Enhanced Iron Supplement Composition and Methods Using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TCI837

Publication ID: 24-11857583_0006_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Iron Supplement Composition and Methods Using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TCI837,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857583_0006_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857583_0006_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. 11,857,583.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present inventive concept relates to novel compositions and methods for supplementing iron, promoting iron absorption, and improving gut microbiota using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TCI837, offering enhanced efficacy and targeted delivery.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TCI837 as an effective means for supplementing iron and promoting iron absorption. However, it had limitations in terms of targeted delivery, gut microbiota improvement, and iron absorption enhancement. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing controlled-release capsules, prebiotics, pH-dependent coatings, and synbiotics to create a more efficient and effective iron supplement composition.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises novel compositions and methods that utilize Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TCI837 in combination with advanced delivery systems and synergistic components. Specifically, the system for supplementing iron includes a controlled-release capsule for delayed release of the bacteria in the small intestine, and an iron supplement composition. The method for promoting absorption of iron involves administering a composition comprising an effective dose of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TCI837 and a prebiotic for enhancing the growth of the bacteria. The composition for supplementing iron features Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TCI837, an iron supplement, and a pH-dependent coating for targeted release in the small intestine. Additionally, the method for improving gut microbiota involves administering a composition comprising an effective dose of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TCI837 and a synbiotic for promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. A kit for supplementing iron is also provided, comprising a container holding Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TCI837, an iron supplement, and instructions for administering the composition to a subject in need thereof.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The present inventive concept offers a novel combination of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TCI837 with advanced delivery systems and synergistic components, providing enhanced efficacy and targeted delivery. The controlled-release capsule, prebiotic, pH-dependent coating, and synbiotic components introduce a new level of sophistication in iron supplement compositions, making the inventive concept non-obvious compared to the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include different types of controlled-release capsules, prebiotics, pH-dependent coatings, and synbiotics. Variations of the composition may include additional nutrients or bioactive compounds to enhance iron absorption or gut health. The inventive concept may also be adapted for use in different forms, such as tablets, powders, or liquids, or for administration through different routes, such as intravenous or topical.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The present inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the iron supplement market, which is projected to grow due to the increasing prevalence of iron deficiency and anemia. The targeted delivery and enhanced efficacy of the inventive concept make it an attractive solution for pharmaceutical companies, nutraceutical manufacturers, and healthcare providers. The inventive concept may also find applications in the food and beverage industry, where iron-fortified products are in high demand.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61K35/747
A A61 A61K33/26
C C12 C12N1/205

Field of Art

Microbiology, probiotics, and nutritional supplements, specifically focused on bacterial strains for iron supplementation and gut health, requiring expertise in microbial cultivation, nutritional science, and pharmaceutical formulation

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A researcher or practitioner with advanced degree in microbiology or nutritional sciences, familiar with probiotic delivery systems, bacterial strain characterization, and nutritional supplement design, with knowledge of microbiome interactions and iron absorption mechanisms

Obviousness Rationale

A person skilled in the art would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core technology by applying standard pharmaceutical formulation techniques to enhance delivery and efficacy of the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TCI837 strain. The proposed modifications such as controlled-release capsules, pH-dependent coatings, and synbiotic combinations are well-established strategies in probiotic and nutritional supplement design. These variations would be considered routine optimization to a skilled practitioner seeking to improve iron supplementation methods.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Method of administering Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TCI837 for iron supplementation
PTD Variation
Adding controlled-release capsule for delayed intestinal release
Obviousness Reasoning
Targeted drug delivery is a known technique in pharmaceutical science, and a PHOSITA would recognize that controlled-release mechanisms can improve bacterial viability and targeted action
Source Patent Element
Iron supplement composition with bacterial strain
PTD Variation
Incorporating prebiotic to enhance bacterial growth
Obviousness Reasoning
Synergistic combinations of probiotics and prebiotics are standard practice in microbiological formulations, representing a predictable enhancement of the original composition
Source Patent Element
Basic iron supplementation method
PTD Variation
Adding pH-dependent coating for targeted small intestine release
Obviousness Reasoning
Pharmaceutical coating technologies are well-known for modulating drug release, and applying such techniques to probiotic delivery would be an obvious design choice to a skilled practitioner
Source Patent Element
Iron supplementation using bacterial strain
PTD Variation
Incorporating synbiotic components to promote beneficial bacteria growth
Obviousness Reasoning
Combining probiotics with additional bacterial growth promoters is a standard approach in microbiological interventions, representing incremental improvement rather than inventive breakthrough
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857583 and the disclosed variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the proposed iron supplementation methods and compositions obvious and anticipated, as the technical modifications represent routine optimization of known probiotic delivery techniques applied to the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TCI837 strain, thereby rendering potential claims to such variations unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. ยง 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,583
TitleLactiplantibacillus plantarum TCI837, methods for using the same, and iron supplement composition having the same
Assignee(s)TCI CO., LTD.