bims-livmat 2026-05-24 papers

World J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2026 May 19. pii: 291. [Epub ahead of print]42(6):

Recent advances in bioengineering and functional applications of microbial biocomposites: integrating bacterial cellulose, fungal mycelium and synthetic biology.

Marli Camassola, Rosmary Nichele Brandalise.

The development of microbial biocomposites represents a promising frontier in the design of sustainable, multifunctional, and environmentally friendly materials. This minireview synthesises recent advances (2020-2026) in the production, modification, and application of biocomposites derived from microorganisms, with a focus on bacterial cellulose (BC) and fungal mycelium. It explores their synergies with emerging approaches in synthetic biology, 3D printing, and mineral functionalisation. Key microbial systems such as Komagataeibacter spp. and Ganoderma spp. are discussed, alongside structural and functional engineering strategies including in situ hydroxyapatite mineralisation, incorporation of plant fibres, and the addition of functional nanomaterials such as graphene oxide. The review further highlights the integration of these materials into high-value applications, including osteogenic scaffolds, self-healing living materials, biodegradable packaging, and environmental remediation systems. Finally, it addresses current regulatory and technical challenges related to industrial scalability, functional stability, and batch-to-batch standardisation. This article aims to provide a critical and comprehensive perspective for researchers and professionals in applied microbiology, materials science, and industrial biotechnology, emphasising the potential of microbial biocomposites as a convergent platform at the interface of sustainability, functional innovation, and bioinspired design.

Keywords: 3D bioprinting; Bacterial cellulose; Fungal mycelium; Microbial biocomposites; Sustainable biomaterials; Synthetic biology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-026-05021-w

RSC Adv. 2026 Apr 08. 16(21): 19511-19523

Inducible secretion of LIGHT by engineered probiotics enables localized cytokine therapy and robust antitumor immunity.

Xinyu Li, Shuaijie Ding, Biao Yang, Yi Wang, Wei Xie.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), exemplified by the 4T1 model, exhibits a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and strong metastatic potential, resulting in poor responses to current immunotherapies. TNFSF14 (LIGHT) is a potent immunostimulatory cytokine capable of remodeling the TME through the HVEM and LTβR signaling. However, its systemic administration is limited by dose-dependent toxicity. Here, we developed a tumor microenvironment-responsive engineered E. coli system for targeted LIGHT delivery. LIGHT expression was controlled by a lactic acid-inducible promoter and fused with pelB for periplasmic secretion, ensuring selective activation within lactic acid-rich tumor cores. In BALB/c mice bearing 4T1 subcutaneous tumors and experimental lung metastases, intravenously administered bacteria were evaluated for biodistribution, antitumor efficacy, and immune modulation. The engineered strain selectively colonized tumors, achieving strong intratumoral LIGHT expression with minimal systemic exposure. Compared with vector controls, LIGHT-expressing bacteria significantly suppressed primary tumor growth and markedly reduced lung metastatic lesions. Mechanistically, this treatment increased intratumoral CD8+ T-cell infiltration, enhanced dendritic cell maturation, and shifted the TME toward an immune-activated state. Thus, this lactic acid-responsive bacterial platform enables safe, localized cytokine delivery and represents a promising therapeutic strategy for refractory TNBC.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/d5ra09644h

Cureus. 2026 Apr;18(4): e107184

Prescription Digital Therapeutics as Living Interventions: Rethinking Evidence, Dosage, and Regulation in Adaptive Medicine.

Rahul Mittal, Nancy Zhang, Rajnish Mohindroo.

Prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs) are transforming healthcare by delivering evidence-based interventions through adaptive software platforms. Unlike traditional therapies, PDTs can evolve after deployment through updates and user-driven modifications, challenging conventional models of evidence generation, dosage definition, and regulatory oversight. This editorial argues that PDTs should be conceptualized as "living interventions," requiring new frameworks that account for their dynamic nature. Key challenges include the absence of standardized definitions for digital "dose," variability in patient engagement, and the difficulty of measuring outcomes in continuously evolving systems. Additionally, the transition of therapeutic care into digital environments raises questions about maintaining therapeutic alliance and patient trust. Existing regulatory pathways, designed for static medical products, are insufficient for technologies that change over time. We propose the need for interdisciplinary and anticipatory approaches that integrate clinical science, engagement science, regulatory innovation, and implementation strategies. Ethical considerations, including equity, data privacy, and access, must remain central to ensure that PDTs enhance rather than widen healthcare disparities. As digital therapeutics continue to expand, aligning adaptability with accountability will be critical to their safe, effective, and equitable integration into modern healthcare systems.

Keywords: clinical innovation; healthcare technology; personalized medicine; prescription digital therapeutics; software-based care

DOI: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.107184