Genetically engineered bacteria as inflammatory bowel disease therapeutics

Advanced microbiome therapeutics for oral delivery of peptides and proteins: Advances, challenges, and opportunities

Peptide and protein medicines have changed the therapeutic landscape for many diseases, yet oral delivery remains a significant challenge due to enzymatic degradation, instability, and poor permeability in the gastrointestinal tract. Advanced Microbiome Therapeutics (AMTs) could overcome some of these barriers by producing and releasing therapeutic peptides directly in the gastrointestinal tract. AMTs can localize peptide production at the site of absorption, providing either sustained or controlled release while potentially reducing side effects associated with systemic administration. Here, this review assesses the status of AMTs for oral peptide delivery and discusses the potential integration of permeation enhancers, mucoadhesive systems, and receptor-mediated transport strategies to improve oral bioavailability further. Combining these approaches could pave the way for more widespread oral delivery strategies for peptide and protein medicines.

Engineered Bacteria for Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Using Synthetic Biology

Using synthetic biology techniques, bacteria have been engineered to serve as microrobots for diagnosing diseases and delivering treatments. These engineered bacteria can be used individually or in combination as microbial consortia. The components within these consortia complement each other, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and providing synergistic effects that improve treatment efficacy. The application of microbial therapies in cancer, intestinal diseases, and metabolic disorders underscores their significant potential. The impact of these therapies on the host's native microbiota is crucial, as engineered microbes can modulate and interact with the host's microbial environment, influencing treatment outcomes and overall health. Despite numerous advancements, challenges remain. These include ensuring the long-term survival and safety of bacteria, developing new chassis microbes and gene editing techniques for non-model strains, minimising potential toxicity, and understanding bacterial interactions with the host microbiota. This mini-review examines the current state of engineered bacteria and microbial consortia in disease diagnosis and treatment, highlighting advancements, challenges, and future directions in this promising field.