Controllable Engineered Probiotic Hydrogel Coatings Prevent Drainage Tube-Associated Infections by Disrupting...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Drainage tubes (DTs) are crucial in healthcare but pose infection risks.
• Probiotic therapies show promise but require protection from environmental stress.
• Current methods for preventing DT-related infections are insufficient.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a living probiotic coating for DTs to prevent infections.
• To enhance the safety and efficacy of Saccharomyces boulardii for this application.
• To create a robust encapsulation system for probiotic delivery.

Main Methods:

• Genetic engineering of Saccharomyces boulardii strains (dual nutrient-deficient, ARO10 overexpression).
• Development of a bilayer encapsulation system using sodium alginate microspheres and GelMA hydrogel.
• In vitro assays (MTT, ATP, CFU) to assess probiotic viability and containment.
• Co-culture experiments with Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans.
• Molecular analyses (RNA sequencing, RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry) to determine anti-infective mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Engineered probiotics were successfully encapsulated within a GelMA hydrogel matrix.
• The bilayer coating preserved probiotic viability and prevented microbial escape.
• The probiotic coating demonstrated inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans.
• The coating reduced pathogen infectivity by impairing their oxidative stress responses.

Conclusions:

• The developed living probiotic coating is a promising strategy for preventing DT-related infections.
• This approach enhances probiotic safety and efficacy through genetic engineering and advanced encapsulation.
• The coating effectively combats polymicrobial infections by targeting pathogen virulence mechanisms.