Calcium-Powered Probiotics Reconfigure the Intestinal Niche via Biofilm Transformation

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Excessive Desulfovibrio (Des) forms biofilms, driving inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
• Pathogen-favorable microenvironments created by Des impede probiotic efficacy by hindering colonization resistance.
• Restoring gut homeostasis is crucial for managing IBD and improving probiotic function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a modified probiotic platform, Ca2+/KAE@Lap, for intestinal niche reconfiguration.
• To target Des-mediated colonization resistance mechanisms in IBD.
• To enhance probiotic colonization and efficacy in the gut.

Main Methods:

• Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus (Lap) was modified with calcium ions (Ca2+) and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (KAE).
• The Ca2+/KAE@Lap platform was assessed for its ability to disrupt Des biofilms and restore gut homeostasis.
• Mechanisms including interfacial binding, bactericidal activity, calcium regulation, and epithelial repair were investigated.

Main Results:

• The Ca2+/KAE@Lap platform demonstrated Ca2+-bridged interfacial binding and directional bactericidal activity against Des.
• This led to bacterial replacement, reestablishment of calcium homeostasis, and restoration of epithelial energy metabolism and mucus layer.
• Biofilm composition shifted from Des-dominated to Lap-enriched, indicating a redirection of colonization resistance.

Conclusions:

• The calcium-based biofilm transformation strategy effectively disrupts Des-mediated colonization resistance.
• Ca2+/KAE@Lap overcomes limitations of conventional probiotics by promoting sustained colonization and favorable niche competition.
• This approach offers a promising therapeutic strategy for IBD treatment by modulating the gut microbiome and restoring host-pathogen balance.