Microbial Urolithin Consortia for Complete Metabotype Profiles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to produce a complete profile of urolithins associated with human metabotypes A and B, and there is a need for natural strategies to convert non-urolithin-producing individuals into producers of these metabolites for health benefits.
Innovation Solution
A novel bacterial strain from the Enterocloster genus, combined with other bacteria from the Gordonibacter, Ellagibacter, and Slackia genera, is used to produce a customized urolithin profile in vitro and in vivo, including novel urolithin G, to mimic metabotypes A and B, and convert non-producers into producers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If pure cultures of Gordonibacter and Ellagibacter are used, then some Uros are produced, but the complete Uro profile including intermediates and final Uros cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple bacterial strains (Gordonibacter, Ellagibacter, and other enteric bacteria) into a consortium that functions together to produce the complete urolithin profile. Each strain contributes specific metabolic capabilities, and their combined action enables the full catabolic pathway from ellagic acid through intermediates to final urolithins, resolving the limitation of pure cultures.
Solution Approach 2:
The bacterial consortium is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: producing intermediate Uros, producing final Uros, and mimicking both metabotype A and B profiles. This multi-functional system overcomes the single-function limitation of individual strains.
2Quantity of substance
If chemical synthesis methods are used, then Uro-A can be produced, but public acceptance is poor and complete metabotype profiles cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The bacterial consortium performs self-service by naturally metabolizing ellagic acid and ellagitannins into the complete urolithin profile through their inherent metabolic pathways. This biological self-processing eliminates the need for chemical synthesis interventions and provides a naturally accepted production method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces chemical synthesis mechanisms with biological metabolic mechanisms. Instead of using chemical reagents and synthesis protocols, the system uses bacterial enzymatic pathways to convert precursors into urolithins, providing a more acceptable and sustainable production approach.
3Adaptability or versatility
If UM-0 individuals are treated with bacterial consortia, then Urolithin production is activated, but the complexity of converting non-producers to producers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion process is segmented into manageable components: the bacterial consortium is divided into specific strains with defined roles, and the metabolic pathway is broken down into sequential steps from ellagic acid through various intermediates to final urolithins. This segmentation makes the complex conversion process more controllable and reproducible.
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 bacterial consortia effectively produce urolithins in vitro and in vivo, enabling the production of urolithin profiles characteristic of metabotypes A and B, offering potential health benefits and applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food industries.
Implementation Method 1
EA is released through the hydrolysis of ET's ester bonds by the enzyme known as ellagitannase
Implementation Method 2
which is then decarboxylated to pentahydroxy-Uro (Uro-M5)
Implementation Method 3
Next, consecutive dehydroxylations convert it to tetrahydroxy-Uros (Uro-D, Uro-E, and Uro-M6)
Implementation Method 4
The human gut microbiota is responsible for converting these polyphenols into Uros
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a new bacterial strain and a new urolithin named urolithin G. The new strain of the invention is Enterocloster bolteae CEBAS S4A9 DSM 34392 and can customize urolithin production to mimic metabotype A and metabotype B in vitro and in vivo if combined with at least one bacterial strain belonging to the Gordonibacter and/or Ellagibacter and/or Slackia genera. The invention also refers to methods or uses of E. bolteae CEBAS S4A9 DSM 34392 or the consortium that comprises E. bolteae CEBAS S4A9 DSM 34392 and at least one bacterial strain belonging to the Gordonibacter and/or Ellagibacter and/or Slackia genera for producing urolithins. The invention also refers to compositions or food products that contain E. bolteae CEBAS S4A9 DSM 34392, the aforementioned consortium, or the new urolithin G.