Lactoferrin Composition for Enteric Nervous System Development

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Solution Overview

Problem

Delayed development of the enteric nervous system leads to intestinal dysfunctions such as low digestive and absorptive capacity, gastrointestinal reflux, slow intestinal transit, weak intestinal barrier function, food intolerance, gut discomfort, and hard stools, which existing treatments fail to effectively address.

Innovation Solution

A composition containing lactoferrin, which promotes neuronal cell growth and survival, is administered to support the development and protection of the enteric nervous system, particularly in infants and children, to prevent or treat disorders associated with delayed enteric nervous system development.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional treatments are used for intestinal dysfunctions, then existing therapies are applied, but they fail to effectively address delayed enteric nervous system development

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of treatmentVSAvoiddelayed development of enteric nervous system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Lactoferrin acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the enteric nervous system and external environmental factors. It provides neuroprotective and neuropromotive effects, supporting neuronal survival and development while protecting against stress-induced damage, thereby addressing the harmful effects of delayed development without relying on conventional ineffective treatments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the biochemical parameters of the intestinal environment by introducing lactoferrin, a protein with specific molecular properties. This alters the nutritional and protective parameters available to the enteric nervous system, enabling effective treatment of delayed development that conventional treatments cannot achieve

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If lactoferrin is administered to promote neuronal cell growth and survival, then neuronal density and survival increase, but the composition requires precise concentration control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneuronal density and survivalVSAvoidlactoferrin concentration control

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention specifies precise concentration ranges for lactoferrin (0.01-10 g/100 kcal, preferably 0.1-50 g/100 kcal) to optimize neuronal promotion effects while avoiding excessive amounts that could cause adverse effects. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by defining the optimal quantity range for maximum benefit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses lactoferrin, a naturally occurring protein found in milk and mucosal secretions, as a model substance that has been extensively studied for its neuroprotective properties. This natural reference model allows for precise concentration control based on established biological data, ensuring effective neuronal support without the need for complex synthetic formulations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If lactoferrin is used to protect neuronal cells against stress, then stress-induced neuronal death is prevented, but the composition must be formulated for specific administration routes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneuronal protection against stressVSAvoidcomposition formulation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Lactoferrin serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a neuroprotective agent against stress-induced neuronal death, a neuropromotive substance for neuronal growth, and a natural immune modulator. This multi-functionality allows a single substance to address multiple aspects of enteric nervous system health without requiring complex multi-component formulations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Lactoferrin is a naturally occurring protein that utilizes the body's own physiological pathways for absorption and delivery to the enteric nervous system. It leverages existing biological mechanisms (such as milk ingestion in infants or oral intake in children) rather than requiring complex external delivery systems, thereby simplifying formulation while maintaining effective neuronal protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2429571B1Lactoferrin and neuronal health and development in the infant gut

Publication Date: 2017.10.18 NESTEC SA

AI summary

The present invention relates generally to the field of neuronal health, neuronal protection and neuronal development. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a composition that can be used for the treatment or prevention of a delayed development of the enteric nervous system. Neuronal cells in the gut can be protected. Disorders linked to a delayed development of the enteric nervous system and/or to an impaired enteric nervous system can be treated or prevented by the administration of lactoferhn containing compositions.