Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026
Spore Adsorption as a Nonrecombinant Display System for Enzymes and Antigens
Published on: March 19, 2019
Promoting probiotic delivery and colonization through controllable polymer surface display.
Di Zhang1, Tao Wang2, Shenyi Zhang3
1School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, PR China; Center of Scientific Research, Irradiation Preservation and Effect Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Bioscience and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610500, PR China; Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China.
A new modular chemical modification approach enhances probiotic bacteria, like Lactococcus lactis, with polymers. This versatile method improves probiotic function and survival in the gut, offering new therapeutic possibilities.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biomaterials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Surface modification of probiotics with polymers can impart new functions and control cell behavior.
- Existing methods like in-situ encapsulation have limitations in control, biocompatibility, and broad applicability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a versatile and modular chemical modification strategy for probiotic bacteria.
- To overcome the limitations of current probiotic surface modification techniques.
Main Methods:
- Co-incubation of engineered Lactococcus lactis with pre-synthesized polymers.
- Utilizing a modular chemical modification approach compatible with various polymers.
- Demonstration using polydopamine as a model polymer.
Main Results:
- The modified probiotics exhibited enhanced cell viability, nutrient uptake, and controlled release.
- Polydopamine-modified L. lactis showed increased resistance to the gastrointestinal environment.
- In vivo studies demonstrated the alleviation of colitis symptoms in a mouse model.
Conclusions:
- The developed modular chemical modification platform offers a versatile approach for probiotic surface engineering.
- This method overcomes limitations of conventional techniques, enabling tailored probiotic functions.
- The findings open new avenues for probiotic research and therapeutic applications.
