Genetically modified yeasts as a new oral drug delivery system: from in vitro to in vivo validation of the concept

New strategies to prevent or treat diseases have been focusing on innovative approaches, such as the oral administration of living recombinant microorganisms delivering active compounds directly into the human digestive tract. The feasibility of the approach was evaluated using recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing a model P450. The survival rate of the yeasts and their ability to convert trans-cinnamic acid into p-coumaric acid were evaluated in artificial digestive systems simulating human gastrointestinal conditions and in the rat. Both in vitro and in vivo, engineered yeasts showed a high survival rate in the stomach and small intestine and were able to carry out the bioconversion reaction throughout the digestive tract. This study reveals the baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a promising host for Biodrug development.