This is a great example of the University working with industry
-Professor Nigel Slater
From the mouth to the small intestine, the digestive system presents a series of challenges designed to protect us by killing ingested bacteria. If a microbe survives the digestive enzymes in saliva and the corrosive acid of the stomach, the toxic fat-emulsifying bile acids in the small intestine will probably kill it. As a first line of defence against disease and infection, the digestive system is an extremely efficient bactericide.
However, not all bacteria are pathogenic invaders intent on wreaking havoc. For ‘friendly’ bacteria – such as those used in oral vaccines or as probiotics – keeping them alive long enough to exert their benefits poses a significant challenge to biotechnologists.
Now, a new technology that can safely deliver friendly bacteria to the gut is under development by an academic–industry collaboration as an oral vaccine, and Phase I clinical trials are planned.
Developed by Alexander Edwards, Krishnaa Mahbubani and Professor Nigel Slater in the University of Cambridge Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, the technology has been licensed by biotechnology company Prokarium through Cambridge Enterprise Ltd, the University’s commercialisation arm.
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Reproduced courtesy of the University of Cambridge
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