Gracelyn Richmond
In Situ Microbiome Therapeutic Synthesis and Delivery in GI Disorders
Abstract
The gut microbiome is appreciated as a biomarker, but several drug delivery challenges have hindered its potential as a delivery vector for therapeutic bacterial products. These products could improve GI symptoms and leveraging the intrinsic abilities and ecosystem interactions would allow for continuous and localized distribution. Tools have been developed for making controllable organisms using integrative approaches on the individual and ecosystem levels. This proposal serves as proof-of-concept of microbial metabolism for drug delivery while also generating vectors for two beneficial compounds. Using simulations, optimized delivery vectors for a single organism product and a community metabolite precursor will be designed and effects simulated. The best designs will be generated and tested in intestinal organoids for molecular markers of improvement. Overall, this study will serve as a framework for delivery of therapeutics locally in the human gut.
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I am honored to have been selected for this prestigious fellowship. With this support, my approach to microbiome therapeutics that leverages drug delivery paradigms is closer to making a tangible impact on patients’ lives.
