Probiotic Coating for Digestive Tract Survival
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Solution Overview
Problem
Probiotic compositions face pH instability in the human digestive tract, leading to reduced viability and effectiveness due to acidic conditions, resulting in only a small proportion of bacteria reaching the intestinal tract.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising at least twelve probiotic microorganisms, including six Lactobacillus and five bifidus strains, along with a Streptococci strain, coated with a peptide/protein matrix for pH stability and a polysaccharide/hydrocolloid matrix for increased storage stability, combined with prebiotic compounds like fructooligosaccharides, to enhance survival through the digestive system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If probiotic compositions are administered orally, then they can reach the intestinal tract, but they are killed by acidic conditions in the stomach and bile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies coating materials (peptide/protein matrix and polysaccharide/hydrocolloid matrix) as intermediary substances that form a protective barrier between the probiotic bacteria and the harmful acidic environment in the stomach and bile, allowing the bacteria to survive passage through the digestive tract
Solution Approach 2:
The probiotic bacteria are pre-coated with protective matrices before administration to cushion them against the harmful acidic conditions they will encounter in the stomach and bile, ensuring viability upon reaching the intestinal tract
2Productivity
If only a small proportion of bacteria survive the digestive tract, then they can reach the intestine, but the effectiveness of probiotics is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The protective coating matrices act as intermediaries that shield the probiotic bacteria throughout the entire digestive tract, significantly increasing the proportion of viable bacteria that reach the intestine and maintain their effectiveness
3Duration of action of stationary object
If probiotic compositions are stored long-term, then they can be distributed, but pH stability is reduced and viability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite coating materials consisting of both peptide/protein matrices and polysaccharide/hydrocolloid matrices that work synergistically to provide long-term storage stability while maintaining probiotic viability through the protective barrier effect
Solution Approach 2:
The protective coatings are applied beforehand to the probiotic bacteria, providing continuous protection during long-term storage that prevents pH instability and maintains viability until administration
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 composition demonstrates improved stability and survival of probiotics in acidic environments, ensuring they reach the intestinal tract viable and effective, with enhanced storage stability and synergistic anti-allergenic effects, particularly suitable for preventing and treating allergic reactions.
Implementation Method 1
coated with a peptide/protein matrix for pH stability
Implementation Method 2
coated with a polysaccharide/hydrocolloid matrix for increased storage stability
Implementation Method 3
prebiotics particularly promote the proliferation of lactic acid bacteria such as bifidus bacteria and lactobacilli
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a composition of at least ten, preferably twelve, probiotic microorganisms and their use as a food supplement for the prevention and treatment of allergic reactions.