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Single-cell probiotic encapsulation with a sandwich-structured nanocoating for intestinal-targeted delivery and
Xuan Gu1, Yunchao Wu2, Jiaying Liu3
1Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212008, PR China; Zhenjiang Tianyi Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Zhenjiang 212213, PR China.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|March 18, 2026
Summary
Engineered probiotics with a novel nanocoating deliver anti-inflammatory drugs on-demand to treat ulcerative colitis (UC). This system restores gut health and reduces inflammation in a preclinical model.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Surface-engineered probiotics offer potential for ulcerative colitis (UC) therapy.
- Challenges include complex pathology and limited drug loading capacity.
- Developing advanced delivery systems is crucial for enhancing probiotic efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a single-cell probiotic encapsulation system with a sandwich-structured nanocoating for targeted UC treatment.
- To enable on-demand drug release triggered by disease-specific conditions.
- To improve intestinal barrier function, gut microbiota balance, and reduce colonic inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a single-cell probiotic encapsulation system (LGG@PLD-AS/ALG) with poly (L-dopa) (PLD) and alginate layers.
- Loading of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) into the PLD layer for anti-inflammatory effects.
- Utilizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the UC site for triggered drug release.
- Employing pH-responsive alginate for targeted intestinal delivery and controlled release.
- Evaluation in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine colitis model.
Main Results:
- The LGG@PLD-AS/ALG system demonstrated effective loading and triggered release of 5-ASA.
- The nanocoating provided potent radical-scavenging capability.
- In vivo studies showed restoration of the intestinal barrier and rebalanced gut microbiota.
- Significant alleviation of colonic inflammation was observed in the colitis model.
Conclusions:
- A novel single-cell probiotic encapsulation system with a sandwich-structured nanocoating was successfully developed.
- This system offers a promising strategy for targeted drug delivery and enhanced therapeutic efficacy in ulcerative colitis.
- The approach paves a new avenue for advanced ulcerative colitis therapy through engineered probiotics.
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