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 disclosed invention relates to preventing, dispersing, and/or managing pathogenic biofilms by using biologically-active biofilm material in non-antibiotic compositions that are compatible with cosmetic use. The approach combines probiotic organisms and anti-biofilm honey to target pathogenic biofilm mechanisms, including extracellular matrix (EPS) and quorum sensing, while supporting innate immunity. The compositions can use viable or non-viable probiotic forms, as well as fractions and metabolites.

The invention provides cosmetic compositions that include biologically-active biofilm cellular mass obtained by growing biofilm cellular mass in a biological growth medium and combining the biofilm cellular mass with a cosmetic carrier. The resulting composition is formulated as a soap, lotion, ointment or cream that comprises the biofilm cellular mass.

The biologically-active biofilm cellular mass is further characterized by non-viable biofilm cellular mass, selected microbes such as Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus, and biological activity defined as anti-microbial activity and/or anti-inflammatory activity. The disclosure also references targeting adhesion/attachment, EPS secretion/release, and quorum sensing, with representative uses including chronic inflammatory diseases and ocular conditions associated with biofilms.

Claims Coverage

The independent claims cover cosmetic compositions that include biologically-active biofilm cellular mass formulated as soap, lotion, ointment or cream. The claim set includes two inventive features centered on how the biofilm cellular mass is obtained or characterized, the presence of a cosmetic carrier, and optional constraints on microbe identity, non-viability, and biological activity type.

The coverage centers on cosmetic compositions formulated as soap, lotion, ointment or cream that incorporate biologically-active biofilm cellular mass combined with a cosmetic carrier. Dependent claims refine the scope by specifying anti-microbial and/or anti-inflammatory activity, non-viable biofilm cellular mass, and selected microbes such as Lactobacillus and other specified microbes.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications