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Ameba-inspired strategy enhances probiotic efficacy via prebound nutrient supply

Author

Listed:
  • Chao Pan

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Xiuxian Jiang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Junchao Wei

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Henan University)

  • Chang Liu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Min Zhang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Chuan Gao

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Shenyang Pharmaceutical University)

  • Rongrong Chen

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine)

  • Canyu Yang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Shenyang Pharmaceutical University)

  • Bingqi Wang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Miaorong Yu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yong Gan

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Shenyang Pharmaceutical University
    National Institutes for Food and Drug Control)

Abstract

Nutrient competition with indigenous microbes or pathogens presents a significant challenge for oral probiotic efficacy. To address this issue, we develop an ameba-inspired food-carrying strategy (AIFS) by prebinding ginger-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (GELNs) onto probiotics as food depots. AIFS enables probiotics to efficiently and exclusively consume GELNs in situ, even in the presence of competing bacteria. This results in up to 21 times higher uptake efficiency compared to unengineered probiotics, dramatically accelerating probiotic proliferation. Meanwhile, AIFS potentiates probiotics’ resistance to multiple GI stressors. In a murine model of colitis, AIFS can improve the abundance of probiotics and inhibit pathogens, maintaining intestinal flora homeostasis. Additionally, it can upregulate the anti-inflammatory IL-10, reduce the proinflammatory IL-1β, and repair damaged intestinal mucus. Thereby, AIFS displays potently elevated prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy for colitis mice. This work provides a method for microbial engineering, with broad implications for microbiotherapy and gut health.

Suggested Citation

  • Chao Pan & Xiuxian Jiang & Junchao Wei & Chang Liu & Min Zhang & Chuan Gao & Rongrong Chen & Canyu Yang & Bingqi Wang & Miaorong Yu & Yong Gan, 2025. "Ameba-inspired strategy enhances probiotic efficacy via prebound nutrient supply," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-57071-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57071-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Debra A. Brock & Tracy E. Douglas & David C. Queller & Joan E. Strassmann, 2011. "Primitive agriculture in a social amoeba," Nature, Nature, vol. 469(7330), pages 393-396, January.
    2. Wenhan Zhu & Maria G. Winter & Mariana X. Byndloss & Luisella Spiga & Breck A. Duerkop & Elizabeth R. Hughes & Lisa Büttner & Everton de Lima Romão & Cassie L. Behrendt & Christopher A. Lopez & Luis S, 2018. "Precision editing of the gut microbiota ameliorates colitis," Nature, Nature, vol. 553(7687), pages 208-211, January.
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