Mucoadhesive probiotic backpacks with ROS nanoscavengers enhance the bacteriotherapy for inflammatory bowel diseases

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are often associated with elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and highly dysregulated gut microbiota. In this study, we synthesized a polymer of hyaluronic acid-poly(propylene sulfide) (HA-PPS) and developed ROS-scavenging nanoparticles (HPN) that could effectively scavenge ROS. To achieve colon tissue targeting effects, the HPN nanoparticles were conjugated to the surface of modified probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN). To enhance the bacteriotherapy of EcN, we encapsulated EcN cells with a poly-norepinephrine (NE) layer that can protect EcN against environmental assaults to improve the viability of EcN in oral delivery and prolong the retention time of EcN in the intestine due to its strong mucoadhesive capability. In the dextran sulfate sodium-induced mouse colitis models, HPN-NE-EcN showed substantially enhanced prophy-lactic and therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, the abundance and diversity of gut microbiota were increased after treatment with HPN-NE-EcN, contributing to the alleviation of IBDs.

Automated summary

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are associated with elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and dysregulated gut microbiota. In this study, researchers developed ROS-scavenging nanoparticles (HPN) to effectively scavenge ROS. They targeted the colon tissue by conjugating HPN to modified probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN). To enhance the efficacy of bacteriotherapy, the EcN cells were encapsulated with a poly-norepinephrine (NE) layer for protection against environmental assaults and prolonged retention in the intestine. The HPN-NE-EcN treatment showed enhanced efficacy in colitis models and increased abundance and diversity of gut microbiota.