Thiosulfate-Lactobacilli Composition for Urogenital Pathogen Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The anti-pathogenic effect of lactobacilli is often insufficient to effectively combat infections, necessitating the use of additional active ingredients like antibiotics or antifungals, and traditional treatments for bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis are ineffective and have high recurrence rates.

Innovation Solution

Combining lactobacilli with thiosulfate, particularly sodium thiosulfate, at a concentration of at least 100 mg/gram of powder, enhances the anti-pathogenic effect by inhibiting pathogens such as Gardnerella vaginalis, Prevotella bivia, and Candida albicans through mechanisms like pH lowering, hydrogen peroxide production, and bacteriocin secretion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional antibiotic or antifungal therapy is used to treat vaginal infections, then the pathogenic flora is eliminated, but the normal beneficial lactobacilli flora is also destroyed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogenic flora eliminationVSAvoidnormal flora preservation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Thiosulfate acts as an intermediary substance that selectively enhances the anti-pathogenic activity of lactobacilli without directly killing pathogens. The thiosulfate-lactobacilli combination allows elimination of pathogens while preserving beneficial flora, as the thiosulfate potentiates the natural defense mechanisms of lactobacilli rather than acting as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the weakness of lactobacilli (insufficient anti-pathogenic effect alone) into a benefit by using thiosulfate to potentiate their activity. The sub-inhibitory concentrations of thiosulfate, which alone would not kill pathogens, work synergistically with lactobacilli to achieve pathogen elimination while preserving the beneficial flora

Inventive Principle:

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

2Reliability

If long-term maintenance therapy with antifungals is used to prevent recurrences, then relapse rate is reduced during treatment, but side effects increase and bacterial vaginosis may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecurrence preventionVSAvoidside effects and bacterial vaginosis

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment enables the vaginal flora to serve itself by restoring and enhancing the natural protective mechanisms. Lactobacilli, when potentiated by thiosulfate, naturally produce hydrogen peroxide, lactic acid, and bacteriocins that prevent pathogen growth without requiring continuous external antifungal intervention, thereby avoiding the side effects of long-term medication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If lactobacilli are administered alone to promote vaginal health, then the normal flora is supported, but the anti-pathogenic effect is insufficient to effectively combat infections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenormal flora supportVSAvoidpathogen inhibition effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the functional parameters of lactobacilli by introducing thiosulfate, which potentiates their anti-pathogenic activity. Thiosulfate modifies the metabolic or physiological state of lactobacilli, enhancing their production of protective substances like hydrogen peroxide, lactic acid, and bacteriocins, thereby increasing their effectiveness against pathogens while maintaining their role in supporting normal flora

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 combination significantly increases the lactobacilli's ability to inhibit pathogen growth, reducing recurrence of infections and minimizing the need for additional treatments.

Implementation Method 1

production of hydrogen peroxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrogen peroxide production: Hydrogen Peroxide

Implementation Method 2

production of lactic acid from the glycogen present in the vaginal mucus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLactic acid production: Fermentation

Implementation Method 3

maintain an acidic pH by producing lactic acid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectpH lowering:

Implementation Method 4

production of hydrogen peroxide, lactic acid and bacteriocins

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBacteriocin secretion:

Data Source

PatentUS12390489B2Use of thiosulfate to potentiate the anti-pathogenic effect of lactobacilli

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 NEXBIOME THERAPEUTICS

AI summary

The present invention relates to the use of thiosulfate to potentiate the anti-pathogenic effect of lactobacilli bacteria, the thiosulfate being in a quantity of at least 100 mg for 107 to 1010 CFU of lactobacilli. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition including at least 100 mg of thiosulfate per gram, in combination with a Lactobacillus crispatus strain, and to its use in the treatment of urogenital infections such as vaginosis, candidosis and urinary tract infections.