ZBiotics explores engineered probiotic applications following patent for hangover-fighting tech

22 Jan 2021 --- ZBiotics has received a patent related to its engineered probiotic drink that breaks down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol responsible for some of the worst morning-after effects of drinking alcohol.

This proprietary technology could be used for new engineered probiotic microbes, which will provide other functional benefits and enable new ZBiotics products.

“The possibilities for this technology are vast, and our scientists are developing new product applications as we speak,” CEO Zack Abbott tells NutritionInsight.

“The benefits will range from helping our bodies get more nutrients from our food and recover faster from workouts to protecting our bodies from pathogens and environmental toxins.”

He continues that this patent marks the beginning of a whole new category of consumer products: engineered probiotic microbes designed to improve daily life. 

“It’s never been done before, and it is our unique technology that makes it possible. Any biological function on the planet can be programmed into a probiotic microbe, so truly the sky’s the limit,” Abbott envisions. 

“The technology is still new, but we expect that once people experience what we’ve built, they will insist on products like ours that have clearly defined benefits and pass over those that do not.”The patent is for a gene expression system for probiotic microorganisms.

Creating probiotic microorganisms
The patent for invention number US10849938B2 is for a gene expression system for probiotic microorganisms, used to create the primary self-named product of ZBiotics. 

This marks the first patent for ZBiotics, which also says it is the first company to sell engineered probiotic products.

“However, we won’t be the last. Building something entirely new has meant having to carve new manufacturing and regulatory paths,” says Abbott. 

“We are paving the way and setting a high standard, which will create the opportunity for not only us but also others to bring novel products to market in this entirely new category.”

The patent covers the novel genetic platform ZBiotics developed, allowing the company to create probiotic microorganisms that perform a specific biological function beneficial to the human body.

That function is enabled by modifying the genetics of a food-grade microorganism in a way that causes it to constitutively and robustly express a useful enzyme – aldehyde dehydrogenase in this case. 

The microorganisms created from this process are designed to break down acetaldehyde, a byproduct of alcohol. 

Abbott says the company can develop new products much faster than it otherwise could, thanks to its platform technology. “It was designed and built specifically to invent new, safe products with real benefits for the consumer.”The company anticipates that this new category will soon be filled with other players.

Expansion on the cards
Currently, ZBiotics is only available in the US, but the company plans to expand internationally in the next year or two. The focus in the short-term will be on East Asia, the Americas and Europe.

“With incredible growth in our first year to market, we’re seeing people across the US respond incredibly well to the power and utility of this technology,” says Stephen Lamb, co-founder and COO. 

“This year, we’re excited to introduce even more people to the science of ZBiotics – not just with our first product, but also with the advancement of future products as well,” he continues.

The company is now preparing for its highest year of growth yet. It also expects to receive future patent issuances.

By Katherine Durrell