The Role of Postbiotics in Improving Food Safety by Detoxification of Heavy Metals

There are various environmental toxins, especially heavy metals, in soil, water, and air, which have toxic effects on humans, animals, and plants. These toxic elements are widespread in the environment and cause various disturbances in biological systems. Recently, several strategies have been applied to reduce heavy metal pollution. However, most of these strategies are costly and appear to be harmful to our environment. Recent research has been conducted on detoxification processes, including microorganisms such as probiotics and their metabolites. The term "postbiotics" describes soluble substances such as peptides, enzymes, teichoic acids, muropeptides produced from peptidoglycans, polysaccharides, proteins, and organic acids that are secreted by living bacteria or released after bacterial lysis. These postbiotics have attracted attention due to their distinct chemical structure, safe dosage regimens, long shelf life, and the presence of various signaling molecules that may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, antihypertensive, and immunomodulatory effects. They can also detoxify heavy metals, mycotoxins, and pesticides. Surface adsorption has been proposed as a potential mechanism for heavy metal detoxification. The present review discusses the role of postbiotics in heavy metal detoxification and their mechanism of action. Clinical Trial Number: Not applicable.