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 described invention relates to identifying and using non-toxic natural anti-biofilm compositions for innate immune support and pathogenic biofilm dispersal. The compositions center on probiotic organisms, including viable and non-viable probiotics, as well as microbial extracts and microbial metabolites, and are configured to act against biofilm formation and persistence rather than antibiotics.

The disclosed approach targets biofilm mechanisms including biofilm attachment, exopolysaccharide (EPS) matrix secretion and release, and quorum sensing. The method applies a composition to a biofilm on an inanimate surface to reduce attachment, inhibit biofilm growth, disrupt a biofilm matrix, and prevent, inhibit, and/or disrupt secretion and/or release of biofilm extracellular factors and/or quorum-sensing mechanisms.

In the document summary, probiotic or probiotic-derived components are combined with antimicrobial honey, including manuka honey and Medi-Honey, and may include optional adjunct ingredients such as prebiotics, hive products, green tea derivatives (EGCG and L-theanine), plant extracts, and vitamin D3. Candidate ingredients are screened and selected based on anti-biofilm efficacy using assays involving determining inhibition and prevention and minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (BIC) and related biofilm measures such as MBEC.

The document further emphasizes applications for treatment and prevention of biofilm-associated chronic inflammatory diseases, with specific emphasis on ocular dry eye and ocular surface microbiome homeostasis. It describes delivery formats including topical and local delivery such as drops, gels, nasal sprays, dental products, and environmental sprays, with testing platforms referenced such as the Calgary Biofilm Device and growth-on-spheres approaches using visual and colorimetric readouts.

Claims Coverage

The independent claim is directed to a method for controlling biofilm on an inanimate surface by applying a composition that targets multiple biofilm mechanisms, comprising at least five inventive functional effects. Dependent claims refine the microbial component selection and a viability constraint for the biofilm cellular mass used in the composition.

Overall, the claims cover applying a composition comprising microbial biofilm cellular mass, exopolysaccharides, and a biologically-active agent produced by the microbial biofilm to control biofilm on an inanimate surface through reduction of attachment, inhibition of growth, disruption of a biofilm matrix, interference with extracellular factor secretion and release, and disruption of quorum-sensing mechanisms. Dependent claims narrow the microbe options, including a Lactobacillus-specific embodiment, and require that the biofilm cellular mass can be non-viable.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications