Valorization of Lactobacilli and their Antimicrobial Peptides for Reproductive and Intimate Health Enhancement

Introduction

In an era marked by escalating concerns over antibiotic and antimycotic resistance as the next major global pandemic, the need to explore unconventional sources of antimicrobial agents has become increasingly urgent.

Background

In this context, lactobacilli, traditionally renowned for their probiotic and food applications, have recently emerged as a promising source of novel antimicrobial strategies. These lactic acid bacteria, abundant in various natural habitats including the human vagina and fermented foods, present a unique source for the discovery of novel antimicrobial compounds.

The compounds are valuable as such when purified and when combined with the producing lactobacilli, they are used as live biotherapeutic products or probiotics.

Project Overview

The VALERIE project starts from recent discoveries in the host laboratory that lactobacilli from the vagina can produce specialized antimicrobials, including novel bacteriocin-types. This discovery is particularly appealing since gynaecology and women’s health is an area in medicine which urgently needs new antimicrobials.

Objectives

VALERIE aims to bring these discoveries to a higher Technology Readiness Level (TRL4). Our objectives include:

1. Purifying and characterizing these compounds.
2. Assessing their antimicrobial efficacy against key pathogens, including fungi like Candida albicans and ESKAPE pathogens.
3. Elucidating their mode of action.

Methodology

Hereto, we will assess the safety and efficacy of the purified compounds and producing lactobacilli in silico, in vitro, and in vivo. We will also initiate the development of a multispecies lactobacilli formulation for applications with the live producing micro-organisms.

Expected Outcomes

These experiments will result in a robust dataset that can attract industrial partners for future endeavors aimed at clinical applications. Through innovative approaches, we aspire to unveil and harness the untapped antimicrobial potential of lactobacilli, providing a ray of hope in our ongoing battle against antibiotic resistance.