Multi-Component Functionalized Bifidobacterium Longum Hydrogel for Multi-Target Integrated Therapy of...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Gastroenterology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are linked to anxiety and depression due to disrupted gut-brain axis signaling.
• Current oral therapies struggle to address both intestinal inflammation and central nervous system issues simultaneously.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an integrated therapeutic strategy targeting both the gut and brain for IBD treatment.
• To create a functionalized hydrogel system (INPs@BL@Gel) for dual-region therapy.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a hydrogel encapsulating Bifidobacterium longum (BL) with coordinated iron-based polymers (INPs) containing baicalin and tyrosine.
• Utilizing a pH- and matrix metalloproteinase-responsive silk fibroin-gelatin hydrogel for controlled release.
• Evaluating therapeutic efficacy in vivo for colitis and associated depression.

Main Results:

• INPs@BL@Gel demonstrated high drug loading, gastric protection, inflammation-triggered release, and sustained intestinal colonization.
• The therapy suppressed inflammation, restored gut microbiota homeostasis, and repaired the intestinal barrier.
• Significant enhancement of neuroactive metabolites (homovanillic acid, SCFAs) was observed, improving neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier function.

Conclusions:

• The INPs@BL@Gel hydrogel offers a comprehensive therapeutic approach for IBD, addressing both gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms.
• This dual-region strategy effectively alleviates colitis and depression by modulating the gut-brain axis.
• The study highlights the potential of integrated biomaterial and microbial therapies for complex diseases.