Prebiotic Formulation for Selective Urogenital Microbiota Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for prebiotic formulations that enhance urogenital health by promoting the growth of beneficial microbes while inhibiting unwanted microbes, particularly addressing urinary tract infections, urgency urinary incontinence, and overactive bladder.

Innovation Solution

A prebiotic formulation comprising isomaltulose and at least one of 1-kestose or lactulose, which synergistically increases the growth of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus crispatus and decreases the growth of harmful bacteria like Streptococcus anginosus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single prebiotic agent is used, then the formulation is simple and cost-effective, but the ability to simultaneously promote beneficial bacteria and inhibit harmful bacteria is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in modulating urogenital microbiotaVSAvoidnumber of prebiotic agents

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple prebiotic agents (isomaltulose, 1-kestose, and lactulose) into a single formulation to achieve synergistic effects. This combination allows simultaneous promotion of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus crispatus) and inhibition of harmful bacteria (Streptococcus anginosus), resolving the contradiction between formulation simplicity and functional effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The prebiotic formulation functions as a composite system where different prebiotic compounds work together to modulate urogenital microbiota. The composite nature of the formulation enables multiple biological activities (probiotic promotion and pathogen inhibition) that cannot be achieved by single prebiotic agents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If multiple prebiotic agents are combined, then the modulation of urogenital microbiota is enhanced, but the formulation complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodulation of beneficial and harmful bacteriaVSAvoidformulation preparation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies precise concentration ranges for each prebiotic agent (isomaltulose: 0.1-5%, 1-kestose: 0.1-5%, lactulose: 0.1-5%) to optimize the synergistic effect. By controlling these parameters within defined ranges, the formulation achieves effective microbiota modulation while maintaining manufacturability through standardized preparation protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If prebiotic agents are used to promote beneficial bacteria, then urogenital health is improved, but the growth of unwanted microbes may be inadvertently supported

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrowth of beneficial microorganismsVSAvoidgrowth of unwanted bacteria

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the selective fermentation capabilities of different prebiotic agents to convert potential harmful effects into beneficial outcomes. Specifically, the combination of isomaltulose, 1-kestose, and lactulose creates a selective environment where beneficial Lactobacillus crispatus thrives while harmful Streptococcus anginosus is inhibited, transforming the prebiotic mixture into a targeted therapeutic agent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The prebiotic formulation creates locally distinct metabolic environments in the urogenital tract. Different prebiotic agents are selectively fermented by specific bacterial species, creating localized zones of lactic acid production that favor beneficial bacteria while creating unfavorable conditions for harmful bacteria through pH modification and direct antimicrobial effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 combination of isomaltulose and additional prebiotics effectively modulates urogenital microbiota, enhancing the population of beneficial bacteria and reducing the population of harmful bacteria, thereby preventing or treating urogenital dysbiosis and associated conditions.

Implementation Method 1

Prebiotics are a group of nutrients that are degraded by beneficial microorganisms found in the human body. The relationship of these microorganisms with overall health has been an area of increasing interest in recent years.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFermentation: Fermentation

Data Source

PatentUS20260000694A1Methods and compositions related to prebiotic formulations useful in promoting urogenital health

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 KIMBERLY CLARK WORLDWIDE INC

AI summary

Prebiotic formulations can modulate the growth and/or activity of microorganisms in the urogenital area. Such prebiotic formulations can comprise isomaltulose along with at least one other prebiotic, such as 1-kestose or lactulose. These microorganisms which are modulated can be directly related to urogenital health, and their modulation can be used for the prevention, control, or treatment of dysbiosis of the urogenital area.