Next generation probiotics for human health: An emerging perspective

Over recent years, the scientific community has acknowledged the crucial role of certain microbial strains inhabiting the intestinal ecosystem in promoting human health, and participating in various beneficial functions for the host. These microorganisms are now referred to as next-generation probiotics and are currently considered as biotherapeutic products and food or nutraceutical supplements. However, the majority of next-generation probiotic candidates pose nutritional demands and exhibit high sensitivity towards aerobic conditions, leading to numerous technological hurdles in large-scale production. This underscores the need for the development of suitable delivery systems capable of enhancing the viability and functionality of these probiotic strains. Currently, potential candidates for next generation probiotics (NGP) are being sought among gut bacteria linked to health, which include strains from the genera Bacteroids, Faecalibacterium, Akkermansia and Clostridium. In contrast to Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp., NGP, particularly Bacteroids spp. and Clostridium spp., appear to exhibit greater ambiguity regarding their potential to induce infectious diseases. The present review provides a comprehensive overview of NGPs in terms of their health beneficial effects, regulation framework and risk assessment targeting relevant criteria for commercialization in food and pharmaceutical markets.