Lactobacillus rhamnosus Strain for Vaginal pH Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for bacterial vaginosis, caused by Lactobacillus deficiency, are inadequate in maintaining vaginal pH balance and preventing infections, particularly during pregnancy and menopause.
Innovation Solution
A novel Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain (CECT 8800, BPL005) with enhanced pH-reducing capabilities, resistance to commercial products, and stability in production, is developed for use in dietary or pharmaceutical compositions to treat vaginal and urogenital infections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional Lactobacillus strains are used for treatment, then the vaginal microbiota can be supplemented, but the pH-reducing capability is insufficient to effectively treat bacterial vaginosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting and characterizing a specific Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain (CECT 8800) with optimized physiological parameters for pH reduction. The strain demonstrates superior lactic acid production capacity and pH-reducing capability compared to conventional strains, directly addressing the insufficient effectiveness of standard probiotic treatments for bacterial vaginosis
2Object-affected harmful factors
If Lactobacillus deficiency is present, then vaginal health is compromised and infections occur, but current treatments fail to maintain pH balance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service by utilizing the inherent metabolic capabilities of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CECT 8800 to autonomously produce lactic acid and maintain vaginal pH balance. The strain's natural fermentation process converts glycogen to lactic acid, creating a self-sustaining protective mechanism that prevents infections without requiring external pH adjustment interventions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by using a viable probiotic strain that temporarily colonizes the vaginal environment, produces protective lactic acid, and can be administered as a cost-effective supplement. The strain provides immediate protective effects during its active phase, addressing the temporary nature of probiotic therapy while maintaining cost efficiency
3Productivity
If commercial probiotic products are used, then some pH reduction occurs, but the strain stability and production consistency are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by conducting extensive pre-characterization and selection of the Lactobacillus rhamnosus CECT 8800 strain before commercial application. The strain has been pre-validated for its pH-reducing capabilities, growth characteristics, and stability, ensuring consistent performance in production and reliable results in clinical application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through detailed characterization of the strain's metabolic activity, pH reduction efficiency, and growth patterns. This data feeds into optimized fermentation protocols and quality control parameters, ensuring consistent production of viable probiotic products with reliable therapeutic effects
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 novel strain effectively reduces vaginal pH, outperforms commercial probiotics in pH reduction, and demonstrates stability in both laboratory and industrial-scale production, making it suitable for treating bacterial vaginosis and maintaining vaginal health.
Implementation Method 1
Lactobacilli metabolize the glycogen contained in the cells of the vaginal vault, forming lactic acid as the final product
Data Source
AI summary
A novel lactic acid Lactobacillus rhamnosus bacterium suitable for treatment of e.g. bacterial vaginosis.