Segmented Capsule Delivery for Gut Microbiome Nourishment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to effectively increase the population of Coprococcus spp. in the gut microbiome, which is associated with various disease states and adverse conditions, lacking a proven approach to alleviate related symptoms.
Innovation Solution
Direct delivery of specific vitamin combinations such as riboflavin and vitamin C, vitamin D3, beta-carotene, and vitamin B5 to the large intestine to nourish the gut microbiome and increase Coprococcus spp. population.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If vitamins are administered orally through conventional means, then they are absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract, but they do not reach the large intestine in sufficient quantities to nourish the gut microbiome and increase Coprococcus spp. population
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the vitamin delivery process by using a multi-layered capsule system where different vitamins are encapsulated in separate compartments or layers with different release characteristics. This segmentation allows vitamins to be released at different locations along the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring that sufficient quantities reach the large intestine to nourish Coprococcus spp. while maintaining relatively simple oral administration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces delayed-release formulations and specialized capsule structures as intermediaries between the administered vitamins and the gut microbiome. These intermediaries protect vitamins from premature absorption in the upper GI tract and facilitate their targeted delivery to the large intestine, where they can effectively increase Coprococcus spp. population without requiring complex delivery procedures.
2Reliability
If standard vitamin formulations are used, then they are easily manufactured and administered, but they fail to effectively increase Coprococcus spp. population due to premature absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-encapsulating vitamins in delayed-release formulations and specialized capsule structures before administration. This preliminary encapsulation prevents premature absorption in the upper gastrointestinal tract and ensures that vitamins are released at the appropriate location (large intestine) to effectively increase Coprococcus spp. population. The manufacturing process incorporates these preliminary protective measures during standard formulation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material structures in the capsule design, combining different polymers, coatings, and matrix materials with varying release properties. These composite formulations allow controlled release of different vitamins at different rates and locations, ensuring reliable increases in Coprococcus spp. population while maintaining manufacturability through established pharmaceutical formulation techniques.
3Reliability
If vitamins are delivered to the large intestine using delayed release formulations, then Coprococcus spp. population increases, but the device complexity and formulation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by designing capsule structures with different regions or layers that have specialized functions - some layers are designed for delayed release while others provide structural integrity or protection. This localized functional differentiation within the capsule allows effective delivery to the large intestine for Coprococcus spp. increase without requiring an entirely complex delivery system, as each component has a specific, optimized role.
Data Source
AI summary
The population of Coprococcus spp. bacteria in the gut microbiome is lower in people with various diseases. We have found that administration of vitamins / vitamin combinations such as : the combination of Vitamin B2 and C; Vitamin D3; beta-carotene, and Vitamin B5, when administered directly to the gut, so that it provides nourishment to the gut microbiome directly, can result in an increase of Coprococcus spp.