Harnessing microbial nanobiotics: Lactobacillus extracellular vesicles as next-generation therapeutics across physiological systems

Abstract

Lactobacillus-derived extracellular vesicles (LEVs) are emerging as pivotal mediators of interkingdom communication, carrying strain-specific bioactive cargo that influences diverse physiological systems, including the gut, nervous, respiratory, reproductive, and integumentary systems. These nanoscale structures demonstrate significant therapeutic potential, modulating host immunity, enhancing barrier integrity, combating pathogens, and contributing to tissue repair across numerous health contexts. However, realizing their full clinical and biotechnological promise faces substantial hurdles. Key challenges include variability in isolation and purification methods, inconsistencies in LEV yield and composition due to cultivation conditions and inherent strain differences, and the observation of context-dependent or even paradoxical effects in certain diseases. Furthermore, gaps persist in understanding their precise biogenesis, cargo sorting mechanisms, and long-term biodistribution. Future progress necessitates interdisciplinary efforts to standardize production and characterization, resolve mechanistic ambiguities, and develop robust bioengineering strategies for targeted delivery and enhanced functionality. Addressing these obstacles is crucial to harness LEVs effectively as versatile tools in precision medicine, microbiome engineering, and sustainable applications in health and industry.

Keywords: Lactobacillus-derived extracellular vesicles (LEVs); Bioengineering; Clinical translation; Gut-brain axis; Microbial nanotherapy.