HMO Mixtures for Reliable Maternal Microbiota Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for modulating the maternal microbiota to improve infant health, such as probiotic and prebiotic supplementation, have shown conflicting results and do not effectively reduce the risk of immune-related and neurodevelopmental disorders in infants.
Innovation Solution
Administration of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) to pregnant women to promote a balanced immune system and healthy gastrointestinal development in infants, reducing the severity of immune-related and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prebiotics or probiotics are supplemented to pregnant women, then the maternal intestinal microbiota may be modulated, but the impact on infant microbiota and health outcomes is inconsistent and conflicting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the oligosaccharide supplement from conventional prebiotics (FOS, GOS) to specific human milk oligosaccharides (2'-FL, LNnT, LNT) that mimic natural human milk composition, thereby achieving reliable and consistent microbiota modulation effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent copies the natural oligosaccharide profile found in human milk and reproduces it in synthetic form, allowing infants to receive the same beneficial compounds whether breastfed or formula-fed, thus ensuring consistent microbiota development outcomes
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional prebiotics (FOS, GOS) are used in infant formula, then some microbiota modulation occurs, but they are not present in human milk and may not provide optimal health outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the oligosaccharide composition parameters to match human milk exactly, using 2'-FL, LNnT, and LNT in specific concentrations that replicate natural human milk oligosaccharide profiles, thereby achieving both adaptability to human milk and reliable health outcomes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates synthetic copies of human milk oligosaccharides that are chemically identical to those naturally present in human milk, ensuring full compatibility and consistent health benefits across different feeding methods
3Reliability
If maternal microbiota is modulated during pregnancy, then infant colonisation may be improved, but the impact on reducing immune-related and neurodevelopmental disorders remains unproven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies oligosaccharide supplementation to pregnant women before delivery, allowing the maternal microbiota to be modulated in advance, which then facilitates beneficial bacterial colonization in the infant at birth and during early development, proactively reducing the risk of immune-related and neurodevelopmental disorders
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
HMOs increase the abundance of bifidobacteria, improving digestive health and reducing inflammation, thereby promoting balanced immune and neurological development in infants.
Implementation Method 1
prebiotics which serve as selective substrates for the intestinal microbiota
Implementation Method 2
modulate the microbiota, particularly by altering the composition of infant formula
Implementation Method 3
contributing to development of the gut barrier function and immune system
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) for use in supplementing the diet of a pregnant woman, a synthetic composition comprising an HMO for use in supplementing the diet of a pregnant woman, and a method for improving health outcomes in an infant by supplementing the diet of a pregnant woman.