Bifidobacterium longum Transitional Clade Formulations
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of effective compositions and methods to support and establish a healthy gut microbiome in infants and young children during the transitional period from a milk-based diet to solid foods, with existing studies inadequately characterizing the gut microbiome and lacking suitable formulations.
Innovation Solution
Development of synthetic formulations comprising Bifidobacterium longum transitional clade microorganisms with at least 98.6% Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) to strains like CNCM I-5683, CNCM I-5684, CNCM I-5685, and CNCM I-5686, which are associated with prebiotic fibers, and can be used as milk fortifiers or replacements, promoting the transition to solid foods and adapting gut microbiota to metabolize milk-derived carbohydrates and fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional milk-based diets are used during infancy, then basic nutritional needs are met, but the gut microbiome cannot adapt to metabolize solid food components during the transitional period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces transitional clade B. longum microorganisms into the infant gut before the actual transition to solid foods occurs. These pre-introduced microorganisms establish themselves in the gut microbiome, preparing the digestive system to handle solid food components when the transition happens, thus preventing metabolic deficiencies during the transitional period
Solution Approach 2:
The transitional clade B. longum serves as a microbial intermediary that bridges the gap between milk-based and solid food diets. These microorganisms possess the unique capability to metabolize both milk-derived carbohydrates and solid food fibers, acting as a mediator that enables the gut to process diverse nutrient sources during the transitional feeding period
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gut microbiome structure changes during the transitional period, then adaptation to solid foods occurs, but this can negatively impact the physiologic and health state of the infant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces transitional clade B. longum microorganisms in advance of the dietary transition to cushion the infant against the harmful effects of microbiome restructuring. These pre-established microorganisms stabilize the gut environment, preventing dysbiosis and associated health issues that typically occur during the stressful transitional period when the microbiome is reorganizing to handle solid foods
3Reliability
If existing probiotic formulations are used, then general gut health is supported, but there is a paucity of formulations specifically capable of facilitating healthy gut microbiome establishment appropriate for infant use during transition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies and utilizes microorganisms with locally adapted qualities specific to the transitional feeding period. The transitional clade B. longum strains possess particular metabolic capabilities and physiological characteristics that are locally optimized for the unique conditions of the infant gut during dietary transition, rather than using general-purpose probiotics designed for other life stages or conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent defines specific parameters for the transitional clade B. longum microorganisms, including Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) thresholds and presence of specific genes (Tables 1 and 2), to ensure the formulations contain microorganisms with the precise characteristics needed for transitional period support. This parameter-based definition ensures formulation suitability specifically for infant dietary transition
Data Source
AI summary
Described in several exemplary embodiments are Bifidobacterium longum subspecies, microorganisms and formulations thereof. Described in several exemplary embodiments are formulations, such as synthetic formulations, that contain one or more of the Bifidobacterium longum subspecies microorganisms. Described in several embodiments herein is use of the Bifidobacterium longum subspecies microorganisms and formulations thereof, such as in an infant and/or young child.