Evolutionary concepts in the functional biotics arena: a mini-review

Over the years, the attempts to elucidate the role of beneficial microorganisms in shaping human health are becoming fairly apparent. The functional impact conferred by such microbes is not only transmitted by viable cells or their metabolites but also through non-viable cells. Extensive research to unveil the protective action of such wonder bugs has resulted in categorizing the beneficial microflora and their bioactive metabolites into a variety of functional biotic concepts based on their intended applications in various forms. In the modern era, these are often termed as probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, next-generation probiotics, psychobiotics, oncobiotics, pharmabiotics, and metabiotics. Currently, the concept of traditional probiotics is being widened to include microbes beyond lactic acid bacteria. Indeed, this diversification has broadened the functional food portfolio from food to pharmaceuticals. In this context, the present review aims to summarize the existing biotic concepts and their differences thereof.