Robo-ProT @ EUCYS25

The "Robo-ProT 3.0 + Robo-ProT_Alzheimer's disease" project introduces a personalized, targeted probiotic and bioactive therapy system delivered via a robotic device. The core premise, rooted in Hippocrates' assertion that "All diseases begin in the gut," highlights the critical role of the gut microbiota in overall health. An imbalance, or dysbiosis, can lead to various diseases, especially when associated with Leaky Gut Syndrome, allowing harmful substances into the bloodstream.

Protecting gut health through targeted probiotics and prebiotics, known as Microbial Interference Treatment (MIT), is deemed essential. Recent research also indicates a strong connection between gut microbiota and brain health via the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis (MGBA), influencing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Robo-ProT = THERAPEUTIC_PROBIOTIC_ROBOT

Is the gut our second brain?

“All diseases begin in the gut”: with these words, Hippocrates introduced the idea of a close connection between health and the intestine. The gastrointestinal system has a large absorptive surface, roughly the size of two tennis courts, which, together with the gut flora, facilitates the uptake of nutrients essential for the body’s well-being. The human intestine functions as an “anaerobic bioreactor” hosting a population of microorganisms, including bacteria and parasites, collectively known as the gut microbiota. Its composition has changed radically over the course of human history, particularly with the advent of agriculture and globalization, leading to an evolution in the way various diseases are prevented and eradicated.

The interaction between probiotics and the human body is based on the ability of probiotics to send signals to intestinal epithelial cells. It is now well established that an imbalance in the gut microbiota is associated with various diseases. When this imbalance is combined with Leaky Gut Syndrome, it can lead to the uncontrolled translocation of microorganisms throughout the body, allowing the spread of substances that may compromise human health.

From the gut to the whole system: healing the body by targeting the microbiota

It is essential to preserve gut health by introducing, for example, probiotics, specific prebiotics, and bioactive molecules to maintain the internal balance of the microbiota. This therapeutic approach is known as Microbial Interference Treatment (MIT).

The goals of this type of treatment are manifold:

Restore the balance of the gut microbiota
Prevent and counteract dysbiosis
Replace or complement traditional pharmacological therapies
Stimulate both innate and adaptive immune responses
Reduce chronic systemic inflammation
Promote the production of beneficial bioactive metabolites
Improve gut–brain communication (the microbiota–intestine–brain axis, or MIB axis)
Personalize the intervention according to the patient’s clinical profile

MIT represents a modern, sustainable, and systemic approach to health care: it does not merely fight disease, it restores health.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, exert beneficial effects on the host’s health. They modulate the composition and activity of the gut microbiota, compete with pathogens for nutrients and adhesion sites, produce antimicrobial metabolites (such as bacteriocins and short-chain fatty acids), and influence both mucosal and systemic immunity.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are selectively fermentable substrates, mainly non-digestible carbohydrates such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and inulin, that promote the growth and metabolic activity of beneficial bacterial species. Their use leads to the production of functional metabolites and modulation of the intestinal environment, with systemic effects.

Bioactive compounds

Bioactive compounds are natural, non-essential yet biologically active molecules, often of plant origin (e.g., polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, alkaloids). They interact with specific molecular targets, modulating cellular signaling pathways, oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuronal activity. Some of these compounds are also transformed by the microbiota into secondary metabolites with enhanced physiological activity (e.g., urolithins, ferulic acid, equol).

The health challenges of our time

In our time, human health is threatened by complex and often interconnected challenges. Robo-ProT 3.0 was developed to address these issues through an integrated, ethical, and personalized approach.

Antibiotic resistance

The excessive and improper use of antibiotics has led to the selection of resistant bacterial strains.

This phenomenon represents one of the greatest threats to global public health.

Infections that were once easily treatable are now becoming difficult to cure.

Widespread gut dysbiosis

Gut dysbiosis occurs when the balance between beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms in the intestine is disrupted.

This imbalance can lead to chronic inflammation, nutrient malabsorption, and immune system dysfunction.

It is often associated with poor diet, stress, antibiotics, and modern lifestyle factors.

Pharmaceutical pollution

Unmetabolized pharmaceutical residues or improperly disposed medications contaminate water and soil. This type of pollution can disrupt ecosystems, harm wildlife, and contribute to the spread of antimicrobial resistance. A more careful and sustainable management of pharmaceuticals is urgently needed.

Expensive and inaccessible treatments

Many innovative therapies, although effective, remain financially out of reach for much of the population. This creates inequalities in access to healthcare, especially in low-income countries. The economic sustainability of healthcare systems is an urgent challenge.

Lack of integrated prevention

Preventive strategies are often fragmented and focused only on isolated aspects of health.

Truly effective prevention should integrate nutrition, lifestyle, environment, and psychological well-being.

The absence of a holistic approach contributes to the rise of chronic diseases.

Standardized and poorly personalized therapies

Many therapeutic protocols rely on generic approaches, without considering the patient’s genetic, environmental, or microbiotic specificities. This can reduce treatment effectiveness and increase side effects.

Personalized medicine is still not widely adopted in routine clinical practice.

Robo-ProT 3.0: the intelligent system for creating tailor-made therapies

Robo-ProT 3.0 is an innovative device that enables the formulation and preparation of personalized therapies based on probiotics, prebiotics, and bioactive compounds, starting from the patient’s specific symptoms. The goal is to modulate the gut microbiota to improve the individual’s overall health through a natural, precise, and automated approach.

How is it structured?

Robo-ProT_AA – The advanced algorithm

An algorithm that analyzes the symptoms entered by the user and selects the most suitable probiotics and natural compounds by consulting the database.

Robo-ProT – The physical device

A robotic module that stores active ingredients in vials or capsules and automates the preparation of the therapy. The robot indicates the combination selected by the algorithm.

Robo-ProT_DB – The database

A database designed based on scientific literature, including: over 80 probiotic and prebiotic strains, more than 180 natural bioactive compounds, and 88 symptoms and conditions linked to the microbiota. The database is scalable and regularly updated.

Why is it innovative?

It goes beyond generic probiotic therapies

It personalizes each treatment based on the individual patient

It integrates robotics, advanced algorithms, and life sciences

It uses only natural, safe, and sustainable compounds

It is designed to be replicable in pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals

It can be updated and expanded with new strains and symptoms

How to use Robo-ProT?

The user inputs the patient’s symptoms or conditions.
The algorithm generates a personalized probiotic therapy.
The robot prepares the therapy.

What is Robo-ProT 3.0 used for?

To prevent or treat various disorders, symptoms, or conditions; the list is as follows:

Case study: Robo-ProT and Alzheimer’s disease

Recent studies have shown that alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota can influence brain health through two main pathways: the peripheral nervous system, via the vagus nerve that connects intestinal neurons to the central nervous system, and the circulatory system, through immune and endocrine molecules capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. This bidirectional connection between the gut and brain is known as the “microbiota-gut-brain axis” (MGB axis) and may contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disorder still under investigation, characterized by the progressive decline of cognitive functions and loss of neurons and synapses. It is associated with the accumulation of Tau protein, beta-amyloid peptide (Aβ) derived from the amyloid precursor protein (APP), inflammatory cytokines, and other molecules in the brain.

In Europe, it accounts for approximately 54% of all dementias. There is currently no definitive cure, making prevention essential. In this context, biotechnology and probiotic therapies may play an important role.

Robo-ProT for Alzheimer’s: AI simulations and neuroprotective molecules

Development of a new therapy

Probiotics and bioactive compounds have been identified which, according to the literature, appear to have positive and symptom-relieving effects on the disease, as well as substances with antioxidant properties. The list is as follows:

List 1-1: Probiotics:

Bifidobacterium breve strain A1, Lactobacillus fermentum strain NS9, Streptococcus thermophilus CNCM I-5570, Bifidobacterium lactis CNCM I-5571, Bifidobacterium lactis CNCM I-5572, Lactobacillus acidophilus CNCM I-5567, Lactobacillus helveticus CNCM I-5573, Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I-5568, Lactobacillus plantarum CNCM I-5569, Lactobacillus brevis CNCM I-5566, Streptococcus thermophilus – ST10 (DSM 25246), Lactobacillus acidophilus – LA02 (DSM 21717), Bifidobacterium longum – 04 (DSM 23233), Lactobacillus fermentum – LF16 (DSM 26856), Lactobacillus plantarum – LP01 (LMG P-21021), Lactobacillus rhamnosus – LR06 (DSM 21981), Lactobacillus acidophilus – LA06 (DSM 23033).

List 1-2: Bioactive Compounds

Euterpe oleracea, Acetaldehyde, Astaxanthin, Brassica oleracea var. italica, Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone), Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Selenium, L-Ergothioneine, L-Glutathione, Alpha-lipoic acid (Thioctic acid), Lutein, Lycopene, Punica granatum, N-Acetylcysteine, Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Camellia sinensis (Green Tea), Allium sativum, Black garlic (fermented Allium sativum), Amino acid complex, Auricularia auricula-judae, Beta vulgaris, Berberine, Crataegus spp., Boswellia serrata, Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) & Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), Magnesium, Nicotinamide riboside chloride, Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), Phosphatidylserine, Resveratrol, Rutin, Spirulina platensis, Cholecalciferol 400 IU, 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), Withania somnifera, Hypericum perforatum, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (Klamath), L-Theanine, L-Tyrosine, Melissa officinalis, Lavandula angustifolia oil, Thiamine (Vitamin B1), Cobalamin (Vitamin B12), Centella asiatica, Choline, Cordyceps sinensis, Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), Ginkgo biloba, Glycine max lectin (Soybean lectin), Lepidium meyenii, Rhodiola rosea.

Use of AI to simulate the patient

Once a version of the therapy has been created, a digital test of digestion and fermentation in the human stomach is conducted using AI. Specifically, an OpenAI AI model was employed that incorporates the effects of digestion in all its phases: oral, gastric, and intestinal.

Use of AI to simulate efficacy

After obtaining the results of the previous simulation and the list of digestive metabolites present in the intestine of the digital patient, the effects of these metabolites on the brain were simulated, followed by a study of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. The BOILED-Egg test program developed by SwissADME was used.

Results

The study highlighted the effectiveness of the probiotic approach and the Microbial Interference Treatment (MIT) in protecting brain health and neurophysiological functions. The selected probiotic strains, particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, proved essential for transforming complex polyphenols (such as quercetin and catechins) into simpler, more bioavailable bioactive metabolites with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. The probiotic therapy demonstrated stability during simulated digestion, allowing the identification of specific metabolites derived from it. Concurrently, molecules with potential positive impacts on the brain were identified through literature sources to be searched for in the final samples. Among these, resveratrol and urolithins stood out for their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and their well-established neuroprotective activities. Although brain permeability was more limited, methyl-epicatechin and methyl-catechin could also contribute synergistically to the beneficial effects.

Overall, the study proposes an integrated model of targeted probiotic intervention, with potential utility in modulating key pathological mechanisms involved in Alzheimer’s disease, such as beta-amyloid accumulation, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress.

Robo-ProT 3.0 impact

Robo-ProT 3.0: from research to social impact

Robo-ProT 3.0 is a device designed for use in hospitals, care facilities, and pharmacies. Probiotics currently do not require a medical prescription (although we consider specialist consultation important), which facilitates their widespread use and accessibility. In cases of mild symptoms, individuals can attempt to treat the condition with probiotics without resorting to compounds that burden the liver during metabolism.

In hospital settings, beyond the aforementioned positive impact of the device, it can also be used to design probiotic therapies related to healing processes, preoperative preparation, and/or postoperative recovery.

Currently, Robo-ProT 3.0, incorporating the new experimental therapy for Alzheimer’s disease prevention, offers the creation of approximately 9.61 × 10⁷⁹ unique probiotic and bioactive compound-based therapies, capable of addressing 88 different disorders, diseases, or symptoms.

The Robo-ProT 3.0 project fits perfectly within the One Health paradigm, which recognizes that human health is closely linked to the health of animals and the environment we live in. Thanks to its flexible, automated, and natural architecture, Robo-ProT contributes to One Health on multiple fronts:

Robo-ProT 3.0: from research to a business opportunity

The synergy between the database, algorithm, and device enables the creation of specific and targeted therapies for each patient. The tests conducted so far have been very promising. Robo-ProT has proven to be a project with a solid scientific foundation, embodying a rigorous and methodical approach to solving real and current challenges. Overall, we consider the project a success—so much so that the possibility of developing marketable versions has been explored. Both a service and a product could be offered to private or public entities.

The idea is to sell the Robo-ProT system (robot, algorithm, and database) to private companies (such as hospitals, care centers, private clinics, and pharmacies) or public institutions (public hospitals, care facilities, or clinics), so that it can be used to develop and produce personalized therapies for individual patients. The most suitable business models include:

B2B2C

(business to business to client)

Private companies aiming to market and sell probiotic therapies directly to citizens.

B2B

(business to business)

Private clinics looking to develop personalized probiotic therapies for their patients.

B2G

(business to government)

Public clinics seeking to develop personalized probiotic therapies for their patients.

B2C

(business to client)

Development and direct sale of personalized therapies to clients.

Other information about Robo-ProT

What is special about your project from a scientific point of view?

Robo-ProT is a project grounded in solid scientific foundations, embodying a rigorous and methodical approach to addressing real and pressing issues. Our goal is to tackle three major challenges: the inaccessibility of probiotic treatments, the lack of effective preventive strategies, and the difficulty in developing personalized therapies. Through tailor-made scientific and technical protocols, Robo-ProT offers tangible solutions based on the integration of experimental research and digital simulation. The project’s strength lies in the synergy between multiple STEM disciplines: biotechnology, biology, medicine, computer science, engineering, and technology. This multidisciplinary collaboration has enabled the development of an innovative and functional proposal. One of the project’s most relevant aspects is its focus on Alzheimer’s disease prevention. The increasing prevalence of this condition and the absence of definitive cures represent one of the greatest challenges for public health. Robo-ProT addresses this issue by proposing a novel preventive strategy based on the combined administration of probiotics and prebiotics. This formulation is supported by laboratory studies and digital simulations conducted on validated experimental models. This approach ensures the reliability of the results and opens up new perspectives in the field of personalized preventive medicine. A thorough review of the scientific literature has allowed us to consolidate the scientific foundations that underpin the entire project.

Would you say it is of relevance to the European citizens? Why?

Yes, we would. The European Union is deeply committed to safeguarding and improving the health of every citizen. Robo-ProT aligns with the core values of the EU and aims to have a meaningful impact on people’s lives. The project contributes to both the prevention and treatment of various diseases; in fact, Robo-ProT is capable of generating more than 6.49 × 10³² different therapeutic combinations. This extraordinarily high number—more than a billion times greater than Avogadro’s constant—makes it possible to design truly personalized prognoses, tailored to the unique needs of each individual patient. The Robo-ProT team strongly believes that everyone has the right to preventive healthcare and access to medical treatment, as stated in Article 35 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. In recent years, however, the global population, including Europe, has been increasingly affected by the rise of major health challenges: antibiotic resistance, mental health disorders, cardiovascular diseases, overweight, and obesity, just to name a few. Awareness, prevention, and treatment campaigns led by European and national institutions are key drivers of change and improvement in public health. We believe that Robo-ProT could be a valuable and powerful tool to support and enhance these existing initiatives.

How do you see the project evolving in the future?

The main goal is to make Robo-ProT a marketable product, suitable for large-scale use. The team’s next steps include testing and validating all components of the project (robot, algorithm, and database) to ensure their full functionality. Following this phase, the team plans to patent version 3.0 of the project, and the bureaucratic process has already been initiated. Looking ahead, the team envisions joining a startup incubator or accelerator to transform Robo-ProT into a company with real societal impact. Dialogue with industry experts, continuous learning, and research will remain the guiding principles of the project. More specifically, the team aims to enhance Robo-ProT by developing a system capable of managing a potential network of Robo-ProT units deployed across the territory. This would ensure optimal efficiency and availability of probiotics for the creation of personalized therapies. In addition, collaborations with both public and private clinics are being explored to improve the algorithm’s performance by automating access to patient health data. Nonetheless, the primary objective remains to expand the project’s impact by enriching the database with new probiotics and additional diseases. Research and partnerships with scientific institutions are essential to consolidate and strengthen the project’s foundation.

Is there any direct application for it?

Robo-ProT was designed to be used directly by healthcare professionals without the need for specially trained technicians. Its operation is very simple and intuitive, which allows for a faster development of a specific probiotic therapy. The user inputs the patient’s data along with their symptoms and/or conditions. The program then cross-references this information with therapeutic data stored in the database and generates a personalized probiotic treatment. Robo-ProT is a complete project, developed in every aspect to allow for direct and practical application.

Do you think it can be commercialised?

Yes, we do. Robo-ProT is suitable for commercialization, as it offers both a product and a service to private and public entities. The idea is to sell the Robo-ProT system (robot, algorithm, and database) to private companies, such as hospitals, care centers, private clinics, and pharmacies, or to public institutions like public hospitals and healthcare facilities. The system would be used to develop and deliver personalized probiotic-based therapies for individual patients. The business models considered most suitable are:

- B2B2C (Business to Business to Consumer): Targeted at private companies that aim to offer probiotic therapies directly to consumers.

- B2B (Business to Business): Designed for private clinics looking to develop personalized probiotic therapies for their patients.

- B2G (Business to Government): Intended for public healthcare institutions aiming to integrate personalized probiotic therapies into their services.

- B2C (Business to client)

Overall, Robo-ProT is a project with strong business potential. The pharmaceutical and probiotic sectors represent a vast and rapidly growing market. Robo-ProT introduces a new concept that could contribute to strengthening and expanding the personal healthcare industry.

Are there any professional or other groups who could use it in particular? Which ones?

Robo-ProT is designed for use across all healthcare settings, including hospitals, medical offices, clinics, and pharmacies. Thanks to the broad range of probiotic applications in the medical and healthcare fields, Robo-ProT aims to serve all professionals who consider personalized probiotic therapy necessary. Specifically, due to its user-friendly design, Robo-ProT does not require a specialized professional to operate; it is accessible to all. Therefore, it can be used by:

- Doctors: This figure may be responsible for prescribing probiotics and, if necessary, reviewing the selection generated by the algorithm. It should be noted, however, that probiotics currently do not require a medical prescription; nonetheless, medical consultation is always recommended.

- Nurses: Their training makes them fully capable of using Robo-ProT to prepare probiotic therapies for hospitalized patients.

- Pharmacists: The ease of use allows Robo-ProT to be employed in pharmacies as a tool to make probiotic intake more accessible and widespread for health promotion.

In general, no specific training or qualification is required to use Robo-ProT. The core idea is to make personalized probiotic therapies as widely available as possible. Legally and practically, any citizen could use Robo-ProT.

How did you get to the idea to work on this project?

Robo-ProT was created with the goal of employing new techniques to support traditional medical treatments. The project stems from the fusion of two key reflections: The first, in 2022, focused on integrating the diet with probiotics to combat the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance; the second emerged in 2024, during a work-based learning experience in a hospital surgery department, where the potential of using prebiotics and probiotics to accelerate post-surgical recovery was explored. These two experiences, combined with the scientific studies conducted in a high school specializing in science, served as the inspiration to develop a solution that could make probiotic therapy more accessible and easier to adopt. Discussions with experts in the field confirmed that, despite their proven validity and effectiveness, probiotics are still underused. Thus, Robo-ProT was born: a system designed to automate, simplify, and promote the administration of probiotics. Inspired by the famous quote by Hippocrates, “All disease begins in the gut,” we began creating a database that links bacterial strains to specific diseases or symptoms. An endeavor that involved analyzing over 80 scientific papers. This was followed by the parallel development of the algorithm and the physical device.

Has your project been broadcast or published somewhere?

The Robo-ProT project has been featured and cited in several journalistic articles, particularly highlighting the achievements in various scientific competitions it has won. Below are some of the most significant publications:

Article published by ANSA (National Associated Press Agency) https://www.ansa.it/canale_scienza/notizie/ragazzi/tuoi_articoli/2025/04/07/robo-prot-2.0-e-robo-prot_alzheimer-per-terapie-probiotiche-personalizzate-_9fec2362-6ecf-47e1-b599-e83ce4a33eb3.html

Article published by Corriere della Sera (a major national newspaper) https://milano.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/24_novembre_09/le-terapie-su-misura-di-matteo-e-serena-e-gli-altri-progetti-degli-studenti-premiati-dalla-regione-la-libera-curiosita-e-un-diritto-7a6c0a8c-7ec1-43b0-9a1c-992728faexlk.shtml

Article published by Il Giorno (a national news outlet) https://www.ilgiorno.it/milano/cronaca/inventori-sin-dalle-superiori-un-robot-prescrive-i-probiotici-e-laria-si-controlla-in-uno-zaino-00fd72a5

Article published by la Repubblica (a major national news outlet) https://milano.repubblica.it/cronaca/2024/11/09/news/studenti_premiati_progetti_ricerca_regione_lombardia-423607352/

Article published by Generazione Lombardia https://giovani.regione.lombardia.it/news/news/530/premio-lombardia-ricerca-per-studenti-2024-il-team-vincitore

Video interview for Open Innovation Lombardia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aimiPXEDzus

Video presentation for Open Innovation Lombardia https://youtu.be/nRAPoV6fsbY?si=7zPa9eGbA38jEbhJ&t=147

Video published on YouMed https://www.youmed.it/it/video.do?id=4907

Televised interviews:

Telelombardia: https://youtu.be/WPM1EtqjiDo?si=dRasdUQGsI4XdZTu&t=197

Milanow: https://youtu.be/ycK0mdG2oeQ?si=YSybLs205FLRuJy_&t=188

Antenna 3: https://youtu.be/gqMqPP44TIw?si=jdSijS2IOtDnmLut&t=90

In addition to the articles listed above, the project has also been covered by various local news outlets.

Institutions or people that supported your project

The Robo-ProT team would like to thank the institutions and individuals who have supported the project. In particular:

- Municipality of Rho (Milan – Italy): supported the project by printing posters for the exhibition stands during presentation events.

- Rosanna Gnisci: a graduate in Natural Sciences, provided technical and scientific consulting.

- Fabrizio Austria: an IT expert, provided technical and IT consulting.

Find out more and read the papers

EN_Robo-ProT 3.0 + RoboProT_Alzheimer's disease .pdf

General paper

Robo-ProT 3.0 + RoboProT_Alzheimer's disease_ Illustrations .pdf

Illustrations

Learn more about the Robo-ProT_Alzheimer case study

EN_Robo-ProT_Alzheimer .pdf

Case study paper

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