Probiotic Consortium for Phytate-Bound Micronutrient Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strategies for addressing malnutrition, particularly in low- and middle-income nations and specific groups in developed nations, face limitations in improving the bioavailability of essential micronutrients like L-lysine, iron, zinc, and magnesium due to anti-nutritional factors and variability in gut microbial interactions, with supplementation posing risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A probiotic consortium comprising Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 33363, Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 33364, Lactobacillus paracasei DSM 33373, Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 33374, Bacillus megaterium DSM 33300, Bacillus pumilus DSM 33297, and Bacillus pumilus DSM 33355, which enhances the bioavailability of these nutrients by increasing phytase activity and survival in gastrointestinal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If dietary supplements containing micronutrients are used to counteract deficiencies, then the intake of essential nutrients is increased, but the bioavailability is limited due to anti-nutritional factors and gut microbial interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces probiotic microorganisms as intermediary agents that mediate between the dietary supplements and the host's absorption systems. These probiotics produce phytases that break down phytic acid, thereby enabling better absorption of micronutrients like iron, zinc, and magnesium that would otherwise be bound by anti-nutritional factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the biochemical parameters of the gut environment by introducing probiotic strains that produce specific enzymes (phytases). This alters the chemical state of anti-nutritional factors, converting phytic acid into forms that no longer interfere with micronutrient absorption, thereby improving bioavailability.
2Quantity of substance
If excessive dietary supplements are used to ensure adequate nutrient intake, then the risk of exceeding target ranges and adverse health outcomes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probiotic microorganisms serve the dual function of both delivering micronutrients and regulating their release. They produce phytases that control the breakdown of phytic acid, thereby self-regulating the bioavailability of bound minerals and preventing excessive absorption that could lead to adverse health outcomes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback mechanism where probiotic microorganisms monitor and respond to the gut environment by producing phytases in response to phytic acid presence. This biological feedback loop ensures that micronutrient release is regulated according to actual need, preventing both deficiency and excessive intake.
3Strength
If phytic acid is present in wheat-based diets to provide structural function, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the bioavailability of divalent cations is prevented through chelation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes the harmful chelating function of phytic acid through probiotic-produced phytases. These enzymes specifically target and break down phytic acid molecules, separating the bound micronutrients from the anti-nutritional factor, thereby eliminating the chelation effect while preserving the structural components of the diet.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful chelating action of phytic acid into a beneficial process. By introducing probiotics that produce phytases, the previously harmful bound minerals are now released in a controlled manner, transforming the anti-nutritional factor into a mechanism that enhances micronutrient bioavailability.
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 probiotic consortium significantly increases the release of L-lysine, iron, zinc, and magnesium from food matrices, reducing phytic acid content and improving nutritional status, thereby treating and preventing deficiencies and associated health conditions.
Implementation Method 1
enhances the bioavailability of these nutrients by increasing phytase activity
Implementation Method 2
increasing the release of L-lysine, iron, zinc, and magnesium from food matrices, reducing phytic acid content
Data Source
AI summary
The use of a probiotic composition includes the probiotic strains Lactobacillus plantarum (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum) DSM 33363, Lactobacillus plantarum (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum) DSM 33364, Lactobacillus paracasei (Lacticaseibacillus paracasei) DSM 33373, Lactobacillus reuteri (Limosilactobacillus reuteri) DSM 33374, Bacillus megaterium (Priestia megaterium) DSM 33300, Bacillus pumilus DSM 33297, Bacillus pumilus DSM 33355 (the “Pro-nutrient” consortium), for treating and preventing malnutrition of humans and animals by increasing the nutritional value of cereal-based foodstuffs, derived from wheat in particular, through increasing the bioavailability of essential micronutrients and amino acids contained in these foodstuffs.