Postbiotic Fermentate Blending for High ILA and IAld Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fermentation methods for producing indole-containing compounds like indole-3-lactic acid (ILA) and indole-3-carboxaldehyde (IAld) from bacterial strains are inefficient, as conditions favorable for one compound hinder the production of the other, limiting the production of high amounts of both in a single batch.
Innovation Solution
Separate fermentations under distinct conditions are employed to preferentially produce high amounts of ILA and IAld, allowing for the combination of fermentates to achieve desired ratios and concentrations of these compounds in compositions, which act as agonists for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) to modulate inflammation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single batch fermentation is used to produce indole-containing compounds, then the fermentation process is simple and efficient, but conditions favorable for one compound (e.g., ILA) hinder the production of the other compound (e.g., IAld)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single fermentation process into multiple separate fermentation batches, each optimized for producing a specific indole-containing compound. By segmenting the fermentation process into distinct batches with different conditions (e.g., different glucose concentrations, nitrogen sources, pH levels), the patent enables preferential production of ILA in one batch and IAld in another batch, thereby resolving the contradiction between producing high amounts of multiple compounds and maintaining fermentation efficiency.
2Quantity of substance
If separate fermentations are conducted under distinct conditions to preferentially produce ILA and IAld, then high concentrations of both compounds are achieved, but the device complexity and process time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes in the fermentation medium to control the preferential production of different indole-containing compounds. By adjusting specific parameters such as glucose concentration (e.g., 20 g/L for ILA production vs. 4 g/L for IAld production), nitrogen source composition, pH levels, and oxygen availability, the patent achieves high concentrations of target compounds in separate fermentations. These controlled parameter changes enable precise metabolic pathway steering without requiring complex additional equipment, thus resolving the contradiction between high compound concentration and process complexity.
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 method enables the production of postbiotic compositions with high concentrations of ILA and IAld, effectively stimulating AhR to reduce inflammation and promote homeostasis, while avoiding unwanted side effects of tryptophan metabolism.
Implementation Method 1
bacterial fermentates that include indole-containing metabolites (e.g., indole-3-lactic acid (ILA) and indole-3-carboxaldehyde (IAld))
Implementation Method 2
ILA is thought to be converted into indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) by host microorganisms (e.g., microbes in the gut)
Data Source
AI summary
Some aspects of the disclosure relate to compositions comprising fermentates of bacterial strains capable of producing indole-containing compounds such as ILA and IAld. Some aspects relate to nutritional supplements, and food products containing such fermentates, and methods of use thereof.