Yeast-inspired drug delivery: biotechnology meets bioengineering and synthetic biology

Introduction: Yeast-based drug delivery offers a promising platform for the treatment of various medical conditions. Even the most promising nanoparticulate delivery systems have challenges from gastrointestinal barriers. The novel approach using bio-inspired yeast microcapsule helps in the delivery of charged nanoparticles like quantum dots, iron oxide nanoparticle, and various fluorescent nanoparticles. The long-term administration has a good safety profile compared to other delivery systems. Particles can be incorporated into yeast microcapsule by electrostatic interaction, layer-by-layer approach, and surface derivatization. Areas covered: The article highlights the various applications of yeast cells in drug delivery. The authors describe the mechanism of encapsulation into yeast cells. The authors discuss various methods used for cell wall preparation and mechanisms associated with the passage of yeast cell through the gastrointestinal tract. The authors also review the association of biotechnology with bioengineering and synthetic biology approaches in transforming yeast as a delivery vehicle. Expert opinion: Yeast provides an opportunity to use the principles of biotechnology and bioengineering to tune it to an efficient drug delivery carrier. The applications of yeast microcapsule for oral and topical administration are noteworthy. It is proved that yeast microcapsules prepared from yeast cells are promising drug delivery carriers.