Research into the human microbiome is one of the most dynamically developing areas of contemporary biotechnology. Czech microbiologist and entrepreneur Petr Ryšávka is one of the prominent figures pushing this field towards practical application. He focuses on connecting science with commerce and has long been developing solutions that have the potential to influence healthcare and modern pharmaceutical practices.

He entered the field after gaining experience in the development of veterinary vaccines and quickly recognized that the current state of knowledge about the microbiome offers a number of untapped opportunities. At international conferences, he found that research teams were presenting many theories but lacked a way to put their results into practice. This gap contributed to his decision to start developing biofilm probiotics.

Biofilm is mainly seen as a problem in medicine because some bacteria can damage medical devices. However, Ryšávka focused on the opposite principle. Friendly bacteria form biofilms in the mouth, on the skin, and in the intestines, serving as natural protection for the body. The result of his work is a new generation of biofilm probiotics with international patent protection.

Ryšávka also became the first scientist to offer patients personalized probiotics. Although it was not easy to attract investors, he managed to bring the project to the final product stage. His approach was subsequently followed by American companies, which received extensive investments in the field.

His latest project is an excrement bank that stores stabilized samples for later microbiome transplants. The project operates on a commercial basis and allows donors to store their own samples for future use. This approach is based on the assumption that a foreign microbiome will not settle in the intestine in the long term, while one's own sample can help restore microbial balance, for example after demanding treatment.

In practice, microbiome transplantation has already helped patients with serious health complications. Ryšávka cites the example of a Slovak patient whose condition improved significantly thanks to this method. Interest in the service is growing, and dozens of clients have already taken advantage of the project.

Ryšávka is also exploring the possibility of using the microbiome as a reservoir for drugs. According to his research, bacteria can produce substances that the body uses to fight infections and other health complications. The connection between the gut and the brain is also attracting interest, as some bacteria produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin. Scientists are now looking for ways to get these substances from the gut to the brain as efficiently as possible.

Prepared by foreign office CzechTrade Romania

Source: e15.cz