Non-viable Probiotic Bacteria via Gamma-Ray Inactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inactivating probiotic bacteria, such as tyndallization, are inefficient and damage the bacterial wall, compromising adhesion abilities, while existing patents do not describe the use of non-viable bacteria for therapeutic purposes.
Innovation Solution
A topical composition comprising non-viable probiotic bacteria, specifically inactivated by gamma-ray treatment that impairs DNA functionality, maintaining a substantially intact cell wall for effective adhesion, is developed, excluding thermal treatments like tyndallization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal inactivation methods (tyndallization) are used to inactivate probiotic bacteria, then the bacteria are effectively made non-viable, but the bacterial wall is damaged and adhesion abilities are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the inactivation parameter from thermal treatment to chemical treatment using glutaraldehyde. This chemical agent cross-links bacterial proteins and DNA, achieving reliable inactivation while preserving the cell wall structure and adhesion molecules on the bacterial surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal inactivation mechanism with a chemical inactivation mechanism. Instead of using heat to denature proteins and inactivate bacteria, glutaraldehyde is used to chemically cross-link cellular components, achieving inactivation through chemical bonding rather than thermal degradation.
2Reliability
If thermal inactivation methods are used, then bacteria are inactivated, but the process is long and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accelerates the inactivation process by using glutaraldehyde, which rapidly penetrates bacterial cells and cross-links cellular components within minutes to hours, compared to the multiple cycles and extended duration required for tyndallization. This allows the inactivation process to be rushed through much faster while maintaining effectiveness.
3Reliability
If thermal inactivation methods are used, then bacteria are inactivated, but the treatment is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs glutaraldehyde, a relatively inexpensive chemical agent, to replace expensive thermal inactivation equipment and processes. The chemical treatment can be performed using simple equipment, making the manufacturing process more cost-effective and accessible.
4Reliability
If lysate treatment is used to inactivate bacteria, then bacteria are made non-viable, but the bacterial wall is completely destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the inactivation mechanism from complete lysis to controlled cross-linking. Instead of breaking down the cell wall completely, glutaraldehyde cross-links cellular components while maintaining the structural integrity of the cell wall and preserving adhesion molecules on the surface.
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 non-viable probiotic bacteria retain adhesive properties and are effective in treating and preventing skin and mucosal diseases, including allergic conditions, without the drawbacks of thermal inactivation methods, demonstrating substantial adhesion to tissues and efficacy in disease prevention and treatment.
Implementation Method 1
said bacteria being made non-viable by means of techniques which exclude the thermal treatment, such as tyndallization
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention refers to compositions, comprising non-viable probiotic bacteria, and their use in therapy, in particular, but without limitation, of the topical compositions, which are useful in the treatment of skin and mucosa infections as well as of allergies.