Method of identifying a biologically-active composition from a biofilm
Inventors
Berkes, Eva A. • Monsul, Nicholas T. • BOEHM, Frederick T.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10925908-B2
Publication Date
2021-02-23
Expiration Date
Abstract
The subject invention provides materials and methods that effectively support innate immunity and/or disperse pathogenic biofilms using readily available, nontoxic, natural substances, while supporting restoration of normal microbiotic homeostasis. In one embodiment, the subject invention provides anti-biofilm compositions comprising one or more probiotic organisms, anti-microbial honey, and other ingredients such as prebiotic compounds, other hive products, green tea derivatives, other plant derivatives, and vitamin D3.
Core Innovation
The invention provides method and compositions for identifying and selecting biologically active ingredients that prevent, inhibit, or disperse pathogenic biofilms and thereby support innate immunity and restore microbial homeostasis. The approach centers on anti-biofilm combinations and on targeting biofilm-associated components such as exopolysaccharides (EPS) and quorum-sensing-related activity. The disclosed framework includes assessment of biofilm inhibitory efficacy using biofilm inhibitory concepts and biofilm model systems.
The disclosed compositions include probiotic organisms and anti-microbial/pharmaceutical-grade honey, with optional adjuncts intended to support anti-biofilm activity and biofilm-state modulation. The adjuncts include EPS-targeting or quorum-sensing-disrupting components such as biosurfactants and prebiotics, as well as hive products, green tea derivatives (EGCG and L-theanine), plant extracts, and Vitamin D3. The disclosures also include the concept of biomarker-based detection of biofilm infection using biofilm-state-selective biomarkers including EPS-related markers.
The document describes topical/local delivery concepts intended to avoid systemic toxicity and address antibiotic resistance concerns, with formulation examples for ocular/adnexal, sinonasal/ENT, dental/periodontal, skin, respiratory, and environmental/inert-surface contexts. The described example formulations include liquid or semi-solid delivery formats such as eye drops/cream, nasal sprays/irrigation packets, skin gels/soaps/bath additives, environmental sprays, ear drops, inhalants, and toothpaste/periodontal curettage agents. The disclosed example compositions reference manuka honey and probiotic organisms including Lactobacillus and Streptococcus thermophilus.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides one independent claim (clm-00001). It includes at least four main inventive features, and the dependent claim set further refines those features by specifying activity profiles, additional biofilm-produced components, regulatory constraints, and a particular biofilm source.
Liquid edible composition with biofilm cellular mass and biofilm-produced exopolysaccharides
A liquid composition for oral consumption comprising biologically-active biofilm cellular mass, a liquid edible material, and further comprising exopolysaccharides produced by the biofilm.
Biofilm cellular mass with anti-microbial and/or anti-inflammatory activity
The biofilm cellular mass is characterized by having anti-microbial and/or anti-inflammatory activity.
Biosurfactant produced by the biofilm
The composition comprises a biosurfactant produced by the biofilm.
Edible ingredients generally regarded as safe (GRAS)
The edible material comprises ingredients generally regarded as safe (GRAS).
Lactobacillus-derived biofilm cellular mass
The biofilm cellular mass is a Lactobacillus biofilm cellular mass.
Across the provided independent claim and its dependent refinements, the claim coverage centers on an oral liquid composition that includes biologically active biofilm cellular mass together with exopolysaccharides produced by the biofilm, optionally including a biofilm-produced biosurfactant. The dependent claims further specify an anti-microbial and/or anti-inflammatory activity profile, constrain the edible components to GRAS ingredients, and optionally specify that the biofilm cellular mass is Lactobacillus-derived.
Stated Advantages
Prevents, inhibits, or disperses pathogenic biofilms.
Supports innate immunity.
Restores microbial homeostasis.
Avoids systemic toxicity and antibiotic resistance concerns.
Documented Applications
Topical/local delivery for ocular/adnexal contexts, including dry eye syndrome.
Topical/local delivery for sinonasal/ENT contexts, including chronic rhinosinusitis.
Topical/local delivery for dental/periodontal contexts, including chronic periodontitis.
Topical/local delivery for skin contexts, including atopic dermatitis.
Topical/local delivery for respiratory contexts, including chronic bronchitis and aspergillosis.
Topical/local delivery for ear contexts, including otitis externa.
Environmental/inert-surface applications via environmental sprays.
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