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Metabolic engineering strategies for neuroactive postbiotic production: Current progress and perspectives
Nitai Basak1, Vikash1, Nitai Basak1
1Department of Biotechnology, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar 144008, India.
Journal of Microbiological Methods
|June 7, 2026
Summary
Metabolic engineering and synthetic biology enhance microbial production of neuroactive postbiotics, crucial for the gut-brain axis. Sustainable feedstocks and process optimization pave the way for scalable, industrial applications in functional foods and therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The gut-brain axis (GBA) involves communication modulated by gut microbial metabolites.
- Neuroactive postbiotics like GABA, SCFAs, and indoles show potential for GBA modulation.
- Current industrial production faces challenges in microbial yield, pathway efficiency, and stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advances in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology for neuroactive postbiotic biosynthesis.
- To highlight strategies for improving microbial productivity and process stability.
- To assess the industrial and translational potential of these production systems.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of metabolic engineering strategies (pathway optimization, regulatory tuning, cofactor balancing).
- Exploration of synthetic biology approaches for enhanced microbial production.
- Integration of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assessment for industrial viability.
Main Results:
- Metabolic engineering and synthetic biology offer viable strategies to overcome production limitations.
- Sustainable feedstocks (protein-rich sources, agro-industrial byproducts) can serve as economical precursors.
- TRL assessment provides a framework for evaluating commercial readiness.
Conclusions:
- Integrating metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, and sustainable bioprocessing accelerates the development of neuroactive postbiotics.
- These advancements are key for next-generation functional foods, nutraceuticals, and neurotherapeutics.
- Bridging lab-scale innovation with commercial implementation is crucial for GBA applications.
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