Bacteriophage Storage Composition for Stable Mastitis Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for bovine mastitis, particularly those involving antibiotics, face challenges such as antibiotic resistance, collateral damage to the microbiome, and residues in milk products, necessitating a more effective and sustainable alternative.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising specific bacteriophages, such as strains EB1.11, EB1.25, EB1.27, STA1.29, and MA2.74, formulated in an isotonic solution with sodium and calcium/magnesium salts, is developed to target and overcome bacterial defense mechanisms in Staphylococcus aureus, ensuring stability and miscibility with raw milk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If antibiotics are used to treat bovine mastitis, then bacterial infection is controlled, but antibiotic resistance develops and residues remain in milk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses bacteriophages as intermediary agents to deliver antimicrobial peptides directly to bacterial cells. The phage acts as a vector that specifically targets and delivers the active compound to the bacterial surface, enabling precise antimicrobial action without systemic antibiotic exposure that causes resistance and residues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional chemical antibiotic mechanisms with a biological delivery system. Instead of relying on diffuse chemical action of antibiotics, the invention uses phage-mediated targeted delivery of antimicrobial peptides that physically bind to and disrupt bacterial cell membranes, providing a mechanism-based alternative to chemical antibiotics.
2Reliability
If antibiotics are administered to treat mastitis, then bacterial infection is reduced, but microbiome is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring the antimicrobial action is highly localized to the infection site through phage-specific binding. The bacteriophages naturally target only infected bacterial cells while leaving healthy microbiome populations untouched, creating localized therapeutic effect without broad-spectrum disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The bacteriophage serves as a selective intermediary that bridges the therapeutic agent and the target pathogen. This mediated delivery system ensures that antimicrobial activity is directed specifically at the pathogenic bacteria causing mastitis while sparing the beneficial microbiome, unlike broad-spectrum antibiotics.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If bacteriophage composition is stored long-term, then treatment availability is ensured, but phage stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing storage conditions including temperature control, pH buffering, and ionic strength adjustment. These parameter modifications create a stable environment that preserves bacteriophage integrity and infectivity during long-term storage while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs lyophilized (freeze-dried) bacteriophage formulations that can be stored as stable powders and reconstituted before use. This approach transforms the short-lived liquid phage preparation into a stable, shelf-ready form that maintains viability through controlled dehydration and protective excipients.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to a composition comprising a bacteriophage or a mutant thereof and a storage solution, wherein the bacteriophage or the mutant thereof is capable of killing a Gram-positive bacterium comprising Staphylococcus aureus, wherein the composition is stable for at least about a year at 39.2-46.4° F. (4-8° C.).