Chitosan as excipient against Heliobacter pylori

H. pylori infections in the stomach are difficult to combat due to the formation of antibiotic resistance, biofilms and intracellular infections. In the presented study, a hydrogel platform based on chitosan and palmitic acid will be used as an alternative to antibiotic-based therapy.

An antibiotic-free platform for eliminating persistent Helicobacter pylori infection without disrupting gut microbiota

Lai Y, Zhang T, Yin X, Zhu C, Du Y, Li Z, Gao J. An antibiotic-free platform for eliminating persistent Helicobacter pylori infection without disrupting gut microbiota. Acta Pharm Sin B. 2024 Jul;14(7):3184-3204. doi: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.03.014. Epub 2024 Mar 10. PMID: 39027245; PMCID: PMC11252519.

The bacterium H. pylori is one of the main causes of stomach cancer. To date, it can only be combated through the prolonged and intensive use of two antibiotics. However, increasing antibiotic resistance is making this increasingly difficult. In addition, these are often only poorly effective due to the formation of biofilms and the presence of intracellular H. pylori. Furthermore, the use of antibiotics disrupts the intestinal microbiota. For these reasons, antibiotic-free alternatives are urgently needed.

Chitosan can be used to treat H. pylori due to its antibacterial properties, which include disrupting membrane integrity and blocking the bacteria's urease activity. In addition, chitosan-based platforms can effectively disrupt biofilms. The use of chitosan also improves the stability and controlled release of therapeutic agents, which can prolong their antibacterial and tissue regeneration effects.

For this reason, a chitosan-coated platform based on copper-organic scaffolds (HKUST-1) is to be produced in the publication presented. This scaffold is coated with a lipid layer containing phosphatidic acid (PA), rhamnolipid (RHL) and cholesterol (CHOL). Everything together will then be embedded in a palmitic acid hydrogel and tested for its effect against H. pylori. A chitosan with a degree of deacetylation of ≥ 95 % and a viscosity between 100-200 mPas was used. You can find comparable products in our shop!

RESULTS

• Formation of hydrogels: The hydrogels were prepared using chitosan, which contributed to their stability in both acidic and neutral environments. The surface morphology of the hydrogels showed flaky structures and rounded bumps, indicating successful encapsulation of the nanoparticles.
• Antibacterial activity and antibiofilm: Chitosan-based hydrogels showed significant antibacterial activity against pylori by disrupting cell membranes and inhibiting urease activity. They also showed the ability to penetrate biofilms and prevent their reformation, which is crucial for effective elimination of H. pylori infections.
• Controlled release: The addition of chitosan layers to the nanoparticles significantly reduced the release rate of copper ions, potentially prolonging the antibacterial and tissue regeneration-promoting effects of the nanoparticles.

Conclusion: Overall, the study shows the potential of chitosan-based hydrogels as a promising therapeutic approach for combating H. pylori infections.

Link to the article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211383524000959?via%3Dihub