Microbiome Characterization and Therapy via Taxonomic Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for characterizing human microbiomes and providing therapeutic measures are limited, failing to effectively diagnose and treat conditions associated with microbiome taxonomic groups in an individualized and population-wide manner.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for characterizing microbiome-derived conditions by receiving aggregate samples from a population, processing microbiome composition and functional diversity datasets, and transforming them into characterization models to diagnose and treat subjects using microbiome-based diagnostics and therapeutics, including probiotic, phage-based, and small-molecule therapies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current methods are used to analyze microbiomes, then some therapeutic insights can be gained, but the methods fail to provide individualized and population-wide characterization of conditions associated with microbiome taxonomic groups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the microbiome analysis into distinct taxonomic groups (bacteria, archaea, fungi, viruses) and further divides them into condition-associated groups. This segmentation enables individualized characterization by identifying specific taxonomic profiles for different subjects, while also allowing population-wide analysis by comparing distributions across groups. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by making the analysis both specific enough for individual diagnosis and comprehensive enough for population studies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of analysis by creating multidimensional microbiome profiles that combine taxonomic composition, functional capabilities, and condition associations. This dimensional expansion allows the system to characterize conditions with higher precision while maintaining adaptability across individual and population levels. The multidimensional approach transforms limited 2D analysis into comprehensive nD characterization, resolving the accuracy-versus-versatility contradiction.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive microbiome characterization is performed, then accurate condition diagnosis can be achieved, but the complexity of processing large amounts of data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates condition-associated taxonomic groups from the comprehensive microbiome dataset, separating relevant diagnostic information from redundant data. By extracting only the taxonomic groups and functional features specifically associated with health conditions, the system maintains high diagnostic accuracy while reducing processing complexity. This extraction principle filters the large dataset to retain only essential diagnostic elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms raw microbiome data into standardized parameters including relative abundances, diversity metrics, and condition association scores. This parameter transformation simplifies the data structure while preserving diagnostic information, making the data more manageable and less complex to process. The parameter changes convert unstructured comprehensive data into structured, analyzable metrics that maintain precision without proportional increases in processing complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If current sample processing techniques are used, then some microbiome data can be obtained, but the techniques are insufficient for comprehensive characterization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal sample processing techniques that can handle multiple types of microbiome samples (stool, saliva, skin swabs) and extract diverse taxonomic groups (bacteria, archaea, fungi, viruses) using the same methodology. This multi-functional approach achieves comprehensive microbiome data collection without requiring separate processing protocols for each sample type or taxonomic group, maintaining ease of manufacture while maximizing data completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary processing steps including DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing that serve as mediators between the complex microbiome community and the analytical system. These intermediary techniques transform the diverse microbiome samples into standardized nucleic acid data that can be comprehensively analyzed, bridging the gap between sample complexity and analytical capability while maintaining processing feasibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for at least one of characterizing, diagnosing, and treating a condition associated with microbiome-derived functional features in at least a subject, the method comprising: receiving an aggregate set of biological samples from a population of subjects; generating at least one of a microbiome composition dataset and a microbiome functional diversity dataset for the population of subjects; generating a characterization of the condition based upon features extracted from at least one of the microbiome composition dataset and the microbiome functional diversity dataset; based upon the characterization, generating a therapy model configured to correct the condition; and at an output device associated with the subject, promoting a therapy to the subject based upon the characterization and the therapy model.