Novel Applications of FGF21-Inducing Bifidobacterium in Environmental Sustainability

Publication ID: 24-11857579_0007_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Novel Applications of FGF21-Inducing Bifidobacterium in Environmental Sustainability,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857579_0007_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857579_0007_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,579.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

This inventive concept leverages the core technology of promoting FGF21 secretion using Bifidobacterium to address pressing environmental issues, such as crop growth, water pollution, air quality, biofuel production, and environmental monitoring.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent focused on modulating palatability and maintaining body temperature using Bifidobacterium breve M-16V. However, the environmental sector faces significant challenges, including crop growth limitations, water pollution, poor air quality, inefficient biofuel production, and inadequate environmental monitoring. This inventive concept addresses these limitations by applying the FGF21-inducing Bifidobacterium technology to novel environmental applications.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept involves the use of Bifidobacterium breve M-16V to promote the secretion of FGF21 in various environmental contexts. In crop growth, the bacterium is applied to the soil to enhance plant growth and productivity. For water pollution reduction, the bacterium is administered to aquatic animals to improve their metabolism and reduce pollution risk. In air quality improvement, a filter containing the bacterium breaks down pollutants. In biofuel production, the bacterium enhances the efficiency of microorganisms. Finally, a sensor containing the bacterium detects changes in environmental pollution levels. These applications harness the FGF21-inducing properties of Bifidobacterium to create a more sustainable environment.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a paradigm shift by applying the FGF21-inducing Bifidobacterium technology to environmental sustainability, which is a novel and non-obvious extension of the original patent's scope. The inventive step lies in recognizing the potential of this technology to address pressing environmental challenges and developing innovative applications that leverage its benefits.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of this inventive concept could include using different strains of Bifidobacterium, varying the method of application, or combining the bacterium with other microorganisms to enhance its effects. Additionally, the inventive concept could be adapted for use in other environmental contexts, such as soil remediation or waste management.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

This inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the environmental sustainability sector, with potential applications in agriculture, water treatment, air quality management, biofuel production, and environmental monitoring. The target market includes companies and organizations operating in these industries, as well as government agencies and research institutions focused on environmental sustainability.

Field of Art

Microbiology, biotechnology, and environmental science, with expertise in probiotic microorganisms, metabolic signaling, and biological systems engineering

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A researcher with advanced degree in microbiology or biotechnology, familiar with probiotic interactions, metabolic pathways, and applications of microorganisms in biological systems, with knowledge of FGF21 signaling and bacterial strain characteristics

Obviousness Rationale

The disclosed variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core technology by applying the known FGF21-promoting properties of Bifidobacterium breve M-16V to diverse environmental contexts. A skilled practitioner would recognize the potential for leveraging the bacterium's metabolic effects across different biological systems. The systematic application of the bacterial strain's inherent capabilities to novel domains demonstrates a logical and foreseeable progression of the original patent's technological foundation.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Method of administering Bifidobacterium breve M-16V to modulate physiological processes
PTD Variation
Applying the bacterium to crop growth and soil enhancement
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable extension of known bacterial metabolic interactions, with a reasonable expectation of success in promoting plant growth through FGF21 signaling mechanisms
Source Patent Element
Composition containing Bifidobacterium for physiological modulation
PTD Variation
Using the bacterium in environmental monitoring and pollution detection systems
Obviousness Reasoning
Known sensor and biological detection techniques combined with established bacterial metabolic properties represent an obvious design choice for environmental applications
Source Patent Element
Method of administering Bifidobacterium to improve metabolic processes
PTD Variation
Applying the bacterium to enhance biofuel production microorganism efficiency
Obviousness Reasoning
Leveraging known metabolic enhancement capabilities in a related industrial biotechnology context represents a straightforward technological adaptation
Source Patent Element
Bifidobacterium breve M-16V's ability to modulate physiological systems
PTD Variation
Using the bacterium to improve aquatic animal metabolism and reduce pollution risk
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending known metabolic interaction principles to aquatic biological systems is a predictable application of the bacterial strain's established properties
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. ยง 103, the variations disclosed herein would be considered obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, given the teachings of US Patent 11857579. The systematic application of Bifidobacterium breve M-16V's known metabolic properties to diverse environmental contexts represents a logical progression of the original patent's technological foundation, rendering subsequent claims involving similar applications prima facie obvious.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,579
TitleComposition for promoting the secretion of FGF21
Assignee(s)Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd.