Encapsulated probiotics as antimicrobial agents: mechanisms and delivery strategies against multidrug-resistant...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology and Biotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) necessitates novel therapeutic strategies beyond conventional antibiotics.
• Probiotics show potential against multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens via mechanisms like metabolite secretion and immune modulation.
• Limited probiotic stability under environmental and gastrointestinal conditions hinders clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of encapsulation technologies in enhancing probiotic efficacy for combating AMR.
• To explore various encapsulation materials and their impact on probiotic viability and delivery.
• To highlight the potential of encapsulated probiotics as a therapeutic strategy against MDR pathogens.

Main Methods:

• Review of encapsulation technologies utilizing natural biopolymers (alginate, chitosan, pectin, etc.) and synthetic carriers (PLGA, PVA, Eudragit®, etc.).
• Analysis of how encapsulation improves probiotic viability, storage stability, and site-specific release.
• Examination of applications in intestinal, topical, and food-based delivery systems.

Main Results:

• Encapsulation significantly enhances probiotic stability and viability against environmental and gastrointestinal stressors.
• Diverse natural and synthetic carriers enable controlled delivery and synergistic protection.
• Encapsulated probiotics demonstrate improved antimicrobial efficacy and therapeutic consistency.

Conclusions:

• Encapsulated probiotics represent a potent strategy to enhance antimicrobial efficacy and combat AMR.
• Further research into optimizing encapsulation, multi-strain formulations, and multi-omics integration is crucial for clinical translation.
• This approach offers a viable alternative to conventional antibiotics for treating MDR infections.