WARF TECHNOLOGIES

Two UW-Madison researchers have developed a sequential coating strategy to improve the efficacy of probiotics used in the treatment of IBD.  The probiotic is first coated with a tannic acid (TA) layer. The TA-coated probiotic is then coated with an L100 layer. Upon oral administration, the L100 layer serves to protect the probiotic in the low pH environment of the stomach. After passing through the stomach, the pH increases in the intestines, resulting in the degradation of the L100 layer and exposure of the TA layer. The TA layer adheres to the mucosal surface of the GI tract, which facilitates delivery/interaction of the probiotic with intestinal flora. 

• Improved probiotic delivery, both in viability and retention in the intestines
• Coatings are degradable and safe for human consumption

Publications

• Read a news story about this technology: "New technique, effective in mice, could help advance the use of probiotics"
• Read a news story about this technology: "Probiotic ‘backpacks’ show promise for treating inflammatory bowel diseases"

Tech Fields

• Drug Delivery : Other drug delivery technologies
• Medical Devices : Other medical devices