Future Nanotechnology-Based Strategies for Improved Management of Helicobacter pylori Infection

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a recalcitrant pathogen, which can cause gastric disorders. During the past decades, polypharmacy-based regimens, such as triple and quadruple therapies have been widely used against H. pylori. However, polyantibiotic therapies can disturb the host gastric/gut microbiota and lead to antibiotic resistance. Thus, simpler but more effective approaches should be developed. Here, some recent advances in nanostructured drug delivery systems to treat H. pylori infection are summarized. Also, for the first time, a drug release paradigm is proposed to prevent H. pylori antibiotic resistance along with an IVIVC model in order to connect the drug release profile with a reduction in bacterial colony counts. Then, local delivery systems including mucoadhesive, mucopenetrating, and cytoadhesive nanobiomaterials are discussed in the battle against H. pylori infection. Afterward, engineered delivery platforms including polymer-coated nanoemulsions and polymer-coated nanoliposomes are poposed. These bioinspired platforms can contain an antimicrobial agent enclosed within smart multifunctional nanoformulations. These bioplatforms can prevent the development of antibiotic resistance, as well as specifically killing H. pylori with no or only slight negative effects on the host gastrointestinal microbiota. Finally, the essential checkpoints that should be passed to confirm the potential effectiveness of anti-H. pylori nanosystems are discussed.

Automated summary

This article summarizes recent advances in nanostructured drug delivery systems for treating Helicobacter pylori infection. It proposes a drug release paradigm to prevent antibiotic resistance and establishes an IVIVC model to connect drug release profile with reduction in bacterial colony counts. It discusses local delivery systems including mucoadhesive, mucopenetrating, and cytoadhesive nanobiomaterials, as well as engineered delivery platforms such as polymer-coated nanoemulsions and polymer-coated nanoliposomes. These bioinspired platforms can prevent antibiotic resistance development, specifically kill H. pylori, and have minimal negative effects on the host gastrointestinal microbiota. The essential checkpoints for confirming the potential effectiveness of anti-H. pylori nanosystems are also discussed.