H2O2 Composition with Thiols for Cellular Toxicity Neutralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a method to effectively neutralize the toxic effects of hydrogen peroxide on cells while maintaining its antimicrobial and signaling activities, as existing antioxidant systems like glutathione can be depleted, leading to oxidative stress and impaired mitochondrial function.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising glycolic acid, glyoxylic acid, glycine, serine, or their salts in combination with hydrogen peroxide, which suppresses the deleterious effects of hydrogen peroxide on mitochondrial activity and growth by modulating the NADPH/NADP+ and GSH/GSSG ratios, thereby neutralizing its toxicity while preserving its antimicrobial and signaling roles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydrogen peroxide is used as an antimicrobial or signaling agent, then its antimicrobial activity is improved, but cellular toxicity increases due to oxidative damage to membranes, lipids, DNA and proteins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces low molecular weight thiol compounds (such as N-acetylcysteine, L-cysteine, or L-glutathione) as intermediary substances that selectively neutralize excess hydrogen peroxide in the extracellular environment or within cellular compartments, while preserving the signaling function of physiological levels of H2O2. These thiol compounds act as mediators between the antimicrobial application and cellular protection, scavenging toxic peroxide through redox reactions without completely eliminating the signaling molecule.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different concentrations and delivery methods of hydrogen peroxide to different locations or compartments. By controlling the spatial distribution of H2O2 (e.g., extracellular versus intracellular, or targeted delivery to specific tissues), the system maintains high local concentrations for antimicrobial effect while protecting sensitive cellular components through localized antioxidant defenses or controlled exposure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If antioxidant systems like glutathione are used to neutralize hydrogen peroxide, then cellular protection is improved, but antioxidant depletion occurs leading to oxidative stress and impaired mitochondrial function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs low molecular weight thiol compounds as disposable, rapidly replenishable antioxidants that can be administered externally or synthesized de novo. These small molecule thiols (like N-acetylcysteine or L-cysteine) serve as temporary scavengers that get oxidized and then regenerated through cellular metabolism, providing continuous protection without depleting the body's reserved antioxidant pools like glutathione. They act as sacrificial agents that protect the more critical endogenous antioxidant systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent administers antioxidant compounds (low molecular weight thiols) before or during hydrogen peroxide exposure to preemptively establish protective redox buffers. This preliminary action ensures that antioxidant defenses are in place before toxic levels of H2O2 accumulate, preventing oxidative damage to mitochondria and other cellular structures rather than attempting to recover after damage occurs.
3Reliability
If high levels of hydrogen peroxide are present, then antimicrobial effect is enhanced, but formation of highly reactive and damaging hydroxyl radicals increases through the Fenton reaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the Fenton reaction paradoxically by controlling metal ion availability and redox conditions to allow controlled H2O2 decomposition that generates some hydroxyl radicals for enhanced antimicrobial effect, while simultaneously employing chelating agents or redox buffers to prevent uncontrolled radical propagation. The system converts the potentially harmful Fenton reaction into a controlled mechanism for generating microbicidal radicals while limiting collateral damage to host tissues through spatial and temporal control of the reaction conditions.
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 protects cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress, maintains mitochondrial function, and enhances antioxidant defenses, allowing hydrogen peroxide to function as an antimicrobial agent without causing cellular damage.
Implementation Method 1
modulating the NADPH/NADP+ and GSH/GSSG ratios
Implementation Method 2
When reacting with Fe2+(Fenton reaction—Fe+2+H2O2—Fe+3+HO−+HO), hydrogen peroxide leads to the formation of the highly reactive and damaging hydroxyl radical
Implementation Method 3
superoxide can spontaneously or enzymatically be dismutated to form hydrogen peroxide and molecular oxygen
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of food industry as well as to medicine, more particularly to novel compositions comprising hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in combination with glycolic acid, glyoxylic acid, glycine, serine or salts thereof that allow using H2O2 as antimicrobial, especially antibacterial and antiviral or signaling agent yet neutralizing the toxic effects of the latter on the cell and tissues. The present invention also relates to a food product, an alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverage, or a nutritional supplement comprising the inventive composition and a method for production thereof.