Gut Microbiome Profiling for Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Risk

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods are inadequate for effectively assessing and addressing the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D), particularly in identifying microbiome-dependent cases, and there is a need for new compositions and methods to modulate bacterial profiles in the gastrointestinal tract to prevent or treat these conditions.

Innovation Solution

Introducing specific bacterial species such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzi, Bifidobacterium longum, Eubacterium halli, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Roseburia intestinalis, Eubacterium eligens, Lachnospiraceae bacterium_5_1_63FAA, and Eubacterium ventriosum into the gastrointestinal tract, either through fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) or oral administration, to modify bacterial levels and reduce the risk or treat obesity and T2D, while using kits and reagents for detecting these species to assess risk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing assessment methods are used to evaluate obesity and T2D risk, then the assessment process is simple and quick, but the accuracy and ability to identify microbiome-dependent cases is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverisk assessment accuracyVSAvoidassessment method complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces gut microbiome analysis as an intermediary mechanism to bridge the gap between simple risk assessment and accurate diagnosis. By detecting specific bacterial species (Faecalibacterium prausnitzi, Bifidobacterium longum, Eubacterium halli, etc.) in stool samples, the system provides a measurable biological marker that enhances assessment accuracy without requiring complex imaging or invasive procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/clinical assessment methods with molecular detection techniques. Instead of relying solely on BMI measurements and clinical history, the system uses PCR-based detection of bacterial DNA in stool samples to identify microbiome-dependent obesity and T2D risk, providing more precise and objective measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If bacterial profiles are modified through FMT or oral administration to treat obesity and T2D, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but the complexity of treatment protocols and monitoring increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidtreatment protocol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the treatment approach into distinct phases: (1) baseline microbiome assessment using PCR detection, (2) targeted bacterial supplementation or FMT based on assessment results, (3) monitoring of bacterial species abundance changes, and (4) evaluation of clinical outcomes. This segmentation makes the complex treatment protocol more manageable and customizable to individual patient needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring changes in bacterial species abundance (Faecalibacterium prausnitzi, Bifidobacterium longum, Eubacterium halli, etc.) during treatment and using this information to adjust the treatment protocol. The PCR-based detection system provides quantitative feedback on bacterial colonization success, allowing real-time optimization of therapy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If specific bacterial species are introduced into the gastrointestinal tract, then the bacterial profile is modified to reduce obesity and T2D risk, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring bacterial levels increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebacterial level detection accuracyVSAvoidbacterial species detection difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex microbial analysis methods with PCR-based molecular detection. Instead of requiring culture-based identification or complex sequencing, the system uses specific PCR primers to detect and quantify bacterial DNA sequences for target species (Faecalibacterium prausnitzi, Bifidobacterium longum, Eubacterium halli, etc.), providing sensitive and specific measurement with standard laboratory equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from bacterial presence/absence to quantitative bacterial load measurement. By using PCR amplification and quantitative analysis of bacterial DNA, the system can measure the abundance of specific bacterial species in stool samples, providing continuous quantitative data on bacterial profile changes during treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250319141A1Use of microbiome for assessment and treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

AI summary

The presence and quantity of certain bacterial species in a person's gastrointestinal tract is directly related to obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Thus, methods are provided for reducing the risk of obesity and T2D, for treating obesity and T2D, for assessing a person's risk for obesity and T2D, as well as for determining whether obesity and T2D is microbiome-related in a subject. Also provided are kits and compositions for use in thetthese methods.