Multi-stage assembled Lactobacillus reuteri-capsule patch for sustained antibacterial therapy

Abstract

Recurrent bacterial invasion delays the healing of infected sites; therefore, the development of a sustained antibacterial therapeutic strategy is essential. Herein, we use one simple multi-stage assembly strategy to develop a Lactobacillus reuteri-capsule patch that could achieve sustained antibacterial applications. The encapsulated strain retains its activity within the sodium alginate (SA) capsule, showing sustained release in response to pH changes in the infection microenvironment. In addition, the nanofiber structure of bacterial cellulose (BC) prevented contact between the strains and the lesion to avoid additional inflammatory reactions (the isolation rate reached 99.9%). The patch exhibited a sustained antibacterial effect against the formation of common pathogen biofilms by hindering biosynthesis (including E. coli, S. aureus, MRSA and P. aeruginosa), which avoided recurrent bacterial invasion. Transcriptomics results demonstrate that the patch exhibits various bioactivities to promote proliferation, migration and vascularization, in contrast with traditional antibiotic therapy. In vivo infection model verification further demonstrates that this patch effectively clears biofilms to prevent the recurrent invasion of P. aeruginosa, while achieving substantial tissue regeneration through collagen deposition and neovascularization. This strategy provides a simple and efficient approach for persistent anti-infection application.