10123002Superior synbiotics for healthy ageingClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKScottish biotechnology company NCIMB, is teaming up with the Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen to develop novel designer probiotics targeting gut health. NCIMB are microbiology experts and manage the UK's largest collection of bacterial strains. The Rowett Institute has expertise in the gut microbiome and the interactions between microbes and interactions with the gut lining. The Rowettt has a large collection of beneficial gut bacteria that will be screened for the project. Our aim is to develop a microbial cocktail that can repopulate the gut microbiome and restore gut health. The target demographic is the elderly who loose microbial diversity through ageing. This can result in loss of immune function and an inability to fight infection. Over time, this has a significant impact on quality of life. In addition, associated health complications place a tremendous burden on health care and social care services. Our approach is to target key bacterial species proven to be beneficial and can co-exist. We will develop a bacterial strain combination that feed off each other but also provide synergistic benefits. One of the key targets and mechanisms involves butyrate, a short chain fatty acid produced by bacteria from digestion of dietary fibre that is both anti-inflammatory and anti-infective. We aim to elevate levels of butyrate in the gut environment. Our bacterial strains can easily be formulated into a pill or capsule for daily and controllable dosing. Our proposed solution is safe, robust, and inexpensive to manufacture. The strain combination is novel and protectable with the potential for huge societal impact.