Technology prospecting of infant stool as a source of novel probiotic products

Abstract

Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits to the host when they are ingested in adequate amounts. The strains most frequently used as probiotics include lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria. These microorganisms have significant potential as therapeutic options for a variety of diseases, but the mechanisms responsible for these effects have not yet been fully elucidated. In general, new probiotic strains for human use are sourced from human intestinal flora and breast milk. This study sought to survey the existing research regarding the potential for and development of technologies regarding infant stool-associated probiotics. The study was performed using information from the European Patent Bank, the Bank of the World Intellectual Property Organization and the database of the National Institute of Industrial Property of Brazil. The most abundant international classification prospected was Subsection C12, particularly class A61N. The Republic of Korea has the most patents filed. The results indicate a promising area with significant growth in the number of patents.