Engineering Lactobacillus for therapeutic delivery and biosensing: lessons from niche adaptation

Lactobacillus species are renowned for their probiotic properties and niche adaptability, driven by unique genomic traits, stress-response mechanisms, and biofilm formation. This versatility makes them exceptional candidates for advanced biotechnological applications. Their biocompatibility and immunomodulatory effects allow them to serve as live biotherapeutic products. Through genetic engineering and encapsulation, Lactobacillus can be programmed to deliver recombinant proteins and vaccines, cytokines and anti-inflammatory molecules, targeted enzymes, and peptides. Beyond therapy, these bacteria can be engineered into biosensors to detect pathogens, toxins, and clinical biomarkers. By integrating CRISPR-Cas systems and reporter genes into whole‑cell or cell‑free platforms, they offer robust solutions for food safety, environmental monitoring, and diagnostics. While challenges in stability and regulation persist, advancements in synthetic biology are transforming Lactobacillusfrom a simple probiotic into a precise, multifunctional tool for improving global health and environmental oversight.