Researchers from the Ocean University of China in Qingdao have unveiled a sugar-based material designed to improve the oral delivery of probiotics to the intestinal tract. The study, published in a peer-reviewed journal, highlights a novel approach that leverages the unique properties of complex carbohydrates to shield beneficial bacteria as they pass through the stomach and release them where they are needed most in the gut.
Probiotics are live bacterial preparations aimed at restoring a healthy balance to the gut microbiome. They hold promise for addressing a range of conditions linked to microbial imbalance, but their real-world effectiveness has often been constrained by how poorly bacteria survive the harsh journey through the digestive system and reach the intestines in meaningful numbers.
In the new work, scientists engineered a double-layer hydrogel made from carboxymethylcellulose and carboxymethylchitosan. This polysaccharide-based scaffold acts as a protective capsule for probiotic formulations, remaining intact in the acidic environment of the stomach while forming a barrier that prevents bacterial damage from stomach acid and digestive enzymes. Upon reaching the intestines, the material responds to the local conditions to open up and release the live microbes embedded inside, thereby increasing their chances of colonization and activity where they matter most.
Quantitative results from the experiments showed a dramatic enhancement in bioavailability: the number of bacteria reaching the intestinal tract was more than one hundred times higher than that achieved by probiotic preparations without the hydrogel shield. In addition, the survival rate of the bacteria once in the intestine improved substantially, underscoring the practical potential of this delivery method for gut-targeted therapies.
Looking ahead, researchers see potential applications beyond probiotics. The same two-layer hydrogel strategy could be adapted for delivering a wide range of therapeutic agents specifically to certain segments of the intestinal tract, offering a versatile platform for precision medicine in digestive health and beyond.
Earlier explorations by other teams have focused on delivering life-saving treatments for severe pediatric diseases, illustrating the broader value of advanced biomaterials in improving the administration and efficacy of treatments that must traverse the gastrointestinal system. The current findings add a valuable tool to the growing field of targeted oral delivery, with implications for patients in North America and around the world who rely on effective, non-invasive therapies to manage gut-related health issues.