflammation, and infections.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial ghosts represent a versatile platform for novel drug delivery systems.
- Their immunogenicity and protective qualities facilitate targeted and controlled therapeutic release.
- Further research into BG development holds significant promise for various biomedical applications.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
466
Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
466
01:17Gram-negative Bacterial Protein Secretion Systems
222
Gram-negative bacteria utilize sophisticated protein secretion systems to transport proteins across their double-membrane envelope into the extracellular environment or host cells. Based on their mechanism of action, these systems are classified into one-step and two-step pathways.One-Step Secretion Systems (Types I, III, IV, and VI)One-step secretion systems bypass the periplasm entirely, forming a continuous channel that spans both the inner and outer membranes:Type I Secretion System (T1SS):...
222
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
1.6K
The human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against bacterial infections. It consists of various immune cells, each playing a specific role in the defense mechanism.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
1.6K
01:28Biological Methods for Microbial Control
370
Biological agents offer an effective means of controlling microbial growth by leveraging natural processes like predation, competition, and the secretion of antimicrobial substances.Predatory bacteria such as Bdellovibrio species target and kill pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli. They are widely used in poultry farms to control infections. Myxococcus species help combat plant-pathogenic fungi. These naturally occurring predators serve as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides and...
370
01:51Vaccinations
46.0K
Overview
46.0K
01:30Lytic Cycle of Bacteriophages
72.9K
Bacteriophages, also known as phages, are specialized viruses that infect bacteria. A key characteristic of phages is their distinctive “head-tail” morphology. A phage begins the infection process (i.e., lytic cycle) by attaching to the outside of a bacterial cell. Attachment is accomplished via proteins in the phage tail that bind to specific receptor proteins on the outer surface of the bacterium. The tail injects the phage’s DNA genome into the bacterial cytoplasm. In the...
72.9K