Next-Generation Probiotics: From Traditional Strains to Personalized Therapeutics

Traditional probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have long supported gut health, but recent advances in microbiome research have introduced next-generation probiotics (NGPs) such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. These strains are associated with more specific functions, including mucin degradation, butyrate production, enhanced gut barrier integrity, immune regulation, and modulation of host metabolism and inflammation. Unlike conventional probiotics, which mainly promote general digestive balance, NGPs demonstrate targeted mechanisms that link them to metabolic, inflammatory, and even neurological conditions. This review provides a critical comparison of traditional and NGPs, highlighting mechanistic distinctions and functional advancements. It also explores recent innovations in synthetic biology, including programmable gene circuits, and examines how artificial intelligence and microbiome profiling are paving the way toward personalized probiotic therapies, though widespread clinical application remains in its early stages. Key safety, regulatory, and translational challenges are also addressed, outlining barriers to clinical adoption. By integrating omics technologies and precision medicine, NGPs represent a promising frontier with the potential to advance personalized nutrition and therapeutic strategies.