Novel delivery systems for controlled release of bacterial therapeutics

Recent advances in synthetic biology have paved the way for bacteria to be used as biotherapeutics, but these systems are limited by formulation challenges.Significant advances in materials development have led to high-precision small-molecule drug delivery.Easy-to-use and inexpensive analytical techniques have enabled the development of microbial products.In the 21st century, microbial therapeutics have the potential to be as transformative as antibiotics were in the 20th century, but this will require advances in materials science, chemistry, and synthetic biology. As more is learned about the benefits of microbes, their potential to prevent and treat disease is expanding. Microbial therapeutics are less burdensome and costly to produce than traditional molecular drugs, often with superior efficacy. Yet, as with most medicines, controlled dosing and delivery to the area of need remain key challenges for microbes. Advances in materials to control small-molecule delivery are expected to translate to microbes, enabling similar control with equivalent benefits. In this perspective, recent advances in living biotherapeutics are discussed within the context of new methods for their controlled release. The integration of these advances provides a roadmap for the design, synthesis, and analysis of controlled microbial therapeutic delivery systems. As more is learned about the benefits of microbes, their potential to prevent and treat disease is expanding. Microbial therapeutics are less burdensome and costly to produce than traditional molecular drugs, often with superior efficacy. Yet, as with most medicines, controlled dosing and delivery to the area of need remain key challenges for microbes. Advances in materials to control small-molecule delivery are expected to translate to microbes, enabling similar control with equivalent benefits. In this perspective, recent advances in living biotherapeutics are discussed within the context of new methods for their controlled release. The integration of these advances provides a roadmap for the design, synthesis, and analysis of controlled microbial therapeutic delivery systems.