Microbial Convener for Gastrointestinal Diversity
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of understanding and characterization of methanogen distribution and composition along the human gastrointestinal tract, which is important for human health and disease, particularly in conditions like constipation and obesity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the administration of a microbial convener comprising methanogens, such as Methanobrevibacter, or Prevotella, or both, to improve microbial diversity in the gastrointestinal system, specifically targeting low levels of these microorganisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional treatments are used for diseases like IBD and PCOS, then symptom management is attempted, but microbial diversity remains low and disease symptoms persist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses FMT as an intermediary treatment to transfer microbial diversity from healthy donors to patients. This intermediary approach addresses the root cause (low microbial diversity) rather than just treating symptoms, thereby improving both microbial diversity and disease treatment effectiveness simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the microbial composition parameter by introducing specific beneficial microbes (Akkermansia muciniphila, Prevotella, and methanogens) through FMT. This parameter change transforms the gut microbiome from a dysbiotic state to a healthier state, resolving the contradiction between disease treatment and microbial diversity
2Quantity of substance
If FMT is performed without standardized protocols, then microbial diversity may be improved, but treatment consistency and reliability vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes specific parameter ranges for FMT treatment, including donor selection criteria (healthy individuals with diverse microbiomes), microbial composition targets (specific genera and species abundances), and treatment protocols. These standardized parameters ensure both microbial diversity improvement and treatment consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates microbiome analysis before and after FMT treatment to provide feedback on treatment effectiveness. This feedback mechanism allows for quality control and ensures that the standardized protocols are achieving the desired microbial diversity outcomes, thereby maintaining both diversity and precision
3Speed
If methanogens are present in high levels, then intestinal transit slows causing constipation, but complete elimination may harm microbial diversity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively modulating methanogen levels rather than eliminating all microbes. The treatment aims to restore balanced methanogen populations that coexist with diverse beneficial microbes, achieving local optimization of transit function without compromising overall microbial diversity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the methanogen population parameter from pathologically high levels to a balanced physiological range. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by reducing transit time issues while maintaining the beneficial presence of methanogens as part of a diverse microbiome
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides for methods of detecting and improving microbial diversity in a subject's gastrointestinal system.