Chinese researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking innovation in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide, including a rapidly growing number in China. This new development, dubbed the 'smart living glue,' leverages engineered bacteria to precisely target and repair damaged intestinal tissue. The research, highlighted in recent scientific publications, represents a leap forward in living therapeutics, where modified microorganisms act as intelligent drug delivery systems directly within the body.

Inflammatory bowel disease encompasses conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, characterized by persistent inflammation and ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract. In China, IBD cases have surged from rarity to commonality over recent decades. According to recent epidemiological data, the country reported over 168,000 prevalent cases in 2021, with nearly 25,000 new diagnoses that year alone. Incidence rates have climbed, particularly in urban areas, mirroring global trends but accelerating due to dietary shifts, urbanization, and environmental factors. This rise poses significant challenges for Chinese healthcare systems and underscores the urgency for targeted, effective therapies.

🔬 The Ingenious Mechanism of Smart Living Glue

The smart living glue is built around Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), a well-established probiotic strain recognized as generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by regulatory bodies worldwide. Researchers at ShanghaiTech University and the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) genetically programmed these bacteria to function as autonomous healers in the gut.

The process unfolds step-by-step: First, the bacteria navigate the complex gut environment, colonizing inflamed sites where bleeding occurs—a hallmark of active IBD. Bleeding triggers the bacteria via specific sensors, likely responsive to reactive oxygen species (ROS) or hemoglobin breakdown products. Upon activation, they produce a potent adhesive protein, such as a modified curli fiber variant (e.g., CP43K), forming a durable biological seal that adheres firmly to mucosal wounds.

Simultaneously, the engineered EcN secretes therapeutic factors like interleukin-22 (IL-22), a cytokine crucial for epithelial regeneration and barrier restoration. This dual action—sealing leaks and promoting repair—addresses both immediate damage control and long-term healing. In preclinical tests, the glue maintained adhesion for up to 10 days with rectal administration or 7 days orally, ensuring sustained local therapy without systemic exposure.

This precision minimizes off-target effects, a common pitfall in conventional IBD treatments reliant on broad immunosuppression.

Unpacking the Research Journey at ShanghaiTech University

ShanghaiTech University, a pioneering institution founded in 2013 as part of China's drive to foster world-class research hubs, played a central role. The School of Physical Science and Technology hosted key experiments, blending synthetic biology, materials science, and biomedicine. Lead corresponding author Chao Zhong, affiliated with SIAT-CAS, spearheaded the effort, with co-first authors Changhao Ge and Shanshan Jiang contributing pivotal designs.

The study appeared in a high-impact journal, building on a January 2025 bioRxiv preprint that garnered international attention. Rigorous testing in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse models—standard for mimicking human ulcerative colitis—demonstrated superior outcomes. Treated mice showed reduced inflammation markers (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6), faster mucosal healing, and restored gut barrier integrity via zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) expression. Adhesion strength rivaled synthetic bioadhesives, yet with living adaptability.

Safety profiles were exemplary, leveraging EcN's decades-long human use history for IBD maintenance therapy (e.g., Mutaflor in Europe). No systemic dissemination or toxicity was observed, highlighting the platform's translational potential.

Overcoming Limitations of Existing IBD Therapies

Current IBD management in China mirrors global standards but faces hurdles. Aminosalicylates like mesalazine offer mild relief for ulcerative colitis, while corticosteroids provide quick inflammation control at the cost of side effects like osteoporosis. Biologics targeting TNF-α (infliximab) or IL-12/23 achieve remission in 30-50% of cases but require injections, risk infections, and lose efficacy over time due to immunogenicity.

In China, access varies; urban centers like Shanghai boast advanced biologics, but rural disparities persist amid rising prevalence. Systemic drugs often fail to concentrate at lesions, exacerbating symptoms like bleeding and perforation. The smart living glue circumvents this via site-specific activation, potentially reducing dosage and adverse events.

• Targeted delivery: Bacteria home to wounds, avoiding healthy tissue.
• Sustained release: Weeks-long action from single dose.
• Multimodal: Adhesion + regeneration in one agent.
• Cost-effective: Oral/rectal, scalable biomanufacturing.

For patients, this could mean fewer hospital visits and improved quality of life.

Broader Context: IBD's Escalating Burden in China

China's IBD epidemic reflects westernization: processed foods, stress, microbiota dysbiosis. Urban incidence hit 10 per 100,000 in 2016, doubling prior rates. Pediatric cases rise alarmingly, straining pediatric gastroenterology at universities like Peking University Health Science Center.

Government initiatives, including the Healthy China 2030 plan, prioritize digestive health research. Institutions like ShanghaiTech exemplify this, attracting top talent via research positions in higher ed.

Experimental Breakthroughs and Validation

In vitro assays confirmed bleeding-triggered adhesion: Bacteria on collagen matrices mimicked wounds, producing glue within hours. Ex vivo porcine intestines showed robust sealing under peristalsis simulation.

In vivo, DSS mice dosed rectally exhibited 70% inflammation reduction (histology scores), versus 30% for controls. Colon length preservation—a key IBD metric—improved significantly. Fecal calprotectin, a clinical biomarker, dropped sharply, signaling remission.

Comparative studies against free IL-22 or non-engineered EcN underscored the glue's synergy.

Spotlight on ShanghaiTech and SIAT-CAS Innovations

ShanghaiTech University stands out in China's higher ed landscape, emphasizing interdisciplinary excellence. Its synbio programs draw global collaborators, fostering breakthroughs like this. SIAT-CAS complements with advanced bioengineering facilities.

Chao Zhong's team builds on prior work in living materials, positioning China as a synbio leader. For aspiring researchers, opportunities abound in China higher ed jobs, from postdocs to faculty roles.

Original preprint on bioRxiv details the full methodology.

Future Horizons: From Bench to Bedside

While preclinical, the platform eyes IND-enabling studies. Phase I trials could assess safety in mild IBD. Modular design allows swapping payloads—e.g., anti-fibrotics for Crohn's.

Regulatory paths favor probiotics; FDA's live biotherapeutic products guidance supports. In China, NMPA fast-tracks innovative biologics. Partnerships with pharma could accelerate.

Challenges: Scalable GMP production, immunogenicity monitoring, microbiome interactions. Yet, promise outweighs.

Career Pathways in China's Synbio Boom

This advances spotlight synbio careers. ShanghaiTech offers postdoc positions; CAS labs seek PhDs in microbiome engineering. Explore career advice for higher ed researchers.

Global talent flocks to China for research jobs, with competitive salaries and state funding.

Global Ramifications and Ethical Considerations

Beyond China, this pioneers 'living medicines' for gut disorders. Ethical: Contained engineering, kill switches feasible. Equity: Affordable production aids low-resource settings.

Stakeholders—patients, gastroenterologists, policymakers—hail precision potential.

Conclusion: A Glimmer of Hope for IBD Sufferers

The smart living glue exemplifies Chinese higher ed's innovation prowess, offering hope against IBD's tide. As research progresses, it could transform lives. Stay informed via rate professors at leading unis, seek higher ed jobs, or access career advice. For openings, visit university jobs or post a job.