Topical Probiotic Compositions Using Hydrophobic Compounds for Viability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Probiotic bacteria in topical formulations are challenging to maintain viability due to moisture and high temperatures, leading to instability and low bacterial counts, which existing products fail to address.
Innovation Solution
A topical composition comprising viable probiotic bacteria and hydrophobic compounds, such as anionic emulsifying wax and cetyl palmitate, maintains at least 10^6 CFU/g of bacteria for at least 6 months at 25°C/60% RH by keeping the bacteria in a dry form with low water activity and controlled diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If probiotic bacteria are formulated in moist topical formulations, then the formulation provides adequate bacterial growth environment, but the bacteria lose viability quickly due to moisture and temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the water activity parameter from typical topical formulation levels (0.6-0.9) to a reduced level (0.2-0.5), creating a semi-dry environment that maintains bacterial viability while preserving formulation stability. This parameter change allows the composition to resist bacterial degradation without requiring excessive moisture.
2Ease of operation
If probiotic bacteria are stored at ambient temperature, then storage and use are convenient, but bacterial viability decreases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces water activity to 0.2-0.5, which fundamentally changes the storage requirements. At this reduced water activity level, bacteria remain viable for extended periods at ambient temperature (25°C) without requiring refrigeration, thus maintaining both convenience and reliability.
3Reliability
If conventional topical formulations are used, then the formulation is easy to manufacture and apply, but it cannot maintain high levels of viable probiotic bacteria after storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the water activity parameter to 0.2-0.5 and adjusts the composition to a semi-dry state, enabling maintenance of high bacterial viability (>10^6 CFU/g) after storage. This approach avoids complex manufacturing processes while achieving the desired reliability.
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 ensures high bacterial viability and stability, allowing for prolonged storage and use of probiotic bacteria in topical applications.
Implementation Method 1
A topical composition comprising viable bacteria of at least one probiotic bacterial strain and at least one hydrophobic compound, wherein at least 10^6 CFU/g of the probiotic bacteria are viable in the topical composition for at least 6 months at 25° C./60% RH
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to topical compositions comprising at least 106 CFU/g probiotic bacteria that remain viable in said composition for at least 6 months at 25° C./60% RH. The present invention also relates to methods for preparing such topical compositions, and a device suitable for long-term storage of viable probiotic bacteria. In addition, the present invention relates to the use of said composition.