Self-utilization method, self-utilization system, and self-utilization program for autologous bacteria

Abstract

Provided is a self-utilization method for autologous bacteria, the method being for increasing the survivability of bacteria normally existing in user's body and increasing the retention rate when the bacteria are returned to the user, leading to health enhancement of the user. The self-utilization method of autologous bacteria includes: a collection step for collecting bacteria normally existing in the body of a user from the body of the user to obtain collected bacteria; a culture step for seeding the collected bacteria in a culture medium and culturing the collected bacteria of the user; an isolation step for isolating acid-resistant bacteria from the collected bacteria during culture; a processing step for culturing the isolated autologous bacteria and processing the same into a bacterial processed product; and an administration step for administering the bacterial processed product to the user.

Description

Method, system, and program for self-utilization of self-bacteria

[0001] The present invention relates to a method, system, and program for the self-utilization of bacteria obtained from organs or parts where bacteria normally reside, and in particular to a method, system, and program for the self-utilization of bacteria obtained from one's own body to promote physical and mental health, including improving one's constitution, by ingesting useful types of bacteria collected from one's own body.

[0002] The human gut microbiota, commonly referred to as the "gut flora," is a group of microorganisms found in the human gastrointestinal system (stomach, small intestine, and large intestine). A diverse range of bacterial species make up the gut microbiota. Bacteria colonize the human intestine from day one of birth, creating a unique microbiota for each individual. While each person's microbial species are generally closely related, the majority of each individual's microbiota is host-specific. This means that the human gut microbiota is unique and highly diverse.

[0003] In recent years, as analysis of microorganisms and bacteria in the intestinal flora has progressed, their relationship with various diseases and chronic illnesses has also begun to be pointed out. Therefore, attempts have been made to transplant feces from healthy individuals into others (see Patent Document 1, etc.). In the case of fecal transplantation, the intestinal bacteria of the individual are first killed with antibiotics, and then feces for therapeutic transplantation is introduced into the intestine. Therefore, fecal transplantation imposes a heavy burden on patients and is not necessarily a convenient method. Furthermore, fecal transplantation is known to have problems such as a low colonization rate and a low rate of complete cure.

[0004] Some types of microorganisms and bacteria in the intestinal flora reach the intestine alive and improve the balance of the host's intestinal flora, providing beneficial effects to the host. These microorganisms are known as probiotic bacteria, and include lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria, and short-chain fatty acid acid-producing bacteria such as acetic acid bacteria, butyric acid-producing bacteria, and propionic acid bacteria. However, the lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria that are often used as probiotic bacteria are sensitive to oxygen and easily die during storage. Therefore, the survival rate of probiotic bacteria when processed for oral administration is not very high, and the effect of surviving bacteria in improving the intestinal flora has been limited.

[0005] Special Publication No. 2021-517131

[0006] While studying the relationship between the intestinal flora and health and nutritional status, the inventor discovered that the bacterial species in one's own intestinal flora are effective in improving one's own physical condition. Specifically, the inventor discovered that even when commercially available probiotic bacteria are ingested, the expected bacterial species do not colonize the intestines, and are even excreted. Therefore, the inventor conducted extensive research to more effectively utilize the bacteria normally present in one's body, including the intestines.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and relates to a method, a system, and a program for self-use of one's own bacteria to increase the survival rate of bacteria normally present in one's own body and increase the rate of colonization when the bacteria are returned to the user, thereby improving the user's health.

[0008] That is, the method for self-use of the user's own bacteria in this embodiment is characterized by comprising a collection step of collecting bacteria normally present in the user's body from the user's body to obtain the collected bacteria, a culture step of seeding the collected bacteria in a culture medium and culturing the user's collected bacteria, an isolation step of isolating acid-resistant bacteria from the collected bacteria during culture, a processing step of culturing the isolated user's own bacteria and processing them into a bacterial processed product, and an administration step of administering the bacterial processed product to the user.

[0009] Furthermore, in the method for self-utilization of autologous bacteria, the collected bacteria may be collected from the user's feces in the collection step, and an analysis step of analyzing the type of autologous bacteria contained in the user's feces may be added before the culture step.

[0010] Furthermore, the method for self-use of autologous bacteria may include a notification step of estimating the user's intestinal bacterial flora based on the types of autologous bacteria contained in the user's feces and notifying the user of advice on promoting the growth of bacteria that should be increased in the user's intestines.Furthermore, in the method for self-use of autologous bacteria, the advice may be nutritional guidance for the user.

[0011] Furthermore, in the method for self-utilization of autologous bacteria, a preservation step of preserving the processed bacterial product according to the user may be added after the processing step. Also, the isolated autologous bacteria may be genetically modified.

[0012] Furthermore, in the method for autologous use of autologous bacteria, the steps from the collection step onwards may be repeated after the administration step.

[0013] Furthermore, in the method for self-utilization of autologous bacteria, the culture medium may be under aerobic and acidic conditions, and the autologous bacteria may be bifidobacteria.

[0014] Furthermore, in the method for self-use of autologous bacteria, the collected bacteria may be collected from the vagina of the user in the collection step, or the collected bacteria may be collected from the skin of the user in the collection step.

[0015] The system for self-utilization of one's own bacteria comprises a storage unit that stores a nutritional guidance table that associates the type of bacteria to be grown in the human intestine with nutrients; an estimation unit that cultivates the user's own bacteria contained in the collected bacteria in the feces collected from the user and analyzes the bacteria to estimate the type of the user's own bacteria and the user's intestinal bacterial flora; a reception unit that receives responses from the user regarding changes in physical condition when the user ingests a bacterial processed product of the user's own bacteria; an advice generation unit that responds to the responses and generates nutritional guidance advice for the user based on the nutritional guidance table and in accordance with the user's intestinal bacterial flora; and a transmission unit that transmits the advice to the user.

[0016] The method for self-utilization of the user's own bacteria of the present invention includes a collection step of collecting bacteria normally present in the user's body from the user's body to obtain the collected bacteria, a culture step of seeding the collected bacteria in a culture medium and culturing the user's collected bacteria, an isolation step of isolating acid-resistant bacteria from the collected bacteria during culture, a processing step of culturing the isolated self-bacterial bacteria and processing them into a bacterial processed product, and an administration step of administering the bacterial processed product to the user, thereby increasing the survival of the bacteria normally present in the user's body and increasing the colonization rate when the bacteria are returned to the user, leading to improved health for the user.Furthermore, the system and program for self-utilization of the user's own bacteria can also similarly lead to improved health for the user.

[0017] It is a schematic diagram showing a method for self-utilization of own bacteria according to an embodiment. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a nutritional guidance table. It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a system for self-utilization of own bacteria according to an embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the functional parts of a computer. It is a flowchart explaining a program for self-utilization of own bacteria according to an embodiment.

[0018] Bacteria normally present in the human body are found in a wide range of locations, including the large intestine, skin, vaginal cavity, and oral cavity. The majority of these bacteria reside in the human intestine. Each individual's intestinal flora is formed according to the types of intestinal bacteria that reside in the large intestine and other intestines. The characteristics of the intestinal flora—i.e., the dominant bacterial species and the types, amounts, and proportions of beneficial bacterial species—have been suggested to be related to a person's chronic illnesses and diseases. Furthermore, it is becoming increasingly clear that intestinal bacteria influence mental states such as depression and mania, as well as physical activity and vitality. Therefore, attempts have been made to improve physical constitution and promote health by administering (oral or topical) bacterial species known as probiotics, which are effective in improving illness, disease, and mental state. However, the effects vary widely among individuals, and not only do they not improve the intestinal flora, but they may also actually reduce beneficial bacteria by competing with the bacteria that make up the individual's own flora.

[0019] From this series of events, even if the same species of bacteria are used, it is necessary to consider the conditions and specificities of the intestinal environment in which one's own intestinal bacteria grow. It can be said that ingesting commercially available useful bacterial species will not be able to fully adapt to one's own intestinal environment due to nutritional conditions, coexistence with other bacteria, etc. Therefore, in order to improve one's physical and mental constitution, it is considered optimal to select and grow useful bacterial species from among those that are adapted to one's own intestines from the beginning.

[0020] In other words, the method for self-utilization of autologous bacteria in this embodiment involves collecting the user's own bacteria (intestinal bacteria) as collected bacteria, multiplying and selecting them, and then returning them to the user. In this case, rather than a procedure that places a burden on the user, such as fecal transplantation, simple methods of ingestion, such as oral administration or application, are adopted. The feces excreted by the user are used as a convenient source of collected bacteria. In addition, bacteria that normally reside on the inner walls of the vaginal cavity, bacteria that normally reside on the skin surface (epidermis), and bacteria that normally reside in the oral cavity can also be collected. The following explanation will mainly focus on collected bacteria (intestinal bacteria) collected from feces. Additional explanations will be provided regarding collected bacteria from the vagina, skin, etc.

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a method for self-utilization of autologous bacteria. The collected bacteria are intestinal bacteria contained in feces excreted by the user. First, feces 13 from a user 10 is collected ("collection step"). Generally, feces contain more intestinal bacteria than undigested food residues. The feces is sealed and then sent to a service provider 11.

[0022] The type of bacteria contained in the user's feces sent to the service provider 11 is analyzed ("analysis step"). The type of bacteria is analyzed by analyzing the morphological characteristics of the bacteria, such as gram-positive or gram-negative, and also by analyzing the gene sequence (genomic analysis). By including genome analysis, detailed classification becomes possible. In this case, the presence or absence of useful bacterial species, their proportion in the bacterial flora, etc. are also analyzed. Furthermore, substances contained in residues in the feces may also be analyzed. For example, the presence and amount of molecules such as short-chain fatty acids are analyzed.

[0023] The user's feces is seeded on a culture medium, and the user's own bacteria are cultivated from the collected bacteria contained in the feces (the "culturing process"). Cultivation is intended to increase the amount of useful bacterial species. The culture medium is primarily acid-resistant. Aerobic conditions may also be added in parallel to account for the drying process described below. Aerobic conditions refer to conditions in which the bacteria are exposed to oxygen. If necessary, sterilized air is aerated into the culture medium. The oxygen content of the culture medium is increased to select bacterial species that can grow and proliferate even under high oxygen stress. The culture environment may be controlled from aerobic to anaerobic by adjusting the amount of oxygen during seeding (inoculation) and cultivation, thereby regulating proliferation. As described below, the selected bacteria may also be in a dried form. Until administration to the user, the bacteria are in a dry state and constantly exposed to oxygen. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent bacterial death during storage.

[0024] In addition, acidic conditions are added to the culture medium. When a user ingests dried bacteria, they come into contact with gastric acid in the stomach. The stomach has an acidic pH of around 2, particularly 1-2, due to gastric acid. However, when the stomach is filled with food, the pH is around 4. In this case, the ingested bacteria are broken down by gastric acid before reaching the small intestine or large intestine. To counter this reduction in bacterial numbers, bacterial strains that are resistant to strong acids are selected from the start. However, when applied to the skin, etc., there is no contact with gastric acid, so extreme acid resistance is not required.

[0025] During the culture in the medium, the culture of the autologous bacteria contained in the feces and the isolation of the acid-tolerant autologous bacteria are carried out in parallel. During the isolation, oxygen tolerance may be added as a selection condition. That is, an acid such as an organic acid is added to the medium to increase the acidity and create an acidic condition. Furthermore, sterilized air is introduced to create an aerobic condition. As a result, only bacterial species that are resistant to oxygen and acid can grow. Therefore, during the culture, the aerobic and acid-tolerant autologous bacteria are isolated (the "isolation step").

[0026] The medium used in the embodiment is a selective medium. In principle, antibiotics are not used when selecting bacterial species; instead, selection and isolation are performed using acid or acid and oxygen. In some cases, a minimal amount of antibiotics may be used from the perspective of selection efficiency. The ultimately isolated autologous bacteria are classified as bifidobacteria (genus Bifidobacterium), including species of the same genus, such as B. longum, B. adolescentis, and B. breve, known as probiotic bacteria. The target bacteria for isolation are not limited to the genus Bifidobacterium, but also include short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria. The isolated autologous bacteria are likely to have distinctive traits. Therefore, if a new bacterium is identified through analysis of the bacterial traits and genome sequence, it can be registered as a new species. Furthermore, the user may name the new bacterium.

[0027] Alternatively, the isolated autologous bacteria may be genetically modified. Using the autologous bacteria as a base, foreign genes may be introduced using plasmids, vectors, etc., and genome editing techniques such as CRISPR CAS9 may also be utilized. For example, acid resistance and oxygen tolerance may be improved. Additionally, growth rate (division rate) may be increased. Other purposes of genetic modification of the isolated autologous bacteria include, for example, improving metabolic and production capabilities such as alcohol metabolic enzyme production, serotonin precursor production, and drug metabolism.

[0028] After isolating the autologous bacteria, which are resistant to oxygen and acid, they are cultured for proliferation. The autologous bacteria are then processed into a bacterial processed product 15 for ease of handling (the "processing step"). The bacterial processed product 15 can be in various forms, such as a dried product, liquid, concentrated liquid, or gel. A dried product (dried bacterial product) is preferred for its ease of handling and storage. For drying, known techniques such as vacuum freeze-drying are used. While drying kills some bacteria, it improves shelf life. While freezing is also considered, drying is preferred because bacteria are difficult to preserve at the freezing temperatures of the user's refrigerator. The dried bacteria derived from the autologous intestinal environment are then processed into a form that is easy for the user to take by known methods such as encapsulation or tableting. In the figure, the bacterial processed product 15 is manufactured in processing equipment 16, such as a factory with processing capabilities. In the case of a liquid form, the bacterial processed product is sealed in a container such as a bottle or pack, and the user can open the liquid bacterial processed product and mix it with a beverage such as milk or soy milk to prepare a food such as yogurt. In the case of a gel form, the user can apply it directly to the skin or vagina. The bacterial processed product 15 contains the target bacteria and a nutrient source (such as dietary fiber) that is useful for the growth of the bacteria.

[0029] In addition to the processing process, the bacterial processed product is stored according to the user ("storage process"). The prepared bacterial processed product may be provided to the user in its entirety, or it may be provided (delivered) to the user in appropriate amounts. In addition to the bacterial processed product, the isolated self-contained bacteria and feces themselves are also stored. By having the service provider manage the provision of the bacterial processed product to the user, stable temperature control and other storage is possible, and it also prevents users from forgetting to use the product and provides an opportunity to ask the user about their health after use. In other words, the service provider does not simply sell the bacterial processed product and then finish it, but also responds to the need to take responsibility for the process.

[0030] The user ingests the bacterial processed product derived from their own intestinal bacteria, sent by the service provider ("administration process"). The ingestion period can last from one month to six months, or even one year. Throughout this ingestion period, the user can answer a questionnaire 12 from the service provider at any time regarding changes in their physical and mental state, and can report to the service provider the effects of ingesting the bacterial processed product derived from their own intestinal bacteria. Based on the response results, if there is an effect, the user will continue, but if there is no effect, the current intake of the dried bacterial product will be temporarily discontinued. In addition to oral ingestion, administration methods include application to the skin, vaginal cavity, and oral gargling for the user's own bacteria outside the intestine.

[0031] Thus, in the method for self-utilization of autologous bacteria according to the embodiment, for example, autologous intestinal bacteria constituting the intestinal flora growing in the intestine of the user are isolated. In particular, bacteria resistant to gastric acid and oxygen are cultivated and processed into an easy-to-take form. The autologous intestinal bacteria are then delivered to the user in the form of dried bacteria, which the user then begins to take. As a result, the proportion of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal flora gradually increases, leading to improvements in the intestinal environment and improvements in illness, disease, and mental state. In particular, because the bacteria are present in the user's intestine from the beginning and are adapted to the intestinal environment, the bacteria are highly adaptable to the environment and can more efficiently colonize and proliferate there. Of course, the sources of autologous bacteria are diverse, including the user's own intestines, skin, vagina, oral cavity, and the like. For example, when isolated from bacteria collected from the user's skin, applications such as suppressing inflammation of atopic dermatitis and acne (acne vulgaris) are anticipated. Furthermore, when bacteria collected from one's own vagina are isolated, it is expected that the vaginal environment will improve, such as reducing menstrual irregularities and increasing the implantation rate of fertilized eggs.In addition, when bacteria collected from one's own oral cavity are isolated, it is expected that they will be effective in suppressing bacteria that cause tooth decay (dental caries) and periodontal disease.

[0032] Although the method for self-administration of autologous bacteria can be completed with a single use, changes in physical condition, growth of intestinal bacteria, and changes in the bacterial flora must be monitored over time. The administration process described above does not end the process; the user's feces must be collected again (collection process) and subsequent steps must be repeated. The intestinal environment and bacterial flora are not always constant in a user, but change with the administration (ingestion) of autologous bacteria. Furthermore, processed products of autologous bacteria may not exhibit the expected effects. Therefore, the process is repeated to achieve a more optimal state. The responses to the questionnaire 12 described above are used as a trigger for repetition.

[0033] In addition, to improve one's constitution and mental state through the method of self-administering one's own bacteria, one must ingest dried intestinal bacteria, which then multiply in the user's intestines and improve the intestinal flora. Therefore, in the aforementioned analysis step, the user's intestinal bacterial flora is estimated based on the type of bacteria contained in the user's feces. Then, the user is notified of advice to promote the proliferation of bacteria (isolated bacteria) that should be increased in the user's intestines ("notification step").

[0034] Specifically, the nutrient sources that stimulate the growth of isolated bifidobacteria and short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria can differ depending on their type. For example, are short-chain sugars preferable? What kind of oligosaccharides are preferable? Is starch acceptable? Or, there are differences in the vitamins and minerals required. Furthermore, accumulated research has systematized the types of foods that are rich in various nutrients and those that reduce nutritional value.

[0035] Therefore, a nutritional guidance table 20 is constructed in advance, as shown in the schematic diagram of Figure 2. The nutritional guidance table 20 is a list that associates the types of bacteria that should be grown in the human intestine with nutrients. In the example shown, sugars, vitamins, and minerals are presented as prebiotics (required nutrients) for B. breve, a species of the Bifidobacterium genus. Then, ingredients corresponding to the required nutrients are presented. In this way, if a user ingests B. breve (or closely related species) as their intestinal bacteria, ingredients corresponding to the required nutrients can be found.

[0036] When ingredients that meet the nutritional requirements of intestinal bacteria are found through the nutritional guidance table 20, nutritional guidance advice (such as a menu of dishes or a menu suggestion) is generated for the user along with advice on improving lifestyle habits. The advice (nutritional guidance) is then notified to the user. The types of nutritional advice vary depending on the number of menus, so that users do not become bored. Of course, nutritional guidance menus may also be added to the nutritional guidance table 20. Furthermore, in addition to being sent to users of the service, the nutritional advice may also be sent to restaurants, catering services, etc. affiliated with the service provider. Therefore, it is possible to configure the service so that food, beverages, and dishes that reflect the nutritional advice are delivered to users from restaurants, catering services, etc. Alternatively, a chef who prepares food, beverages, and dishes that reflect the nutritional advice may be dispatched to the user from restaurants, catering services, etc. affiliated with the service provider.

[0037] As a result, the method for self-utilization of autologous bacteria begins with the collection of one's own intestinal bacteria, followed by the selection, isolation, cultivation, and administration of useful bacteria, and even guidance on their proliferation and improvement of the bacterial flora. In particular, treatment with conventional drugs for chronic diseases, allergies, autoimmune diseases, etc. may not always be effective. Improvement in mental conditions such as depression is also expected. In particular, it is known that the state of the intestinal environment affects mental state in women during pregnancy and after childbirth due to changes in hormone secretion. Therefore, it is expected that using bacteria originally present in one's own intestines will contribute to improving quality of life (QOL). In addition, by administering (applying) one's own bacteria normally present in the vaginal cavity back into one's vagina, it is expected that the bacterial flora in the vagina will gradually improve, improving the condition of vaginal tissue before and after childbirth.

[0038] The method for self-utilization of autologous bacteria is constructed as a self-utilization system 1 for autologous bacteria provided by a service provider 11, as shown in the schematic diagram of Figure 3. In the self-utilization system 1 for autologous bacteria in Figure 3, the analysis results (analysis information) 35 of intestinal bacteria and the response results (response information) 36 from the user are received (input) by a computer 30. The computer 30 is equipped with hardware such as a computing element 31 (e.g., a GPU), a ROM 32, a RAM 33, and a storage unit 34. The computer 30 is composed of various electronic computers (computing resources), such as well-known personal computers, supercomputers, mainframes, workstations, and cloud computing systems. The schematic diagram of Figure 3 illustrates an example in which bacteria (intestinal bacteria) collected from the subject's feces are selected, cultured, and then administered back to the subject. Of course, the self-utilization system for autologous bacteria can also be applied to applications other than intestinal bacteria.

[0039] When each functional unit of the computer 30 of the self-utilization system 1 of the self-utilization system of the self-bacteria in Figure 3 is realized by software, the computer 30 executes instructions of a program that is software that realizes each function. The recording medium that stores this program can be a "non-transitory tangible medium" such as a CD, DVD, semiconductor memory, or programmable logic circuit. The program can also be supplied to the computer 30 of the self-utilization system of the self-bacteria via any transmission medium that can transmit the program (such as a communication network or broadcast waves).

[0040] The memory unit of the computer 30 of the self-bacterial self-use system 1 is equipped with a storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The memory unit 34 may be an external server (not shown). The memory unit 34 stores various data, information, programs, and various data necessary for executing the programs. Furthermore, each functional unit that performs various calculations, operations, etc. is a computing element 31. In addition, input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse (not shown), a display unit (a display device such as a monitor), an output device for outputting data, etc. may also be appropriately connected to the computer 30.

[0041] The functional units in the processing element 31 of the computer 30 in the self-utilization system 1 for self-bacteria are shown in the schematic block diagram of Figure 4. Each functional unit includes a memory unit 110, an estimation unit 120, a reception unit 130, an advice generation unit 140, a transmission unit 150, etc. Processing and execution in the self-utilization system 1 for self-bacteria are realized in software terms by a self-utilization program for self-bacteria loaded into main memory, etc.

[0042] The intestinal bacteria analysis results (analysis information) 35 are information on the identification of the type of bacteria in the collected bacteria, for example, feces, and the results of genome analysis. This mainly includes the state of the bacterial flora in the user's intestines (proportion of bacteria present) and the identification of the type. The user's response results (response information) 36 are responses to the questionnaire 12 mentioned above, and the user's subjective sensory evaluation is quantified. Advice 14 corresponds to Figure 1 and is the content notified to the user by the self-bacteria self-use system 1.

[0043] The storage unit 110 stores a nutritional guidance table 20 (see FIG. 2) that associates the types of bacteria that should be grown in the intestines of humans, particularly the user, with nutrients. As explained in FIG. 2, the nutritional guidance table 20 is stored in advance. Of course, the contents are updated as needed.

[0044] The estimation unit 120 cultures the user's own bacteria contained in feces collected from the user, analyzes the bacteria, and estimates the type of the user's own bacteria and the user's intestinal bacterial flora. Trends in the type and amount of bacteria can be ascertained from the intestinal bacterial analysis results 35. The user's intestinal bacterial flora is then estimated based on the similarity to known human intestinal bacterial flora.

[0045] The reception unit 130 receives responses regarding changes in the user's physical condition when the user administers (ingests) the bacterial processed product 15 (see FIG. 1 ). As mentioned above, the responses are responses 17 to a questionnaire 12 sent to the user by the service provider 11. From the standpoint of speeding up the process and providing convenience, the questionnaire is generated and responses are received using application software compatible with the user's smartphone, personal computer, tablet device, or the like.

[0046] The advice generating unit 140 generates nutritional advice for the user in accordance with the user's intestinal bacterial flora based on the nutritional advice table 20 (see FIG. 2 ) in response to the answer. As explained in FIG. 2 , advice on lifestyle improvement and nutritional advice (menu) is generated based on the nutritional advice table 20 in accordance with the user's isolated intestinal bacteria.

[0047] The sending unit 150 sends the advice to the user. Specifically, it sends it to the user's smartphone or personal computer. The content of the transmission may be an email, a message, a notification on SNS, or any other suitable form that the user can recognize, such as by facsimile or by mail after printing by the service provider 11.

[0048] In addition, related services provided by business operator 11 may include the registration of new species of new bacteria and the naming of new bacteria. Bacteria isolated from the user's own intestines, etc. are likely to have distinctive characteristics. Therefore, new species of bacteria may be discovered by analyzing the characteristics of the bacteria and analyzing the bacterial genome sequence. If the genome analysis reveals that the bacteria is a new species, the user who provided the collected bacteria is notified that a new species of bacteria has been discovered, and the new species is registered through business operator 11. In addition, new bacteria isolated from the user's own body may be named and registered through business operator 11.

[0049] The program for self-utilization of bacteria in the computer 30 of the system for self-utilization of bacteria 1 will now be described using the flowchart in Figure 5. The method for self-utilization of bacteria is executed by the computer's processing element 31 based on the program for self-utilization of bacteria. The program for self-utilization of bacteria causes the computer 30 in Figures 3 and 4 to perform functions such as storage, estimation, reception, advice generation, and transmission. Note that each function overlaps with the description of the system for self-utilization of bacteria 1 described above, so details will be omitted.

[0050] 5, the processing of the arithmetic element 31 of the computer 30 includes various steps, such as a storage step (S110), an estimation step (S120), a reception step (S130), an advice generation step (S140), and a transmission step (S150). Of course, various steps necessary for the operation of the computer 30 itself are also included. Note that a step of updating the nutrition guidance table 20 may be added.

[0051] The storage function stores a nutritional guidance table that associates the types of bacteria to be grown in the human intestine with nutrients (S110; storage step). The estimation function cultures the user's own bacteria contained in feces collected from the user, analyzes the bacteria, and estimates the type of bacteria and the user's intestinal bacterial flora (S120; estimation step). The reception function receives a response from the user regarding changes in physical condition when the user ingests dried bacterial products of the user's own bacteria (S130; reception step). The advice generation function generates nutritional guidance advice for the user based on the response and in accordance with the user's intestinal bacterial flora based on the nutritional guidance table (S140; advice generation step). The transmission function transmits the advice to the user (S150; transmission step).

[0052] The computer program of the present invention described above may be recorded on a processor-readable recording medium, and the recording medium may be a "non-transitory tangible medium" such as a disk, card, semiconductor memory, programmable logic circuit, etc.

[0053] The computer program can be implemented using, for example, a scripting language such as ActionScript or JavaScript (registered trademark), an object-oriented programming language such as Objective-C or Java (registered trademark), or a markup language such as HTML5.

[0054] The inventors conducted the following experiment to evaluate the effects of administering to themselves bacteria collected from bacteria normally present in their own (user's) bodies.

[0055] [Isolation and culture of Bifidobacterium] Bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium were selected and cultured from the feces of healthy individuals other than the inventors (Bifidobacterium genus Bifidobacterium). The number of Bifidobacterium bacteria was then grown and cultured until the number of bacteria reached approximately 10 billion per gram of culture medium.

[0056] [Isolation and Culture of Autologous Bacteria] Bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium were selected from bacteria collected from the feces of the inventor and cultured (autologous bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium). The autologous bacteria were then grown and cultured until the number of bacteria reached approximately 10 billion per gram of culture medium.

[0057] [Administration and Progress] Prior to the administration of the other's and the subject's own bacteria, the inventor measured the proportion of Bifidobacterium species among the intestinal bacteria contained in the subject's feces through genome analysis. In addition, the proportion of Bifidobacterium longum species in the Bifidobacterium genus among the intestinal bacteria contained in the subject's feces was also measured through genome analysis. In addition, in order to reduce the impact of external factors on the intestinal bacteria when administering the other's and the subject's own bacteria, the subject refrained from taking supplements, probiotic foods containing bacteria such as yogurt, and prebiotic foods that serve as food (nutrition) for bacteria for three months before and during the administration period, and maintained the same lifestyle.

[0058] The inventor then ingested approximately 10 billion Bifidobacterium species along with a commercially available sports drink. The percentage of Bifidobacterium species and the percentage of Bifidobacterium longum species among the intestinal bacteria contained in the subject's feces were measured through genome analysis before, one day after, and three days after ingestion. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0059]

[0060] Three weeks after ingesting the other Bifidobacterium bacteria, the inventor ingested approximately 10 billion Bifidobacterium bacteria along with a commercially available sports drink. The proportion of Bifidobacterium species and the proportion of Bifidobacterium longum species among the intestinal bacteria contained in the subject's feces were measured through genome analysis before, one day after, three days after, and seven days after ingestion. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0061]

[0062] [Discussion] Comparing the results of Tables 1 and 2, it is believed that when Bifidobacterium genus bacteria were ingested, colonization in the intestines was poor and adaptation to the existing intestinal bacterial flora was not advanced. According to the inventor, diarrhea symptoms appeared one day after ingestion, and constipation symptoms appeared three days after ingestion, suggesting that administration of the other bacteria may have worsened the balance of the existing intestinal environment and bacterial flora. Furthermore, because it was difficult to continue observation of the intake of the other bacteria, observation was discontinued three days after ingestion.

[0063] In the case of ingesting the Bifidobacterium genus, an increase in the Bifidobacterium genus was evident over time after ingestion. Compared to the case of ingesting other bacteria, the inventor did not experience any notable symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation, and felt well. From these results, it is believed that in the case of ingesting the Bifidobacterium genus, since the bacteria are already growing in the intestines, there is no interference with the intestinal normal bacteria, and they are compatible with the existing intestinal bacterial flora, and on top of that, the number of bacteria gradually becomes more dominant. In addition, the increase in other genera may also have an effect on other bacteria.

[0064] Based on this experiment, it became clear that even if bacteria are considered to be beneficial to the body, when they are from another person, they do not necessarily settle in the body smoothly, and even if they are, conversely, they may be undesirable for the body. In contrast, when bacteria considered to be beneficial to the body are selected from one's own bacteria, cultivated, and then administered back to the subject, they blend well with the subject's existing bacterial flora, making them effective in settling in the body.

[0065] Considering the above-mentioned considerations of this embodiment, by utilizing useful bacteria derived from bacteria normally present in the user's body, it is possible to obtain useful effects such as (1) enhancing the efficacy of the drug by administering the autologous bacterial preparation, (2) suppressing side effects by administering the autologous bacterial preparation, and (3) improving the efficacy of the drug by the synergistic effect of adding prebiotics (e.g., dietary fiber, oligosaccharides, etc.) to the autologous bacterial preparation. Furthermore, (4) utilizing intestinal bacterial test data can be useful for predicting, analyzing, and evaluating the efficacy of the drug and the intestinal bacterial tests, efficacy, and side effects after administering the autologous bacterial preparation.

[0066] Regarding (1) and (2), the role of the intestinal microbiota in enhancing drug efficacy and suppressing side effects has been clarified, suggesting that personalized probiotics may be useful for adjusting drug response (Theranostics, 2020; 10(24): 11278-11301. doi: 10.7150 / thno.47289). Regarding (3), the synergistic effect of taking prebiotics and probiotics simultaneously has been described, particularly in improving the diversity of intestinal bacteria and enhancing drug efficacy (Nutrients 2021, 13, 2112. https: / / doi.org / 10.3390 / nu13062112). Furthermore, regarding (4), it has been disclosed that the intestinal microbiota is related to drug efficacy (Clinical Pharmacokinetics (2021) 60:971-984).

[0067] In this way, in this embodiment, useful bacteria can be cultivated from bacteria normally present in the user's body and made available to the user, thereby improving the user's constitution and health, as well as providing the benefits of (1) to (4) described above.

[0068] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Self-use system of own bacteria 10 User 11 Service provider 13 Collected bacteria (feces) 14 Advice 15 Bacteria processed product 20 Nutritional guidance table 30 Computer 31 Arithmetic element 32 ROM 33 RAM 34 Memory unit 110 Memory unit 120 Estimation unit 130 Reception unit 140 Advice generation unit 150 Transmission unit

Claims

1. A method for self-use of a user's own bacteria, comprising: a collection step of collecting bacteria normally present in the user's body from the user's body to obtain collected bacteria; a culture step of seeding the collected bacteria in a culture medium and culturing the collected bacteria of the user; an isolation step of isolating acid-resistant bacteria from the collected bacteria during the culture step; a processing step of culturing the isolated autologous bacteria and processing them into a bacterial processed product; and an administration step of administering the bacterial processed product to the user.

2. The method for self-utilization of autologous bacteria according to claim 1, wherein the collected bacteria are collected from the feces of the user in the collection step.

3. The method for self-use of autologous bacteria according to claim 2, further comprising an analysis step of analyzing the type of autologous bacteria contained in the collected bacteria of the user prior to the culturing step.

4. The method for self-use of autologous bacteria described in claim 3, further comprising a notification step of estimating the intestinal bacterial flora of the user based on the type of the collected bacteria contained in the user's feces and notifying the user of advice on promoting the proliferation of bacteria that should be increased in the user's intestines.

5. The method for self-use of autologous bacteria according to claim 4, wherein the advice is nutritional guidance to the user.

6. A method for self-use of autologous bacteria according to claim 1, further comprising a preservation step of preserving the bacterial processed product according to the user after the processing step.

7. The method for self-utilization of autologous bacteria according to claim 1, wherein the isolated autologous bacteria is genetically modified.

8. The method for autologous use of autologous bacteria according to claim 1, wherein the steps from the collection step onwards are repeated after the administration step.

9. The method for the self-utilization of autologous bacteria according to claim 1, wherein the medium is under aerobic and acidic conditions.

10. The method for self-utilization of autologous bacteria according to claim 1, wherein the autologous bacteria are bifidobacteria or bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids.

11. The method for self-use of autologous bacteria according to claim 1, wherein the collected bacteria are collected from the vagina of the user in the collection step.

12. The method for self-use of autologous bacteria according to claim 1, wherein the collected bacteria are collected from the skin of the user in the collection step.

13. A system for self-use of own bacteria comprising: a memory unit for storing a nutritional guidance table that associates the type of bacteria to be grown in the human intestine with nutrients; an estimation unit for culturing the user's own bacteria contained in bacteria collected from stool collected from the user and analyzing the bacteria to estimate the type of the user's own bacteria and the user's intestinal bacterial flora; a reception unit for receiving a response regarding changes in the user's physical condition when the user ingests a bacterial processed product of the user's own bacteria; an advice generation unit for generating nutritional guidance advice for the user based on the nutritional guidance table in response to the response and in accordance with the user's intestinal bacterial flora; and a transmission unit for transmitting the advice to the user.

14. A program for self-use of own bacteria, characterized by realizing in a computer the following: a memory function for storing a nutritional guidance table that associates the types of bacteria to be grown in the human intestine with nutrients; an estimation function for culturing the user's own bacteria contained in bacteria collected from stool collected from the user and analyzing the bacteria to estimate the types of the user's own bacteria and the user's intestinal bacterial flora; a reception function for receiving a response regarding changes in the user's physical condition when the user ingests a bacterial processed product of the user's own bacteria; an advice generation function for generating nutritional guidance advice for the user based on the nutritional guidance table in response to the response and in accordance with the user's intestinal bacterial flora; and a transmission function for transmitting the advice to the user.