Bacillus subtilis 281 Strain for Respiratory Pathogen Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack effective and safe probiotic bacterial strains for controlling pathogenic microorganisms in respiratory tract infections, particularly for use in domestic, clinical, and industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
Identification and characterization of a novel Bacillus subtilis strain (B. subtilis 281) with specific growth inhibitory effects against bacteria and fungi, gamma hemolytic activity, and sensitivity to therapeutic antibiotics, formulated in various compositions for aerosol dispensing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional probiotic strains are used for controlling pathogenic microorganisms, then general antimicrobial activity is achieved, but effectiveness against specific respiratory pathogens is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting B. subtilis strain 281 with specifically enhanced antimicrobial properties targeted at respiratory pathogens. The strain exhibits localized superiority in producing antimicrobial substances (surfactin, iturin, fengycin) that are particularly effective against respiratory tract pathogens like P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and H. influenzae, while maintaining controlled activity against other microorganisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the physiological state and metabolic activity of B. subtilis strain 281 through optimized culture conditions. The strain is cultivated to maximize production of antimicrobial substances, with specific attention to growth phase, nutrient composition, and environmental parameters that enhance pathogen inhibition while maintaining safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents are used, then wide coverage against pathogens is achieved, but safety and selectivity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity into benefit by utilizing the natural antimicrobial substances produced by B. subtilis strain 281. These substances (surfactin, iturin, fengycin) inherently provide pathogen control while the strain's probiotic nature ensures safety. The approach transforms what could be harmful broad-spectrum killing into a beneficial, selective probiotic action that protects against pathogens while maintaining microbial balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses B. subtilis strain 281 as an intermediary organism that mediates between the need for pathogen control and the requirement for safety. Rather than directly applying harsh antimicrobial agents, the strain acts as a living mediator that produces antimicrobial substances in a controlled, selective manner, providing protection against respiratory pathogens while maintaining safety through its probiotic properties and natural production mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If purified bacterial strains are used for targeted therapy, then specificity and safety are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing extensive strain selection, purification, and characterization of B. subtilis strain 281 before clinical or large-scale application. The strain has been pre-validated for safety (absence of hemolytic, lecithinase, and gelatinase activities) and efficacy (antimicrobial activity against respiratory pathogens) through rigorous testing, including whole-genome sequencing and phenotypic characterization. This preliminary work simplifies subsequent manufacturing by establishing a well-characterized, ready-to-produce strain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent demonstrates universality by showing that B. subtilis strain 281 possesses multiple functions: it produces antimicrobial substances (surfactin, iturin, fengycin), exhibits probiotic properties, maintains safety (no hemolytic or lecithinase activity), and shows effectiveness against multiple respiratory pathogens. This multi-functionality reduces manufacturing complexity by using a single strain that addresses multiple requirements rather than requiring separate components for each function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The Bacillus subtilis 281 strain effectively inhibits pathogens like Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, and fungi, demonstrating safety and efficacy for respiratory tract infections, with potential applications in aerosol formulations for prophylactic and therapeutic use.
Implementation Method 1
Several bioactive components such as enzymes that degrade fungal structural polymers (protease and chitinase), lipopeptides (iturin, surfactin and fengycin), antibiotics (fengycin, surfactin, iturin and bacillomycin D) and antifungal volatiles have been identified as the main component of antagonistic mode of action
Implementation Method 2
gamma hemolytic activity when streaked onto 5% sheep blood agar and incubated for 24 h at 37° C.
Data Source
AI summary
An isolated bacterial strain Bacillus subtilis 281 or a functional homolog of same is provided. A sample has been deposited as KCTC 13468BP at the Korean Collection for Type Cultures, wherein the isolated microbial strain is purified to a level of at least 99%. Also provided are methods of using the isolated bacterial strain or the functional homolog of same.