Breaking barriers: bacterial-microalgae symbiotic systems as a probiotic delivery system

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathogenesis is linked to gut microbiota dysbiosis.
• Probiotics offer a safe therapeutic strategy for IBD, but their efficacy is limited by gastrointestinal barriers.
• Current oral probiotic delivery methods suffer from low bioavailability and poor intestinal colonization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a bacteria-microalgae symbiosis system for targeted intestinal delivery of probiotics.
• To enhance the therapeutic efficacy of probiotics in treating colitis.
• To overcome the limitations of oral probiotic delivery systems.

Main Methods:

• A symbiotic system (EcN-SP) was created using the probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) and microalgae Spirulina platensis (SP).
• The SP carrier was utilized to protect EcN from gastrointestinal barriers and facilitate intestinal colonization.
• The efficacy of oral EcN-SP administration was evaluated in a colitis model.

Main Results:

• The EcN-SP system demonstrated enhanced EcN proliferation and effective intestinal delivery and colonization.
• The unique properties of SP minimized probiotic loss in the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring sustained intestinal retention.
• Oral administration of EcN-SP significantly reduced intestinal inflammatory factors, improved intestinal barrier function, and rebalanced gut microbiota.

Conclusions:

• The bacteria-microalgae symbiosis system (EcN-SP) offers a feasible, safe, and effective approach for targeted probiotic delivery.
• This innovative delivery strategy holds significant promise for managing inflammatory bowel disease and other gastrointestinal disorders.
• The study highlights the potential of nature-inspired symbiotic systems in therapeutic applications.