Lactobacillus acidophilus-Produced Polyhydroxybutyrate Nanoparticles: an Ideal Carrier for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

Abstract

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), specifically polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), are biodegradable polymers synthesized by various bacteria as energy. Unlike petrochemical-based plastics, PHAs are environmentally friendly and biocompatible. This study investigates a novel approach utilizing Lactobacillus acidophilus to produce PHB nanoparticles (PHB NPs), which holds promise for biomedical applications PHBs have advanced applications. The NPs exhibit small, uniform sizes and favorable zeta potential, making them ideal biotherapeutic carriers. The study focuses on optimizing PHB synthesis via microbial fermentation, where L. acidophilus cells were engineered to produce PHB NPs loaded with glatiramer acetate. In vitro and In vivo studies demonstrate the NPs’ efficacy in treating multiple sclerosis (MS). The findings suggest that these PHB NPs can potentially halt disease progression. Further pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic evaluations are crucial for advancing these NPs toward industrial applications in biomedicine. The goal is to utilize the produced PHB as a drug delivery system that is both biocompatible and capable of carrying active pharmaceutical ingredients.