Engineered Probiotics Mitigate Gut Barrier Dysfunction Induced by Nanoplastics.

ABSTRACT: Micro- and nanoplastics, particularly those derived from food-contact materials like polyethylene terephthalate (PET), can damage gut barriers, making the gastrointestinal system more vulnerable to inflammation and infections. Here, a probiotic-based drug delivery system (EcN_T@L) is devised to mitigate nanoplastics-induced gut barrier dysfunction by modulating gut immunity and microbiota. Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) is genetically engineered to produce transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and then modified with an Eudragit L100-55 coating. This engineered probiotic acts as an in vivo "drug factory", exerting anti-inflammatory and immune-regulatory effects, with improved retention and bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract. EcN_T@L effectively protects Cac

SUBMITTER: Chen W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12165037 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature