Lactobacillus paracasei LMG S-26420 for High-Yield CLA Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bacterial strains used for converting linoleic acid (LA) into conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) have low productivity yields, making it difficult to obtain sufficient CLA for health benefits, especially in industrial scale processes, and there is a need for a strain that can efficiently produce the biologically active isomers c9-t11 and t10-c12.

Innovation Solution

The development of Lactobacillus paracasei LMG S-26420, which converts LA into CLA with a higher percentage than other known lactobacilli, producing prevalent isomers c9-t11 and t10-c12, and can be obtained in high productivity yields, stable in lyophilic form for long-term storage and use in nutritional or pharmaceutical compositions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional bacterial strains are used for converting linoleic acid into conjugated linoleic acid, then the conversion process can proceed, but the productivity yield is low making it difficult to obtain sufficient CLA for health benefits

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCLA production yieldVSAvoidsufficient CLA for health benefits
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing culture conditions including pH (maintained between 6.0-7.5 using ammonium acetate buffer), temperature (37°C incubation), and nutrient composition (MRS medium with specific additives like cysteine hydrochloride and Tween 80) to maximize CLA production yield and achieve high productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If high productivity yields are required for industrial scale processes, then sufficient CLA can be produced, but current strains cannot achieve the necessary conversion efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindustrial scale production efficiencyVSAvoidconversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-adapting the Lactobacillus paracasei strain to linoleic acid through pre-cultivation steps, and by pre-optimizing all culture parameters before the main production phase, ensuring the bacteria are ready to convert LA to CLA at maximum efficiency from the start of industrial scale production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the strain can be stored long-term, then stability is improved, but cell viability may be compromised during storage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelong-term storage capabilityVSAvoidcell viability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies phase transitions by using lyophilization (freeze-drying) to convert the bacterial culture from liquid to solid dry powder form, removing water to prevent metabolic activity and degradation, thereby enabling long-term storage at room temperature while preserving cell viability and CLA production capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses protective agents such as skim milk powder and other excipients as intermediaries during lyophilization to protect bacterial cells from damage during the drying process and storage, maintaining cell viability throughout long-term storage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Lactobacillus paracasei LMG S-26420 achieves a CLA conversion percentage higher than 30%, with isomers c9-t11 and t10-c12 being prevalent, and maintains high cell viability during lyophilization, enabling effective production and storage for use in treating CLA deficiency-related disorders and maintaining intestinal flora balance.

Implementation Method 1

Lactobacillus paracasei LMG S-26420, able to convert linoleic acid (LA) into conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBacterial metabolism: Fermentation

Implementation Method 2

maintains high cell viability during lyophilization, enabling effective production and storage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLyophilization: Freeze Drying

Data Source

PatentUS10793925B2<i>Lactobacillus paracasei </i>for the production of conjugated linoleic acid, nutritional and pharmaceutical preparations containing it and uses thereof
Publication Date: 2020.10.06 ALFASIGMA SPA

AI summary

The present invention refers to a new strain belonging to the species Lactobacillus paracasei able to convert linoleic acid into conjugated linoleic acid.The present invention refers also to nutritional or food preparations and/or pharmaceutical compositions, comprising the strain Lactobacillus paracasei, useful in the treatment and/or prevention of pathologies and/or physiological states related to conjugated linoleic acid deficiency or in the cases wherein the use of a probiotic is beneficial.