Spanish company Biosearch Life is seeking a patent for the diagnosis and treatment of tumours using probiotic bacteria.
Based on extensive research, the company describes a process which adds metal nanoparticles to probiotic bacteria. The nanoparticles are visible using imaging equipment for nuclear magnetic resonance. This, said Biosearch Life, allows sight of the tissues where the particles are located, opening a door to the development of a new generation of diagnostic agents and oral treatment of tumours.
Furthermore, with this technology, Biosearch Life said that it is possible to incorporate with the bacteria a wide range of minerals including calcium, iron, zinc, selenium and so on. The resulting bacteria, highly enriched in minerals, would allow new applications such as reducing the side effects of direct administration of minerals; improving bioavailability; and solving organoleptic and technological problems common to their incorporation into functional foods.
The patent application is the result of collaboration between Biosearch Life and the University of Granada, within the framework of a research project funded by the Agency of Andalusia IDEA. The project, entitled "New applications of probiotic strains and related compounds with biological activity" was begun in 2011 with the aim of expanding the application potential of probiotic microorganisms in general and in particular of the strains developed by Biosearch Life.
