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Engineered Probiotic Hydrogel Alleviates Vaginitis via Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory Pathways
Xuanxuan Zhang1, Ruoyu Pu2, Chi Zhang1
1Department of State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, P. R. China.
ACS Applied Bio Materials
|July 24, 2025
Summary
A novel probiotic hydrogel engineered from Bacillus subtilis delivers antimicrobial peptides and hyaluronic acid to combat vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). This dual-action approach targets fungal infections and reduces inflammation, offering a promising new therapy for VVC.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Gynecology
Background:
- Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common fungal infection with limited treatment options.
- Current antifungals lack anti-inflammatory effects and have a narrow spectrum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel probiotic hydrogel for VVC treatment.
- To engineer Bacillus subtilis for sustained local delivery of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) and high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HMHA).
Main Methods:
- Genetic modification of Bacillus subtilis to produce HMHA.
- Formulation of an engineered Bacillus subtilis hydrogel (B. sub@HMHA).
- Evaluation of antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and microbiome-modulating activities.
Main Results:
- The B. sub@HMHA hydrogel demonstrated potent antifungal activity against Candida albicans.
- HMHA effectively modulated local inflammatory responses.
- The hydrogel promoted vaginal microbiome balance and tissue repair.
Conclusions:
- Engineered Bacillus subtilis hydrogel offers a promising alternative therapy for VVC.
- The dual-action approach targets infection and inflammation, potentially reducing recurrence.
- This probiotic hydrogel supports vaginal microenvironment restoration and tissue healing.
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