An inulin-based glycovesicle for pathogen-targeted drug delivery to ameliorate salmonellosis

The gut microbiota plays a significant role in the pathogenesis and remission of inflammatory bowel disease. However, conventional antibiotic therapies may alter microbial ecology and lead to dysbiosis of the gut microbiome, which greatly limits therapeutic efficacy. To address this challenge, novel nanomicelles that couple inulin with levofloxacin via disulfide bonds for the treatment of salmonellosis were developed in this study. Owing to their H2S-responsiveness, the nanomicelles can target the inflamed colon and rapidly release levofloxacin to selectively fight against enteric pathogens. Moreover, the embedded inulin can serve as prebiotic fiber to increase the amount of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli in mice with salmonellosis, thus maintaining the intestinal mechanical barrier and regulating the balance of the intestinal flora. Therefore, multifunctional nanomicelles had a better curative effect than pure levofloxacin on ameliorating inflammation in vivo. The pathogen-targeted glycovesicle represents a promising drug delivery platform to maximize the efficacy of antibacterial drugs for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.