Lactobacillus Binding Mutans Streptococci for Broad-Spectrum Caries Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-caries measures primarily focus on Streptococcus mutans, leaving a gap in addressing caries caused by other mutans Streptococci species, such as Streptococcus sobrinus, which are also involved in cariogenesis.
Innovation Solution
A microorganism from the genus Lactobacillus or its derivatives, capable of specifically binding to mutans Streptococci, resistant to heat and protease treatments, and functional within a specific pH range, is used to create an anticariogenic composition that aggregates and flushes out mutans Streptococci like Streptococcus sobrinus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anti-caries measures focus only on Streptococcus mutans, then the treatment effectiveness against S. mutans is improved, but the coverage against other mutans Streptococci species (such as Streptococcus sobrinus) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a broad-spectrum binding agent (lactobacillus or its derivative) that can bind to multiple mutans Streptococci species simultaneously, including S. mutans, S. sobrinus, and other related species. This single agent performs the function of targeting multiple different bacterial species, providing universal anti-caries protection without needing separate treatments for each species.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the anti-caries approach by identifying and targeting specific surface antigens (such as antigen I/II) that are common across mutans Streptococci species. By focusing on these shared segmented targets rather than species-specific characteristics, the binding agent can effectively address multiple species through a unified mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a broad-spectrum anti-caries agent is used to target multiple mutans Streptococci species, then the coverage is improved, but the specificity against S. mutans may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by targeting specific local features (surface antigens like antigen I/II) that are present on mutans Streptococci species. Rather than using a non-specific broad-spectrum approach, the binding agent focuses on these localized surface structures that are characteristic of the target bacteria, maintaining precision while achieving broad coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The lactobacillus or its derivative acts as an intermediary that bridges between the host's immune system and the diverse mutans Streptococci species. This intermediary binds to common surface antigens across species and can be recognized by the immune system, providing specific targeting capability while maintaining versatility against multiple species.
3Reliability
If heat treatment is applied to inactivate the binding agent, then the safety is improved, but the binding capability may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a derivative or copy of the lactobacillus binding agent that retains the essential binding function but has been modified through heat treatment or other processing. This derivative maintains the ability to bind to mutans Streptococci surface antigens while being safe for administration, effectively copying the functional properties without the risks of the live organism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by subjecting the lactobacillus binding agent to heat treatment or other physical/chemical modifications that alter its properties. These parameter changes inactivate the organism for safety while preserving or even enhancing the binding capability of surface structures, allowing the agent to maintain its therapeutic function without viability.
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
This approach effectively prevents and treats caries caused by mutans Streptococci other than Streptococcus mutans by specifically targeting and removing Streptococcus sobrinus and other similar species, offering a broader anti-caries solution.
Implementation Method 1
capable of specifically binding to a bacterium belonging to the group of mutans Streptococci
Implementation Method 2
the specific binding is (i) resistant to heat treatment...; and (iii) calcium-dependent
Implementation Method 3
the specific binding is (i) resistant to heat treatment, wherein said heat treatment is carried out at a temperature of more than 95 °C for at least 20 minutes
Implementation Method 4
the specific binding is (ii) resistant to protease treatment, wherein said protease treatment is treatment with a protease selected from the group consisting of pronase E, proteinase K, trypsin and chymotrypsin
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the use of a microorganism belonging to the group of lactic acid bacteria or a mutant or derivative thereof, characterized in that it is capable of specifically binding to a bacterium belonging to the group of mutans Streptococci, wherein the specific binding is (i) resistant to heat treatment; and/or (ii) resistant to protease treatment; and/or (iii) calcium-dependent; and/or (iv) formed within a pH range between 4.5 and 8.5; and/or (v) formed in the presence of saliva, for the preparation of an anticariogenic composition for the treatment or prevention of caries caused by mutans Streptococci other than Streptococcus mutans. Preferably, the specific binding can be assayed as follows: (a) growing said microorganism to stationary phase; (b) mixing said microorganism with a bacterium belonging to the group of mutans Streptococci which has been grown to stationary phase; (c) incubating the mixture obtained in step (b) under conditions allowing the formation of aggregates of said microorganism and a bacterium of the group of mutans Streptococci; and (d) detecting aggregates by the occurrence of a pellet. Another aspect of the present invention is a method of prophylaxis or treatment of caries caused by mutans Streptococci other than Streptococcus mutans, comprising administering a microorganism belonging to the group of lactic acid bacteria characterized in that said microorganism is capable of specifically binding to a bacterium belonging to the group of mutans Streptococci or a mutant, derivative, analog or fragment of said microorganism.