Bacillus coagulans Probiotic Confection Viability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Probiotic organisms, particularly lactic acid-producing bacteria like Bacillus coagulans, face challenges in retaining viability and maintaining beneficial properties during storage and passage through the gastrointestinal tract, requiring regular ingestion and not permanently colonizing the host.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating isolated Bacillus coagulans into confection-based compositions, such as gummi candies, and seafood/fish oil-based compositions, where the bacteria remain viable and retain their probiotic properties, allowing for effective human or animal consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If probiotic organisms are incorporated into confection-based compositions, then they remain viable and retain beneficial properties during storage, but they face challenges surviving harsh manufacturing processes and gastrointestinal conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses spore-forming bacteria (Bacillus species) as an intermediary structure that protects the probiotic organism during harsh conditions. The spore coat acts as a protective mediator that allows survival through manufacturing processes and gastrointestinal tract, then germinates to release viable bacteria in the colon where they exert probiotic effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the parameter change from spore form to vegetative cell form. The bacteria exist in a dormant spore state during storage and manufacturing (resistant to heat and stress), then undergo parameter change to vegetative cells in the favorable environment of the colon, where they become metabolically active and provide health benefits.
2Reliability
If probiotic organisms are used to modify gastrointestinal microflora, then health benefits are achieved, but they do not permanently colonize and require regular ingestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the probiotic action from permanent colonization requirements. By using spore-forming bacteria that germinate in the colon, the system delivers probiotic benefits without requiring the organism to permanently establish itself, allowing for periodic supplementation rather than lifelong colonization.
Solution Approach 2:
The spore formation represents a preliminary action that prepares the bacteria for survival through harsh conditions. The spores are pre-formed and protected before ingestion, allowing them to survive manufacturing and gastrointestinal passage, then germinate on-site in the colon to deliver the probiotic effect without needing prior colonization.
3Reliability
If conventional probiotics are used, then gastrointestinal health is improved, but they require strict storage conditions and have limited shelf-life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses spore-forming bacteria that can be stored as stable spores for extended periods without special conditions. The spores are essentially disposable protective vehicles that maintain viability during storage and manufacturing, then germinate to deliver the probiotic effect, eliminating the need for refrigeration or special storage conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to probiotic confection-based compositions comprising lactic acid-producing bacteria and oil-based compositions comprising the same.