A sustained living coating for infectious keratitis therapy via probiotic consumption and production effects

Excessive inflammation and infection are critical factors leading to biomaterial failure and delayed wound healing. Surface modification of biomaterials with drug-loaded coatings can effectively address these issues. Traditional drug-loaded coatings often suffer from diminishing drug concentrations and the development of bacterial resistance. To address these issues, we developed a living coating using Lactobacillus plantarum as a metabolic factory for sustained anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects for up to 10 weeks. This innovative approach leverages continuous consumption and production effects. The consumption effect mitigates reactive oxygen species during inflammation, preventing inflammation-induced cell apoptosis, while the production effect releases various organic acids that combat bacteria and prevent resistance. Furthermore, the living coating demonstrates excellent in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility, with minimal hemolysis rate and absence of systemic toxicity. This versatile living coating has been successfully integrated onto corneal bandage, accelerating the healing process of infected corneal wounds.