In a groundbreaking study, a research team led by Changhu Xue and Xiangzhao Mao from the Ocean University of China has developed an extraordinary double-layer polysaccharide hydrogel (DPH) poised to revolutionize intestinal-targeted oral delivery of probiotics. Published in Engineering, their findings highlight the enormous potential of DPH in enhancing the bioavailability, intestinal colonization, and overall efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of various diseases.
The research team’s primary focus was addressing the challenges posed by the harsh gastrointestinal environment and the limited retention time within the digestive tract, both of which significantly impede the effectiveness of probiotics. By harnessing the unique properties of DPH, the team succeeded in encapsulating and delivering probiotics in a targeted manner.
DPH consists of a double-layer structure: a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMCL) supramolecular inner layer and a dialdehyde alginate (DAA) cross-linked carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) outer layer. This structural design plays a pivotal role in safeguarding probiotics during their journey through the gastrointestinal system. In the stomach, the cage-like structure of DPH remains closed, forming a protective barrier against gastric fluids. However, upon reaching the intestine, the cage structure opens and disintegrates, precisely releasing the probiotics where they are needed.
The results of this study are nothing short of remarkable. Probiotics encapsulated by DPH exhibited an astonishing 100.1 times higher bioavailability and 10.6 times higher mucoadhesion compared to free probiotics in a 48-hour post-treatment animal model. Moreover, DPH demonstrated exceptional mucoadhesive properties, facilitating improved colonization in the intestinal tract and enhanced survival within the challenging conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, all while preserving the viability and activity of the probiotics.
A key innovation of the DPH hydrogel lies in the dynamic crosslinking enabled by DAA. This not only ensures the integrity of the hydrogels but also controls the timing of probiotic release. This breakthrough opens up new horizons for delivering encapsulated substances, including probiotics and proteins, to precise locations within the intestinal tract.
The potential applications of DPH transcend its role in enhancing probiotic delivery. The study also validated the structure, morphology, biocompatibility, controlled-release behavior, and bacterial competition of the DPH hydrogel, suggesting its versatility as a carrier for targeted delivery in various biomedical applications.
These groundbreaking findings pave the way for further research and development in the realm of targeted drug delivery, offering exciting prospects for improving the effectiveness of probiotics in promoting gut health and treating a wide array of diseases.
