Fiber Mix Composition for Restoring Dysbiotic Gut Microbiota
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strategies to promote and maintain a healthy gut microbiota are inadequate, particularly in addressing dysbiosis associated with metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, and achieving this through a high-fiber dietary regimen is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A fiber mix formulation comprising a mixture of bran (oat, corn, sorghum, and wheat bran), inulin, and digestion-resistant maltodextrin (Fibersol-2®) in specific ratios and particle sizes, promoting the proliferation of acetate- and butyrate-producing gut bacteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current strategies are used to promote gut microbiota, then general gut health is maintained, but the proliferation of acetate-producing and butyrate-producing gut bacteria is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the compositional parameters of the dietary fiber mixture by specifying precise ratios of soluble fibers (inulin, resistant maltodextrin) to insoluble fibers (bran), and controlling particle size parameters (150-300 μm), thereby optimizing the substrate availability for specific bacterial populations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite dietary fiber formulation combining multiple fiber types (soluble and insoluble) in specific proportions, where each fiber component serves different functions: soluble fibers ferment to produce short-chain fatty acids that directly stimulate acetate- and butyrate-producing bacteria, while insoluble fibers provide structural bulk and modulate gut transit
2Reliability
If dietary fiber supplementation is increased, then gut microbiota composition is improved, but formulation uniformity and particle size control become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dietary fiber mixture into specific compositional categories (soluble fibers: inulin and resistant maltodextrin; insoluble fibers: bran from multiple grain sources) with defined ratios, and separately controls particle size parameters, making the formulation process more manageable and reproducible
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes specific parameter ranges for formulation success: fiber ratios (soluble:insoluble), individual component concentrations (inulin 5-10%, resistant maltodextrin 5-10%), and particle size (150-300 μm), which serve as quality control criteria during manufacturing
3Quantity of substance
If the fiber mixture particle size is reduced for better absorption, then gut microbiota proliferation is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the particle size parameter to a specific range (150-300 μm) that balances two competing requirements: small enough to be effectively fermented by gut bacteria and absorbed, but large enough to maintain manufacturing feasibility and formulation uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a moderate particle size reduction rather than excessive fine grinding, achieving sufficient microbial proliferation enhancement while avoiding the manufacturing complexity and energy consumption associated with ultra-fine processing
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 formulation effectively increases the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, creating a mildly acidic gut environment that inhibits pathogens, thereby restoring and maintaining a healthy gut microbiota, alleviating symptoms of dysbiosis-related conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The formulation restores a healthier gut microbiota, alleviates symptoms in patients with dysbiotic conditions, and effectively increases the levels of beneficial bacteria
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a fiber mix formulation comprising a mixture of bran, inulin, and digestion resistant maltodextrin useful to restore a healthier gut microbiota and alleviate symptoms in subjects with imbalance of gut microbiota. The mixture of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (ISDF) with a ratio of ISDF:SDF (0.5:1 to 1:0.5), has synergistic effect on gut microbiota composition, promoting the growth of the acetate- and butyrate-producing bacteria and inhibiting the growth of pathogens and detrimental bacteria.