Bacterial components as naturally inspired nano-carriers for drug/gene delivery and immunization: Set the bugs to work?

Biotechnol Adv. 2018 Jul-Aug;36(4):968-985. doi: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.02.016. Epub 2018 Feb 28.

Abstract

Drug delivery is a rapidly growing area of research motivated by the nanotechnology revolution, the ideal of personalized medicine, and the desire to reduce the side effects of toxic anti-cancer drugs. Amongst a bewildering array of different nanostructures and nanocarriers, those examples that are fundamentally bio-inspired and derived from natural sources are particularly preferred. Delivery of vaccines is also an active area of research in this field. Bacterial cells and their components that have been used for drug delivery, include the crystalline cell-surface layer known as "S-layer", bacterial ghosts, bacterial outer membrane vesicles, and bacterial products or derivatives (e.g. spores, polymers, and magnetic nanoparticles). Considering the origin of these components from potentially pathogenic microorganisms, it is not surprising that they have been applied for vaccines and immunization. The present review critically summarizes their applications focusing on their advantages for delivery of drugs, genes, and vaccines.

Keywords: Bacterial components; Bacterial ghosts; Bacterial polymers; Drug delivery system; Endospores; Immunization, S-layer; Nanomedicine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria* / chemistry
  • Bacteria* / cytology
  • Bacteria* / metabolism
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Immunization / methods*
  • Nanomedicine / methods*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Polymers / chemistry

Substances

  • Drug Carriers
  • Polymers