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Centre for Innovation & Consultation

POSTBIOTIC K014: A Heat-Tolerant Postbiotic of Lactobacillus plantarum K014 as an Ideal Bioactive Ingredient for Skin Diseases caused by Bacteria-Fungal Infections from Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Candida albicans

Associate Professor Dr. Tan Joo Shun

Mr. Ho Rhu Yann

Mr. Larry Kurai Mlambo

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin, affecting 2.4% of the global population. Eczema is often complicated by secondary infections of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Such colonisation causes flare-ups, and candidiasis, and thus increases disease severity. Postbiotic K014 is novel and natural active ingredient extracted from a unique probiotic strain of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum from a local food source, Sauerkraut. Postbiotic K014 exhibits combination of antimicrobial, ant-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Besides, it also contains lactic acid and hyaluronic acid, that are beneficial to skin care. Postbiotic’s  targeted and defined efficacy against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Candida albicans, and its high heat tolerance makes it suitable for industrial application.

Problem Statement

  • Chronic dermatoses such as atopic dermatitis and eczema are often complicated by various secondary infections (bacterial and/or mycotic). Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans are the most common causative agent of infection.
  • Antibiotic plus topical corticosteroid are widely used to manage eczema.
  • Excessive use of antibiotics is likely to cause antimicrobial resistance. When the bacteria become resistant to antibiotic, the same antibiotic will no longer work as effectively as it should.

Novelty and Inventiveness

  • Novel active ingredient to control Staphylococcus aureus colonization and prevent Candida albicans infection without contributing to antimicrobial resistance.
  • Targeted and defined inhibition efficacy.
  • Offers additional functional values, such as exfoliating, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.
  • Novel production and extraction method for postbiotic K014.

Applicability and Benefits

Postbiotic K014 can be used to formulate healthcare products for the prevention of eczema flare-up and potential medicament for diseases caused by bacterial-fungal infection.

Benefits:

  • >99% inhibition against MRSA and Candida albicans.
  • Antimicrobial activity is stable across various temperatures and pH levels. These properties are important criteria for industrial and commercial applicability.
  • Natural and antibiotic-free to ease the antimicrobial resistance risk.
  • Exhibits exfoliating, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

Research Achievement

  • Grants type and amount: FRGS, MOHE (RM124200)
  • Journal/books/magazine/book chapter: 2 (Current Microbiology; International Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics)
  • No of Students fyp/msc/phd: 1 Msc and 1 FYP

Status of Invention

Technology Readiness Level 7: Commercial Transition.

Commercialization Potential And Industrial Partner

The global market is valued at USD 11.7 billion. Target 1% of the Southeast Asian market, which is around USD 8.5 million, starting from Malaysia. By leveraging Bioscenergy International Sdn. Bhd. network, postbiotic K014 could potentially reach out to customers via more than 1000 pharmacies in Malaysia, and later in overseas markets. This strategic collaboration demonstrates the commercial potential of our invention.

  • Biotenova Sdn. Bhd. (Spin-off company & Manufacturer).
  • Bioscenergy International Sdn. Bhd. (Investor & Strategic Partner).
  • Eldon Healthcare Sdn. Bhd. (Distributor).

Intellectual Property Status

Type of IP with number: 1 patent filed (PI 2022005512).

Impact of Innovation

  • GOVERNMENT: Reduce disease burden and medical expenditure via avoidance of antimicrobial resistance.
  • INDUSTRY: Create and promote new business opportunities in biotechnology and biomedicine.
  • SOCIETY: Prevent disease exacerbation and improve human health and quality of life.
  • ACADEMIA: R&D to explore the innovation of postbiotics on human health and talent development.
  • ENVIRONMENT: Reduce antibiotic pollution and prevent spread of antibiotic resistance.
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