Predatory Bacterium Microbiome Composition for Genital Infections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for genital bacterial infections, particularly those caused by gram-negative bacteria, are often ineffective due to antibiotic resistance and disrupt the natural genital microbiome, leading to recurring infections and side effects.

Innovation Solution

A predatory bacterium, specifically Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, is used as an antimicrobial agent to target and eliminate gram-negative bacteria while preserving beneficial bacteria, maintaining a healthy genital microbiome by administering it topically to the genital area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If broad-spectrum antibiotics are used to treat gram-negative bacterial infections, then the harmful bacteria are killed, but beneficial bacteria in the genital and gut flora are also destroyed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in killing harmful bacteriaVSAvoiddestruction of beneficial bacteria

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using a predatory bacterium that selectively targets gram-negative bacteria in the genital area while preserving beneficial gram-positive bacteria. The predator-prey relationship is specific and localized, allowing the treatment to be effective against harmful pathogens without broadly destroying the entire microbial community, thus resolving the contradiction between killing harmful bacteria and preserving beneficial ones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of antibiotic overuse (which destroys beneficial bacteria) into a benefit by using a naturally occurring predatory bacterium that provides targeted antimicrobial action. This approach transforms the problem of non-specific antibiotic damage into a solution where selective predation protects beneficial flora while eliminating harmful pathogens.

Inventive Principle:

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

2Reliability

If antibiotics are overused to treat infections, then bacterial infections are controlled, but antibiotic resistance increases and beneficial flora is destroyed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol of bacterial infectionsVSAvoidantibiotic resistance and loss of beneficial flora

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical mechanism of antibiotics with a biological mechanism using a predatory bacterium. Instead of using chemicals that randomly kill bacteria and promote resistance, the system uses a living predator that mechanically preys on harmful bacteria through contact and enzymatic degradation, providing a more sustainable and resistance-free approach to infection control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The predatory bacterium provides self-service by using its own metabolic processes to hunt, kill, and digest harmful bacteria. This autonomous biological control mechanism eliminates the need for external antibiotic intervention, thereby preventing the development of resistance while maintaining control over the infection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If non-specific antibiotics are used to kill harmful bacteria, then infections are treated, but the natural protective layer in the vaginal area is weakened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment of infectionsVSAvoidintegrity of vaginal flora

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by deploying a predatory bacterium that operates specifically in the genital area, providing localized treatment that does not disrupt the overall vaginal microbiome. The predator-prey interaction is confined to harmful gram-negative bacteria, preserving the structural integrity and compositional stability of the beneficial vaginal flora while effectively treating infections.

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 use of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus effectively reduces harmful gram-negative bacteria, restores the natural balance of the genital microbiome, and prevents infections without the side effects associated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, promoting a healthy vaginal environment.

Implementation Method 1

A predatory bacterium, specifically Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, is used as an antimicrobial agent to target and eliminate gram-negative bacteria

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPredation:

Implementation Method 2

d. freeze-dried or spray-dried

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFreeze-drying: Freeze Drying

Implementation Method 3

d. freeze-dried or spray-dried

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpray-drying: Spray

Data Source

PatentUS20240390430A1Microbiome compositions

Publication Date: 2024.11.28 B Y M TECH

AI summary

According to the invention there is provided an antimicrobial agent for use in maintaining or re-establishing a healthy genital microbiome, wherein the antimicrobial agent is a predatory bacterium.