Delivery Vehicle Development Service for Live Biotherapeutics Products
Background Services Applications Advantages FAQs
Background
Many techniques are being developed to protect probiotic cells, of which microencapsulation is an effective new technique. The most common microencapsulation techniques used to protect probiotic microbes include coagulation, extrusion, emulsification, spray drying, and freeze-drying. Microencapsulation refers to the use of different carrier materials to enhance the addition of probiotics and improve their viability during storage. Embedding live probiotics in suitable biomaterials is an important extension and further development of the function of probiotics. One of the most popular delivery vehicles in recent years has been polysaccharides, one example of which is cyclodextrin, which resizes the hydrolysis process of the stomach and is eventually broken down by cyclodextrin enzymes produced by gut bacteria.
With the development of precision medicine, the demand for the development of drug delivery vehicles is also increasing. With the development of synthetic biology, the use of genetically engineered bacteria as drug delivery vectors has attracted much attention. The most important feature of genetically engineered bacteria as drug delivery vectors is the production of active therapeutic substances. Many strategies have been developed, including the delivery of small molecules, desired proteins, and genes to their target locations.
Our Key Services for Improved Probiotic Delivery
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Capsules and tablets
Commercial probiotic supplements usually come in the form of capsules and small bags of powder or compressed tablets.
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Polymeric carriers
1) Microparticles
A variety of colon-targeted microparticle envelopes have been developed for drug delivery, primarily for polysaccharides.
2) Microdevices
Microdevices can also be used as probiotic carriers. The most common types include microplates, micropores, and microwells, which are usually square or spherical.
3) Polymeric fibers
Polymer fiber is mainly studied as a carrier for oral drug delivery.
4) Biopolymers
Alginate: Alginate has strong gelling and the ability to be coated in a short time, and is widely used.
Chitosan: Chitosan has been used to encapsulate probiotics, which improves potential adhesion and promotes controlled release of bacteria.
Cellulose: When combined with other biopolymers or other natural compounds (inulin), increases the activity of the encapsulated anaerobic probiotics.
Starch: In the pharmaceutical field, starch can be used as an encapsulation agent, mainly for the encapsulation of drugs or active substances into tablets or oral preparations.
Advantages of Encapsulating Probiotics
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To isolate bacteria from their surroundings.
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To keep the stability of probiotics.
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To provide a carrier with a high probiotics load.
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To enable controlled and continuous release of probiotics.
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To promote reproduction.
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To facilitate probiotic adherence and extend residence time.
Applications of Encapsulated Probiotics in Biomedicine
The development of capsule probiotics can significantly improve its survival ability and therapeutic effect.
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Gastrointestinal tract: Microencapsulation provided protection for probiotics and allowed an increased number of living probiotics to pass through the gastrointestinal tract.
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Oral cavity: Probiotics are encapsulated with various biomaterials by different technologies, showing potential for use in oral medicine.
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Skin: Probiotic encapsulation shows potential and advantages in the delivery system to the skin.
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Vagina
Frequently Asked Questions
At what stage in probiotic drug development do you need to decide on the form of a Delivery Vehicle?
Deciding on the form of a delivery vehicle is typically done during the formulation development stage, which occurs in the preclinical development phase. During this stage, researchers assess various factors such as stability, viability, and the controlled release of probiotics to ensure the chosen delivery vehicle can effectively transport the beneficial bacteria to the target site in the gastrointestinal tract.
What are the Delivery Vehicle forms for currently approved next-generation probiotic drugs?
Next-generation probiotic drugs (NGPs) are being developed with advanced delivery vehicles to enhance their efficacy and targeted delivery. Some of the innovative delivery vehicle forms for NGPs include:
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Microencapsulation: This technique involves coating probiotics with a protective layer to shield them from stomach acid and bile salts, ensuring they reach the intestines intact.
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Enteric-Coated Capsules: These capsules are designed to dissolve only in the intestines, protecting the probiotics from the acidic environment of the stomach.
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Synthetic Biology and Gene Editing: NGPs are being tailored for specific therapeutic applications, including personalized probiotic therapies and combination therapies.
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Targeted Delivery Systems: Advanced systems are being developed to deliver probiotics directly to specific sites in the gut, enhancing their therapeutic effects.
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Combination Therapies: NGPs are being used in combination with other therapeutic agents to improve their overall health benefits.
These advanced delivery vehicles are designed to improve the stability, viability, and targeted delivery of next-generation probiotics, making them more effective in treating various health conditions.
As a leading probiotic development CRO company, Creative Biolabs has over a decade of experience in providing pre-clinical research services to help our clients overcome project challenges and labor-intensive research efforts. If you are involved in probiotic development projects, including the development of delivery vehicles, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help you.
Reference
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Torp, Anders Meyer, et al. "Optimizing oral delivery of next generation probiotics." Trends in Food Science & Technology 119 (2022): 101-109. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.
For Research Use Only. Not intended for use in food manufacturing or medical procedures (diagnostics or therapeutics). Do Not Use in Humans.
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