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Biosynthesis of polyamine-polyphosphate granules for colitis alleviation
Zihao Fan1,2, Xuena Zhang3, Xiaotong Ge2
1Model Animal Research Center, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210031, China.
Iscience
|February 9, 2026
Summary
Engineered bacteria produce polyamine-polyphosphate granules (PPGs) for enhanced delivery. Oral PPGs treat colitis by increasing colonic polyamines and restoring gut health.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Natural polyamines like spermidine and spermine have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Their therapeutic use is limited by poor colonic availability due to rapid intestinal absorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer a bacterial strain for enhanced polyamine production and delivery.
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of biosynthesized polyamine-polyphosphate granules (PPGs) for colitis.
Main Methods:
- Engineered *Citrobacter freundii* (CPP) overexpressing *ppk1* to enhance polyamine and polyphosphate (PolyP) synthesis.
- Two-step cultivation to produce high levels of spermidine and spermine within PPGs.
- Oral administration of PPGs in a DSS-induced colitis mouse model.
Main Results:
- Engineered CPP significantly increased intracellular polyamine and PolyP accumulation.
- Produced high yields of spermidine (145.14 mg/g) and spermine (175.31 mg/g) in PPGs.
- Oral PPGs increased colonic polyamines, alleviated colitis symptoms, reduced inflammation, and balanced gut microbiota.
Conclusions:
- Biosynthesized PPGs offer improved stability and slow-release properties for enhanced colonic polyamine delivery.
- PPGs show significant therapeutic potential for mitigating inflammatory bowel diseases like colitis.
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