Surface-coated probiotics: engineered living platforms for targeted IBD therapy

Probiotics and engineered probiotics represent an emerging class of live biotherapeutics capable of modulating intestinal immunity through interactions with the host immune system or by delivering therapeutic molecules. These functions, which include remodeling the intestinal flora and inhibiting inflammatory responses, constitute a promising strategy for treating chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. However, existing oral probiotic formulations typically suffer from low bioavailability and short gastrointestinal residence time, resulting in suboptimal therapeutic efficacy. Surface coating technology has recently emerged as a versatile approach to protect probiotics during gastrointestinal transit and enhance their colonization at inflamed sites. Herein, we first summarize the current status and challenges associated with delivering probiotics or engineered probiotics for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment, with a critical comparison of their relative advantages and limitations. Subsequently, we systematically review recent advances in probiotic surface coating materials and technologies. Finally, we discuss the prospects and challenges of applying surface-coated modified probiotics as drug carriers for intestinal inflammation therapy. This review aims to facilitate the research and development of highly active probiotic products and technologies, ultimately assisting the clinical translation of next-generation probiotic biotherapeutics for IBD management. Engineering of functionally advanced living bacterial materials through surface coating strategies for IBD therapy