Microbial Composition Disrupting Biofilm Matrix for Flora Restoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for treating biofilm-associated diseases and disorders are ineffective due to the impenetrability of biofilms to antimicrobials and the immune system, and the limited success of conventional probiotics in restoring a healthy microbial flora.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising non-pathogenic fungal and bacterial strains, optionally combined with an enzyme capable of disrupting biofilms, is administered to disrupt and replace pathogenic biofilms in the subject, promoting a balanced and healthy microbial flora.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional antimicrobials are used to treat biofilm-associated infections, then the antimicrobial agents can kill planktonic bacteria, but the biofilm matrix prevents penetration and protects embedded bacteria from treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment approach is segmented into two distinct phases: first, applying an enzyme composition to degrade and disrupt the biofilm matrix structure, thereby segmenting the protective barrier; second, administering antimicrobial agents to treat the now-exposed planktonic and embedded bacteria. This segmentation allows each treatment modality to function effectively without the limitations of the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The enzyme treatment is applied as a preliminary action before antimicrobial therapy. By pre-degrading the biofilm matrix with enzymes, the protective barrier is removed in advance, allowing subsequent antimicrobial agents to penetrate and act on the bacteria without resistance from the intact biofilm structure.
2Reliability
If conventional probiotics are administered to restore healthy microbial flora, then the intent is to compete with pathogenic bacteria, but the probiotics fail to effectively colonize or displace established biofilm-forming pathogens
Solution Approach 1:
Probiotic administration is performed as a preliminary action after biofilm disruption but before pathogenic bacteria can re-establish. By introducing beneficial microbes into the newly available ecological niche, the probiotics can colonize the site and compete with pathogenic bacteria before they form new biofilms, increasing the likelihood of successful therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The enzyme treatment acts as an intermediary that creates favorable conditions for probiotic colonization. By degrading the biofilm matrix and reducing the pathogenic load, the enzyme treatment mediates the transition from a pathogen-dominated environment to one where probiotics can successfully establish and maintain healthy microbial flora.
3Reliability
If the immune system is relied upon to clear biofilm-associated infections, then the immune response can attack exposed pathogens, but the biofilm matrix shields embedded microorganisms from immune detection and attack
Solution Approach 1:
The immune response effectiveness is segmented into two stages: first, enzyme-mediated disruption of the biofilm matrix to expose embedded bacteria; second, immune system activation against the now-visible pathogens. This segmentation removes the shielding effect that normally prevents immune detection, allowing the immune system to function at full effectiveness.
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 composition effectively disrupts biofilms, displaces pathogenic microorganisms, and restores the natural microbiome, reducing the growth and development of pathogenic bacteria and fungi, thereby treating biofilm-associated diseases.
Implementation Method 1
an optional enzyme capable of disrupting the biofilm
Implementation Method 2
comprising non-pathogenic fungal and bacterial strains, optionally combined with an enzyme capable of disrupting biofilms, is administered to disrupt and replace pathogenic biofilms
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides compositions and dosage forms for promoting healthy microbial flora in a mammal, for example, a human. The disclosure further provides compositions and dosage forms for disrupting biofilm or preventing formation of biofilm containing pathogenic bacteria and/or pathogenic fungi in a particular region of a subject. The dosage forms contain (i) an isolated non-pathogenic fungal strain that is viable in the region of the subject, (ii) an isolated non-pathogenic bacterial strain that is viable in the region of the subject, and optionally (iii) an enzyme capable of disrupting the biofilm. The present disclosure also provides methods of disrupting a biofilm or preventing formation of a biofilm with such a composition or dosage form, methods of identifying a subject suitable for treatment with such a composition or dosage form, and methods of improving nutrient absorption using such a composition or dosage form.