Controlled Cascade-Release and High Selective Sterilization by Core-Shell Nanogels for Microenvironment Regulation of Aerobic Vaginitis

Aerobic vaginitis (AV) is a gynecological disease associated with vaginal flora imbalance. The nonselective bactericidal nature of antibiotics and low customization rate of probiotic supplementation in existing treatments lead to AV recurrence. Here, we propose a drug delivery strategy that works with the changing dynamics of the bacterial flora. In particular, a core-shell nanogel ( CSNG ) was designed to encapsulate prebiotic inulin and antimicrobial peptide Cath 30. The proposed strategy allowed for the sequential release of both drugs using gelatinase produced by AV pathogenic bacteria, initially selectively killing pathogenic bacteria and subsequently promoting the proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the vagina. In a simulated infection environment in vitro, the outer layer of CSNGs , Cath 30 was rapidly degraded and potently killed the pathogenic bacterium Staphylococcus aureus at 2‒6 h. CSNGs enhances proliferation of the beneficial bacterium Lactobacillus crispatus by more than 50% at 24 h. In a rat AV model, the drug delivery strategy precisely regulated the bacterial microenvironment while controlling the inflammatory response of the vaginal microenvironment. This new treatment approach, configured on demand and precisely controlled, offers a new strategy for the treatment of vaginal diseases. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved