Nested Probiotic Capsule for Targeted Colon Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assembling and delivering complex microbial consortia for prophylactic use are nascent and lack reproducibility, hindering the effective modulation of gut microbiota and host tissue health across organ systems.
Innovation Solution
A swallowable capsule design featuring a nested structure with an inner probiotic capsule and an outer prebiotic capsule, where the outer capsule is configured to degrade in the stomach and small intestine, ensuring at least 50% of probiotic cells remain viable, and the inner capsule releases cells effectively in the colon, utilizing specific microbial strains and prebiotic compounds like punicalagin to enhance gut health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If probiotics are administered orally, then they can reach the gut microbiota, but most probiotic cells are destroyed by the harsh environment of the stomach and small intestine before reaching the colon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested capsule structure where an inner capsule containing probiotic cells is enclosed within an outer capsule containing prebiotic compounds. The outer capsule degrades in the stomach and small intestine, while the inner capsule maintains probiotic viability through the harsh environment and releases cells in the colon. This nested configuration protects the probiotics while enabling sequential interaction with prebiotics.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery system is segmented into two distinct functional components: an outer capsule containing prebiotic compounds that degrades in the upper GI tract, and an inner capsule containing probiotic cells that survives to the colon. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function at the appropriate location and time, improving overall probiotic delivery efficiency.
2Productivity
If probiotics are released in the upper GI tract, then they can be delivered quickly, but they cannot effectively colonize the colon where they are most needed
Solution Approach 1:
The outer capsule performs preliminary action by degrading in the stomach and small intestine, clearing the path and providing prebiotic compounds ahead of time. This preliminary degradation ensures that when the inner capsule reaches the colon, the environment is already primed with prebiotics to support probiotic colonization, while the probiotics themselves are protected until the correct location is reached.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery system provides different qualities at different locations: the outer capsule is designed to be labile and degrade in the acidic environment of the stomach and the enzymatic environment of the small intestine, while the inner capsule is designed to be stable and resistant to degradation until it reaches the colon. This location-specific quality ensures targeted delivery.
3Device complexity
If a single capsule contains both probiotics and prebiotics, then the structure is simple, but the probiotics are exposed to prebiotics too early in the digestive tract
Solution Approach 1:
The nested capsule structure allows both probiotics and prebiotics to be contained within a single administrable unit while maintaining spatial separation. The inner capsule containing probiotics is nested within the outer capsule containing prebiotics, enabling delayed interaction until the outer capsule degrades in the upper GI tract, thus combining simplicity of administration with controlled timing of interaction.
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 capsule design ensures high viability and targeted release of probiotic cells in the colon, enhancing gut health by modulating the gut microbiota, improving digestion, skin health, and cardiovascular outcomes, while maintaining epithelial barrier integrity and micronutrient synthesis.
Implementation Method 1
the outer capsule is configured to be substantially completely destroyed or dissolved after three hours in the environment of the human stomach and small intestine
Implementation Method 2
the outer capsule is configured to be substantially completely destroyed or dissolved after three hours in the environment of the human stomach and small intestine
Implementation Method 3
utilizing specific microbial strains and prebiotic compounds like punicalagin to enhance gut health
Data Source
AI summary
Synbiotic compositions including both a prebiotic component and a probiotic component are provided. The prebiotic component includes at least one punicalagin, and the probiotic component includes a rationally defined and assembled consortium of microbial strains. Delivery capsules for oral administration of the synbiotic compositions and methods of using the synbiotic compositions to treat disease are also provided.