Bioadhesive Strips for Oral Microbiome Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for migraines and dizziness primarily focus on symptom management rather than addressing the underlying causes, and there is a lack of understanding of the mechanisms driving these conditions, particularly the role of gut and oral microbiomes in their pathophysiology.
Innovation Solution
A method involving bioadhesive strips with encapsulated bacteria such as Lachnospira, Veillonella, Faecalibacterium, and Rothia, along with CRISPR-Cas systems, is used to modify the oral and gut microbiomes, targeting nitric oxide production and calcitonin gene-related peptide to prevent migraines, and a high-fiber diet is recommended to promote beneficial bacterial populations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current treatments for migraines and dizziness focus on symptom management, then immediate relief of symptoms is achieved, but the underlying causes remain unaddressed and treatments do not prevent recurrence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using CRISPR-Cas systems to modify bacterial genomes before they can cause migraines. The system proactively edits pathogenic bacteria to remove virulence factors or convert them into beneficial probiotics, preventing the development of conditions that trigger migraines rather than merely treating symptoms after they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses CRISPR-Cas systems as an intermediary mechanism between the treatment approach and the pathogenic bacteria. This molecular tool mediates the modification of bacterial DNA, enabling precise genetic changes that eliminate pathogenicity while preserving beneficial functions, thus addressing root causes without requiring complex surgical or long-term therapeutic interventions.
2Reliability
If CRISPR-Cas systems are used to modify oral and gut microbiomes, then the underlying causes of migraines are addressed, but the complexity of the treatment system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by using CRISPR-Cas systems to specifically remove or excise pathogenic elements from bacterial genomes. The system targets and extracts virulence factors, toxin genes, or other harmful genetic sequences from oral and gut bacteria, leaving the rest of the bacterial functionality intact, thus simplifying the overall approach compared to complete bacterial replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by enabling site-specific genetic modifications in particular bacterial species within the microbiome. The CRISPR-Cas system targets specific DNA sequences in specific pathogenic bacteria, making localized changes to only the problematic elements while leaving other bacteria and their functions unchanged, thereby addressing complexity through precision rather than broad intervention.
3Reliability
If high-fiber diet is recommended to promote beneficial bacterial populations, then gut microbiome health is improved, but patient compliance and long-term maintenance become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by engineering probiotic bacteria that can autonomously maintain their population and functionality in the gut without requiring continuous external intervention. The modified bacteria are designed to self-replicate, self-regulate, and maintain their beneficial functions independently, reducing the burden on patients to strictly adhere to dietary regimens for long-term maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by modifying the genetic parameters of probiotic bacteria to enhance their survival, replication, and functionality in the gut environment. By changing bacterial parameters such as growth rate, adhesion properties, and metabolic capabilities through CRISPR-mediated genetic editing, the system makes the bacteria more resilient and easier to maintain compared to relying solely on dietary control.
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
This approach aims to reduce migraine frequency and severity by modifying the microbiome, inhibiting nitric oxide production, and promoting a healthy gut and oral microbiota, potentially addressing the underlying causes of migraines and related conditions like cluster headaches.
Implementation Method 1
at least one bacteria and that has one of a pathogenic or toxic element excised using a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR associated protein (Cas) system
Implementation Method 2
A method involving bioadhesive strips with encapsulated bacteria
Implementation Method 3
encapsulated feature containing at least one bacteria... that has one of a pathogenic or toxic element excised
Implementation Method 4
targeting nitric oxide production and calcitonin gene-related peptide to prevent migraines
Data Source
AI summary
A method to facilitate the growth of desired bacteria in a human's mouth by using a bioadhesive strip that has an encapsulated feature containing at least one bacteria that has one of a pathogenic or toxic element excised using a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR associated protein (Cas) system or a CRISPR from Prevotella and Francisella 1 (Cpf1) system, and in particular, using oral strips that adhere to surfaces in the oral cavity and that include at least one of xylitol, Lachnospira, Veillonella, Faecalibacterium and/or Rothia bacteria.