Next Generation Probiotics Challenges: A Road to use as Live Bio-Therapeutics

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• The human gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host health, with current probiotics primarily limited to Lactic acid bacteria (LAB).
• Emerging research is expanding the scope of potential probiotic organisms, including novel strains with unique therapeutic properties.
• The concept of live biotherapeutic products is gaining traction, focusing on pharmaceutical applications for chronic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current landscape of Next Generation Probiotics (NGPs) and their development.
• To highlight key non-conventional strains with significant probiotic potential.
• To address the challenges and suggest strategies for the successful market introduction of NGPs.

Main Methods:

• Review of current scientific literature on gut microbiota and probiotics.
• Identification and characterization of novel probiotic strains.
• Analysis of challenges in viable intestinal delivery and market access.

Main Results:

• Several non-conventional microbial strains, including Akkermansia muciniphila, Prevotella copri, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, show promising probiotic potential.
• The primary obstacle for NGPs is ensuring their survival and effective delivery within the intestinal environment.
• Current development pathways often align with pharmaceutical routes for chronic disease management.

Conclusions:

• NGPs represent a significant advancement in microbiome-based therapeutics, expanding beyond traditional LAB.
• Addressing the challenge of viable intestinal delivery is critical for realizing the therapeutic potential of NGPs.
• Collaboration between stakeholders and industry is essential for the successful development and commercialization of these novel biotherapeutics.