Feline Probiotic Lactobacilli Isolation from Upper GI Tract

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for probiotic strains of lactic acid bacteria specifically adapted for cats, derived from their natural intestinal microflora, that can survive processing and maintain health benefits for companion animals.

Innovation Solution

Isolation and selection of lactic acid bacteria strains from the feline gastrointestinal tract, such as Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus animalis, and Lactobacillus reuteri, with specific 16s-23s polynucleotide sequences, for use in probiotic compositions that promote gastrointestinal health and immune system modulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If probiotic bacteria are derived from human sources, then they may be effective for human health, but they are not specifically adapted for feline gastrointestinal health

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to feline GI tractVSAvoidprobiotic effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by isolating probiotic bacteria specifically from the feline upper gastrointestinal tract rather than using generic human-derived strains. This ensures the bacteria are locally adapted to the feline GI environment, matching the specific physiological conditions of cats while maintaining probiotic effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by selecting bacteria based on their specific origin location within the feline GI tract (upper portion including stomach and small intestine) and their ability to survive processing conditions. This targeted selection optimizes the bacterial strains for feline-specific parameters such as gastric acidity tolerance and bile resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If bacteria are isolated from faecal samples, then they may show probiotic activity, but they do not represent the natural microflora of the upper GI tract

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprobiotic activityVSAvoidrepresentation of natural microflora
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by isolating bacteria directly from the upper GI tract before they reach the faeces, capturing the natural microflora composition of the target location. This preliminary isolation ensures the bacteria represent the actual inhabitants of the feline upper GI tract rather than contaminants or lower tract organisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses extraction by specifically removing and isolating bacteria from the upper portion of the feline GI tract (stomach and small intestine) separate from faecal samples. This extraction method captures the genuine upper GI microflora population that would naturally be present in healthy cats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If probiotic strains are selected for survival during processing, then they maintain viability, but selection criteria become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviability after processingVSAvoidselection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing a multi-stage selection process that tests for specific survival capabilities (gastric acidity tolerance, bile resistance, heat stability) rather than requiring all possible stress resistance. This partial selection approach ensures adequate processing survival without unnecessarily complicating the selection criteria.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS9427000B2Feline probiotic lactobacilli composition and methods
Publication Date: 2016.08.30 MARS INC

AI summary

According to the invention there is provided a strain of lactic acid bacteria of the genus Lactobacilli obtainable by isolation from resected and washed feline gastrointestinal tract having a probiotic activity in animals. Methods of use and compositions comprising the Lactobacilli of the present invention are also provided.