Fermented polyphenol postbiotics for oral microbiome modulation
Developing fermented polyphenol postbiotics as oral-care ingredients to modulate the oral microbiome and support gum health by selectively suppressing pathogenic biofilms and preserving beneficial bacteria. These ingredients offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-protective benefits, suitable for incorporation into oral care products like mouthwash and toothpaste.
Overview
Fermented polyphenol postbiotics are being developed as innovative oral-care ingredients aimed at modulating the oral microbiome to enhance gum health. The approach leverages the selective suppression of pathogenic oral biofilms while preserving beneficial bacteria, thus maintaining oral microbiome balance. These ingredients also offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-protective activities, potentially reducing gingival inflammation and tissue degradation. The final products are envisioned for use in mouthwash, toothpaste, chewing gum, and oral probiotic formulations.
Technical specifications
Key features include:
- Controlled fermentation of polyphenol-rich materials like grape pomace, tea residues, and wheat bran using food-grade microorganisms.
- LC-MS/MS metabolomics employed to identify bioactive postbiotics linked to oral health efficacy.
- The fermentation process generates smaller, highly bioactive phenolic metabolites.
- Formulated ingredients are designed to suppress pathogenic oral biofilms and support beneficial commensal bacteria.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 3, indicating that it is in the active research and development phase, with ongoing validation through controlled fermentation and microbiome evaluation processes.
About Kansas State University
Kansas State University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university with multiple campuses and a strong applied mission. Industry partners tap a statewide extension network that connects companies to field sites, talent, and rapid outreach; campus pilot plants and analytical services enable bench‑to‑pilot scale validation, while co‑located high‑containment facilities support regulated studies. The Olathe campus in the Kansas City metro serves as an industry‑engagement hub with workforce pipelines, collaborative labs, and proximity to the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, USDA, and DOE, alongside state and corporate sponsors, and a dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP, sponsored research, and startup formation.
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