Bacterial Extracellular Vesicles (BEVs) Derived From Lactococcus lactis as Multimodal Drug Delivery Platforms

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Microbiology and Immunology

Background:

• Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are explored as drug delivery vehicles.
• Gram-negative bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) show promise, but Gram-positive BEV potential is underexplored.
• Optimizing BEV isolation and characterization is crucial for translational applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance bacterial extracellular vesicle (BEV) production from a food-grade probiotic.
• To investigate the cargo-delivering capability of engineered BEVs.
• To evaluate the therapeutic potential of drug-loaded BEVs against multidrug-resistant pathogens and cancer.

Main Methods:

• Utilized ampicillin to perturb peptidoglycan biosynthesis and enhance BEV production in *Lactococcus lactis*.
• Investigated host cell interactions with enhanced BEVs.
• Encapsulated drugs into *L. lactis* BEVs for targeted delivery and therapeutic effect evaluation.

Main Results:

• Ampicillin treatment significantly increased BEV production in *L. lactis*.
• Engineered BEVs demonstrated cargo-delivering capabilities and interaction with host cells.
• *L. lactis* BEVs loaded with drugs exhibited therapeutic effects against pathogens and cancer cells.

Conclusions:

• *Lactococcus lactis* BEVs can be effectively produced and engineered for enhanced drug delivery.
• These BEVs serve as stable, safe, natural nanocarriers with broad therapeutic potential.
• Drug-loaded *L. lactis* BEVs offer a promising platform for personalized medicine and combating resistant infections.