Ulva Algae Extract for Immune Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods lack effective substances to stimulate the immune response, particularly in the intestinal system, and enhance the immune response for preventing infectious diseases and vaccine efficacy.

Innovation Solution

An extract of green algae from the Ulva type, containing sulfated and non-sulfated polyanionic polysaccharides with a size less than 50 kDa, is used to modulate the immune response by inducing the expression of adhesion molecules and chemokines, such as IL8 and TNF-α, through oral or parenteral administration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods are used to stimulate immune response, then the immune response can be enhanced, but effective substances are lacking and vaccine efficacy is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmune response stimulation efficacyVSAvoidlack of effective substances

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the molecular size parameter of polysaccharides to less than 50 kDa and adjusts sulfation levels to achieve effective immune stimulation. This parameter optimization enables the extract to cross the intestinal barrier and stimulate immune cells effectively, resolving the contradiction between lacking effective substances and the need for reliable immune response stimulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite extract containing both sulfated and non-sulfated polyanionic polysaccharides from Ulva algae. This composite composition provides synergistic effects, enhancing immune stimulation efficacy while maintaining safety, thus addressing the need for effective substances that currently do not exist.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If polysaccharide extract is administered to modulate immune response, then immune stimulation is achieved, but potential toxic side effects may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmunostimulating activityVSAvoidtoxic side effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the molecular weight parameter to less than 50 kDa and controls sulfation levels to achieve the desired balance between immunostimulating activity and safety. These parameter changes ensure the extract effectively stimulates immune cells while avoiding toxic effects, resolving the contradiction between efficacy and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a natural algae extract that is biodegradable and easily eliminated from the body, avoiding accumulation of toxic substances. The temporary presence of the extract in the system provides sufficient immune stimulation without long-term toxicity concerns, addressing the safety issue while maintaining efficacy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS10912805B2Extract of algae for use as an immunomodulator agent

Publication Date: 2021.02.09 AMADEITE

AI summary

The present invention relates to an extract of algae from the order of ulvales, in particular an extract of green algae of the Ulva type, for its use for modulating the immune response in a human being or an animal, in particular for stimulating the immune response with view to infections. It also relates to the non-therapeutic use of an extract of green algae of the Ulva type for modulating the immune response.