Noncontact microbiota transplantation by core-shell microgel-enabled nonleakage envelopment

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biomaterials Science
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Microbiota transplantation is crucial for treating diseases by restoring microbial balance.
• Direct in vivo delivery of exogenous bacteria faces challenges like low bioavailability and infection risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a noncontact microbiota transplantation system (NMTS) using core-shell microgels for enhanced bacterial delivery.
• To evaluate the efficacy of NMTS in protecting bacteria and modulating gut microbiota.

Main Methods:

• Bacteria were encapsulated within gelatin methacrylate core-shell microgels using light-initiated emulsion polymerization.
• The NMTS was tested for bacterial containment, activity preservation, and protection against gastrointestinal conditions (low pH, bile acid).

Main Results:

• The NMTS achieved near-complete bacterial encapsulation with negligible impact on bacterial activity.
• Encapsulated bacteria were protected from intraluminal insults and prevented leakage during gastrointestinal transit.
• The system facilitated the release of beneficial metabolites and promoted a balanced intestinal microbial structure.

Conclusions:

• The developed noncontact microbiota transplantation system (NMTS) offers a safe and effective method for delivering beneficial bacteria.
• NMTS shows potential for advanced microbiota transplantation by overcoming limitations of direct bacterial exposure.
• This technology advances therapeutic strategies for gut microbiota modulation.