The Encapsulation Strategies for Targeted Delivery of Probiotics in Preventing and Treating Colorectal Cancer: A Review.

2025-04-07
Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) 12(18)

PubMed: 40192333
DOI: 10.1002/advs.202500304

Study Design

Type: Review
Methods: This article reviews the latest developments in probiotic encapsulation methods for targeted CRC treatment, emphasizing the potential benefits of emerging single-cell encapsulation techniques. It also analyzes and compares the advantages and disadvantages of current encapsulation technologies.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third most prevalent cancer worldwide. It is associated with imbalanced gut microbiota. Probiotics can help restore this balance, potentially reducing the risk of CRC. However, the hostile environment and constant changes in the gastrointestinal tract pose significant challenges to the efficient delivery of probiotics to the colon. Traditional delivery methods are often insufficient due to their low viability and lack of targeting. To address these challenges, researchers are increasingly focusing on innovative encapsulation technologies. One such approach is single-cell encapsulation, which involves applying nanocoatings to individual probiotic cells. This technique can improve their resistance to the harsh gastrointestinal environment, enhance mucosal adhesion, and facilitate targeted release, thereby increasing the effectiveness of probiotic delivery. This article reviews the latest developments in probiotic encapsulation methods for targeted CRC treatment, emphasizing the potential benefits of emerging single-cell encapsulation techniques. It also analyzes and compares the advantages and disadvantages of current encapsulation technologies. Furthermore, it elucidates the underlying mechanisms through which probiotics can prevent and treat CRC, evaluates the efficacy and safety of probiotics in CRC treatment and adjuvant therapy, and discusses future directions and potential challenges in the targeted delivery of probiotics for CRC treatment and prevention.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Bifidobacterium lactis HA-194	—	Reduced Risk of Colorectal Cancer	Beneficial	Moderate	View source Probiotics can help restore this balance, potentially reducing the risk of CRC.
Lactobacillus acidophilus HA-122	—	Improved Gut Microbiota Balance	Beneficial	Moderate	View source Probiotics can help restore this balance, potentially reducing the risk of CRC.
Lactobacillus acidophilus HA-122	—	Reduced Risk of Colorectal Cancer	Beneficial	Moderate	View source Probiotics can help restore this balance, potentially reducing the risk of CRC.
Lactobacillus reuteri HA-188	—	Improved Gut Microbiota Balance	Beneficial	Moderate	View source Probiotics can help restore this balance, potentially reducing the risk of CRC.