Isolated Mucins Modulate Microbial Interactions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for maintaining microbiota balance, such as antibiotics, disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms and can lead to instability and resistance, whereas mucins can regulate microbial interactions without eradicating microbes, stabilizing the microbiota and preventing overgrowth.

Innovation Solution

Combining different species of microorganisms with at least one mucin to alter intercellular interactions, inhibiting cell growth or promoting cell death, thereby reducing microbial pathogenicity and stabilizing the microbiota.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If antibiotics are administered to eradicate microorganisms, then the harmful effects of pathogens are reduced, but the balance of microbiota is disrupted and resistance develops

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogenic effectsVSAvoidmicrobiota balance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Mucins serve as intermediary substances that mediate interactions between microorganisms and host cells. They physically block pathogen attachment to epithelial surfaces while maintaining the integrity of the microbiota community, thus reducing pathogenic effects without disrupting microbiota balance or inducing resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the natural presence of mucins in the body and converts them into a therapeutic agent. By administering isolated mucins, the harmful effects of pathogens are countered using a substance that already exists in the host, thereby avoiding the harmful side effects of antibiotics while maintaining microbiota stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Stability of the object's composition

If mucins are used to regulate microbial interactions, then microbiota stability is maintained and pathogenicity is reduced, but the ability to eradicate harmful microbes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrobiota balanceVSAvoidmicrobe eradication efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the approach from complete eradication to modulation of microbial parameters. Mucins alter the physical and chemical environment at the mucosal surface, changing parameters such as viscosity, adhesion properties, and microbial interactions, thereby controlling pathogenicity without requiring complete elimination of microbes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10088484B2Isolated mucins and different microorganisms, and methods of use

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 MASSACHUSETTS INST OF TECH

AI summary

A method of altering intercellular interactions between a combination of microorganisms includes contacting a combination of different species of microorganisms with at least one mucin. Isolated compositions include a combination of microorganisms and at least one mucin. One microorganism of the combination inhibits cell growth or promotes cell death of at least one other microorganism of a different species in the combination. The combination of microorganisms with the mucin results an increase in cell growth or a reduction in cell death, respectively, of the at least one other microorganism.