Probiotic Bacterial Composition for Adult Neurogenesis and Memory Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

The mechanisms by which intestinal bacteria contribute to adult neurogenesis and brain function are not well understood, and existing compositions do not effectively promote the proliferation, differentiation, and maturation of neural stem cells, nor do they maintain and enhance memory and learning ability.

Innovation Solution

A composition containing lactic acid bacteria (Enterococcus faecium), butyrate-producing bacteria (Clostridium butyricum), and amylolytic bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) is used to increase quiescent neural stem cells, promote their differentiation and maturation into neurons, activate microglia and astrocytes, and enhance memory and learning ability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing compositions are used, then memory and learning ability are maintained to some extent, but they do not effectively promote the proliferation, differentiation, and maturation of neural stem cells

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory and learning ability maintenanceVSAvoidneural stem cell proliferation and differentiation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite composition containing three types of bacteria (lactic acid bacteria, butyrate-producing bacteria, and amylolytic bacteria) working together to achieve both memory/learning maintenance and enhanced neural stem cell proliferation. Each bacterial type contributes specific metabolic products that collectively promote neurogenesis while maintaining cognitive function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the compositional parameters by introducing specific bacterial strains with distinct metabolic capabilities. The composition includes bacteria that produce lactic acid, butyrate, and amylolytic enzymes, creating a multi-parameter biochemical environment that simultaneously supports neural stem cell proliferation and cognitive function maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If intestinal bacteria are introduced to promote adult neurogenesis, then neural stem cell differentiation is enhanced, but the mechanisms and extent of contribution remain unclear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadult neurogenesis rateVSAvoidmechanism elucidation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the intestinal microbiota into three distinct functional bacterial groups (lactic acid bacteria, butyrate-producing bacteria, and amylolytic bacteria), allowing independent study of each group's contribution to neurogenesis. This segmentation enables researchers to measure and understand the specific mechanisms of each bacterial type while maintaining the synergistic effects of the complete composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a composition with multiple bacterial types is used, then comprehensive brain function benefits are achieved, but the composition complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrain function enhancement coverageVSAvoidcomposition structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal composition where three different bacterial types perform multiple functions simultaneously. The bacteria collectively promote neural stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and maturation while also maintaining the blood-brain barrier and supporting overall brain homeostasis, reducing the need for separate compositions for different brain health goals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4703463A1Composition for promoting proliferation, differentiation and maturation of neural stem cells, promoting microglial activation and promoting astrocyte activation, and composition for maintaining and/or improving memory and/or learning ability
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 TOA PHARMA
  • EP4703463A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4703463A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4703463A1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

A composition comprising one or more bacteria selected from lactic acid bacteria (e.g., Enterococcus faecium), butyrate-producing bacteria (e.g., Clostridium butyricum), and amylolytic bacteria (e.g., Bacillus subtilis) is disclosed. The composition is useful for various applications related to brain function, including: increasing the number of quiescent neural stem cells; promoting the proliferation, differentiation, and maturation of neural stem cells into neurons; promoting the maturation of immature neurons; promoting adult neurogenesis; modulating the activation state of microglia and astrocytes; maintaining homeostasis of brain function; and maintaining and/or improving memory and/or learning.