Method of identifying a biologically-active composition from a biofilm

Inventors

Berkes, Eva A • Monsul, Nicholas T. • BOEHM, Frederick T.

Assignees

Quorum Innovations Inc

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 disclosure describes non-antibiotic anti-biofilm/pro-internal-homeostasis compositions that include natural, nontoxic compositions intended to support innate immunity and disperse pathogenic biofilms. The disclosed approach links biofilm disruption to preventing adhesion and deposition, reducing exopolysaccharide secretion, and interrupting quorum sensing.

The disclosure also describes compositions that may include probiotic organisms, anti-biofilm pharmaceutical-grade honey, and optional prebiotics, hive products, green tea derivatives, plant extracts, and vitamin D3. The disclosure states that the compositions can be associated with changes in innate immune peptide induction, including cathelicidin (LL37).

The disclosure provides multiple formulation routes and vehicles, including ocular drops/creams, nasal sprays or irrigation, topical skin formulations, inhalants, dental or pulmonary uses, and environmental sprays. The disclosure also describes targeted indications for chronic biofilm-associated inflammatory conditions, including dry eye syndrome, chronic rhinosinusitis, periodontitis, otic infections, and skin disorders.

Claims Coverage

The partial claims provided identify one independent claim and several dependent claims. The independent claim covers a liquid probiotic composition for oral consumption that includes a biologically-active biofilm cellular mass, a liquid edible material, and exopolysaccharides produced by the biofilm.

Across the provided claims, the inventive coverage centers on a liquid oral probiotic composition defined by a biologically-active biofilm cellular mass together with biofilm-produced exopolysaccharides, and is further narrowed by adding specified biofilm-related functional components and constraints, including antimicrobial/anti-inflammatory activity, a biofilm-produced biosurfactant, GRAS-edible material, and Lactobacillus-specific biofilm cellular mass.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications