Multishell Colloidosome Platform with Sequential Gastrointestinal Resistance for On-Demand Probiotic Delivery.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Oral probiotics offer therapeutic potential by modulating gut microbiota.
• Current limitations include low probiotic viability and delivery efficiency to the colon.
• This hinders their clinical application and effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel delivery platform for enhanced oral probiotic delivery.
• To improve probiotic viability and targeted release in the colon.
• To investigate the therapeutic potential of this platform for intestinal diseases.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a multishell colloidosome (MSC) platform using biomimetic mineralization and microfluidic technology.
• Encapsulation of probiotics within the MSCs.
• Assessment of probiotic viability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions (acidity, bile salts, enzymes).
• In vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate colonic colonization and therapeutic effects in a colitis mouse model.

Main Results:

• Probiotic viability increased 280-fold during preservation within MSCs compared to free bacteria.
• Encapsulated probiotics maintained 61% viability in harsh gastrointestinal conditions, while free bacteria showed 0% viability.
• MSCs demonstrated targeted probiotic release in the colon, enhancing colonic colonization.
• Improved intestinal barrier integrity and gut flora balance were observed.
• Significant therapeutic improvement in colitis was achieved in mice.

Conclusions:

• The MSC platform offers a promising strategy for on-demand, high-efficiency oral probiotic delivery.
• This approach overcomes the limitations of low viability and poor delivery of conventional probiotic therapies.
• The MSC platform has the potential to enhance the efficacy of probiotics for various gastrointestinal conditions.