Enhanced Bacillus Subtilis: Probiotic Feed Innovation
Legal Citation
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed the use of Bacillus subtilis strain DSM 32685 for inhibiting bacterial colonization or infection in animals. However, there remains a need to improve the antimicrobial activity, optimize the gut microbiome, reduce antibiotic resistance, and enhance the growth-promoting effects of this strain. The present invention addresses these limitations by introducing synergistic combinations of antibiotics, probiotic blends, prebiotics, enzyme blends, bacteriocin-producing strains, and heat-treatment processes to create enhanced Bacillus subtilis strains.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new invention provides a significant improvement over the original patent by introducing novel combinations and processes that enhance the antimicrobial activity, optimize the gut microbiome, reduce antibiotic resistance, and improve the growth-promoting effects of the Bacillus subtilis strain. The synergistic combinations, probiotic blends, prebiotics, enzyme blends, bacteriocin-producing strains, and heat-treatment processes are not obvious from the original patent and provide a non-obvious solution to the limitations of the original invention.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the invention could include the use of different antibiotics, probiotic strains, prebiotics, enzyme blends, and bacteriocin-producing strains. Additionally, the invention could be implemented in different animal species, such as swine or cattle, or in different types of animal feed, such as aquaculture feed.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The present invention has significant commercial potential in the animal feed industry, particularly in the poultry and swine sectors. The invention could also be applied in the human probiotics market, where there is a growing demand for gut microbiome optimization and antibiotic resistance reduction. The market for animal feed additives is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and efficient animal production.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A23 | A23K50/40 |
| A | A01 | A01N63/22 |
| A | A23 | A23K10/18 |
| C | C12 | C12N1/205 |
| C | C12 | C12R2001/125 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Animal feed microbiology, probiotics, and microbiological interventions for livestock nutrition and health, encompassing microbial strain development, feed supplementation, and microbiological control strategies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A microbiologist or animal nutritionist with expertise in probiotic technologies, bacterial strain characterization, and feed supplement formulation, holding at least a master's degree with practical experience in agricultural microbiology
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations and combinatorial extensions of the source patent's core Bacillus subtilis technology. The PTD's claims demonstrate standard engineering approaches to enhancing probiotic performance through known strategies like synergistic combinations, targeted strain interactions, and processing modifications. These variations represent incremental improvements that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize the original bacterial strain's utility.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,856,970 |
|---|---|
| Title | Bacillus subtilis for animal feed |
| Assignee(s) | Chr. Hansen A/S |