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Updated: Jul 3, 2025
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Published on: February 8, 2016
Nanozyme-Enhanced Probiotic Spores Regulate the Intestinal Microenvironment for Targeted Acute Gastroenteritis
Gen Wei1, Wanling Liu1, Yihong Zhang1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
Abstract:
Antibiotic therapeutics to combat intestinal pathogen infections often exacerbate microbiota dysbiosis and impair mucosal barrier functions. Probiotics are promising strategies, because they inhibit pathogen colonization and improve intestinal microbiota imbalance. Nevertheless, their limited targeting ability and susceptibility to oxidative stress have hindered their therapeutic potential. To tackle these challenges, Ces3 is synthesized by in situ growth of CeO2 nanozymes with positive charges on probiotic spores, facilitating electrostatic interactions with negatively charged pathogens and possessing a high reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity. Importantly, Ces3 can resist the harsh environment of the gastrointestinal tract. In mice with S. Typhimurium-infected acute gastroenteritis, Ces3 shows potent anti-S. Typhimurium activity, thereby alleviating the dissemination of S. Typhimurium into other organs. Additionally, owing to its O2 deprivation capacity, Ces3 promotes the proliferation of anaerobic probiotics, reshaping a healthy intestinal microbiota. This work demonstrates the promise of combining antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and O2 content regulation properties for acute gastroenteritis therapy.
Insights
This study developed Cesium-3 (Ces3), a novel probiotic spore treatment that effectively combats Salmonella Typhimurium infections. Ces3 also restores healthy gut microbiota balance, offering a promising therapy for acute gastroenteritis.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Microbiology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Antibiotics for intestinal pathogens can worsen gut dysbiosis and barrier function.
- Probiotics show potential but face challenges with targeting and oxidative stress.
- Developing targeted therapies that enhance probiotic efficacy is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and evaluate Cesium-3 (Ces3), a modified probiotic spore with enhanced therapeutic properties.
- To investigate Ces3's efficacy against Salmonella Typhimurium infection and its impact on gut microbiota.
- To explore Ces3's potential as a treatment for acute gastroenteritis.
Main Methods:
- Ces3 was synthesized by growing cerium dioxide (CeO2) nanozymes on probiotic spores.
- The anti-pathogen activity and ROS scavenging capacity of Ces3 were assessed.
- Ces3 was tested in a mouse model of Salmonella Typhimurium-induced acute gastroenteritis.
- Changes in gut microbiota composition were analyzed after Ces3 treatment.
Main Results:
- Ces3 demonstrated potent anti-Salmonella Typhimurium activity, reducing pathogen dissemination.
- Ces3 exhibited high reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity.
- Ces3 treatment promoted the growth of anaerobic probiotics and reshaped the gut microbiota.
- Ces3 resisted the gastrointestinal tract's harsh environment.
Conclusions:
- Ces3 offers a promising therapeutic strategy for acute gastroenteritis by combining antibacterial and microbiota-restoring properties.
- The developed nano-probiotic spore platform overcomes limitations of traditional probiotics.
- This approach highlights the potential of engineered probiotics for treating gut infections.
