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Key Bioactive Components of Probiotics and Postbiotics and Their Applications in Foods

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A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2026 | Viewed by 6973

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ming Zhang

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Guest Editor

School of food and chemical engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
Interests: probiotics; postbiotics; dairy science
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Qi Zhang

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Guest Editor

Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100190, China
Interests: probiotics; gut micro-biota; functional components; glucolipid metabolism; functional gastrointestinal disorders

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With the advancement of microbiological research and the growing demand for nutritional health foods, the study of probiotics and postbiotics has emerged as a key research focus in the fields of food science, nutritional health, and biotechnology. A substantial body of evidence indicates that probiotics and postbiotics play crucial roles in regulating gut microbiota homeostasis, enhancing immune barrier functions, ameliorating metabolic disorders, and supporting neurological health. Certain metabolites within probiotics and postbiotics are integral to these biological functions; however, the exploration, identification, mechanisms of action, and applications of these key bioactive substances require further investigation. Research in this area will provide a foundational understanding of the biological functions of probiotics and facilitate the advancement of the probiotics industry. To foster academic exchange and innovation in this domain, we announce a Special Issue entitled “Key Bioactive Components of Probiotics and Postbiotics and Their Applications in Foods”, and we request contributions from experts in the field. This Special Issue will focus on the following research areas:

Novel technologies for screening, identifying, and characterizing key bioactive components derived from probiotics and postbiotics;
Regulatory mechanisms of key bioactive components (including cellular components and metabolites) on gut microbiota and host health;
Application of multi-omics approaches in probiotics functional research;
Stabilization and delivery technologies for key bioactive components in food systems;
Clinical efficacy evaluation and validation of probiotics products.

Dr. Ming Zhang
Dr. Qi Zhang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Foods is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

probiotics
postbiotics
key bioactive components
screening of bioactive components
delivery technologies
gut microbiota
intestinal homeostasis
functional gastrointestinal disorders

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 10263 KB

Open AccessArticle

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCNH185 Attenuates Citrobacter rodentium-Induced Colitis by Reshaping Gut Microbiota Structure and Modulating Innate Immunity

by Yizhi Jing, Xiaoyue Bai, Yuanzhi Yin, Xinfeng Liu, Junzhu Li, Zhichao Chen, Zhengyuan Zhai and Yanling Hao

Foods 2026, 15(10), 1815; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15101815 - 20 May 2026

Abstract

Infectious enteritis caused by bacterial pathogens are a significant global health concern, with high incidence and mortalities worldwide. The objective of this research was to explore the benefits of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCNH185 against Citrobacter rodentium-induced colitis in mice. Female C57BL/6J mice (n = 8 per group) were orally administered L. plantarum CCNH185 at a dose of 2 × 10⁹ CFU daily for 24 days, followed by a single oral challenge with C. rodentium (2 × 10⁹ CFU) on day 21. L. plantarum CCNH185 significantly alleviated disease symptoms including body weight loss, colon shortening and histopathological damage (p < 0.05). Treatment with L. plantarum CCNH185 also reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, such as IL-1β and IL-6 (p < 0.05), while increasing anti-inflammatory IL-10 expression (p < 0.05) in the colon. Histological and immunofluorescence demonstrated that L. plantarum CCNH185 improved the intestinal barrier integrity by increasing goblet cell numbers, upregulating MUC2 expression, reducing crypt hyperplasia, and suppressing epithelial cell apoptosis. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis revealed that L. plantarum CCNH185 suppressed excessive immune cell infiltration and inflammatory responses in the colon during C. rodentium infection. Flow cytometry analysis further confirmed that L. plantarum CCNH185 suppressed hyperactivation of innate immune cells including macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils to alleviate inflammation. Furthermore, L. plantarum CCNH185 reshaped the gut microbiota by increasing the abundance of beneficial genera such as Lactobacillus, Dubosiella, and Romboutsia. Correlation analysis linked these microbial shifts with improved inflammatory and apoptotic markers. These findings highlight L. plantarum CCNH185 may serve as a promising preventive probiotic candidate for ameliorating infectious colitis possibly through strengthening the gut mucus barrier, modulating immune responses, and altering gut microbiota composition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Key Bioactive Components of Probiotics and Postbiotics and Their Applications in Foods)

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28 pages, 8980 KB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of the Effects of Postbiotics Obtained from Pediococcus acidilactici on Specific Biomarker Expressions in Intestinal Tissue

by Ismail Demircioğlu, Muhammet Bahaeddin Dörtbudak, Funda Aksünger Karaavci, Mehmet Emin Aydemir, Muhammed Demircioğlu, Aydın Genç, Ayşegül Demircioğlu, Güven Güngör and Alessandro Di Cerbo

Foods 2026, 15(7), 1267; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15071267 - 7 Apr 2026

Viewed by 577

Abstract

The intestinal mucosal barrier is a layered structure comprising fundamental components that play important roles in regulating paracellular permeability. Disruption of intestinal barrier homeostasis predisposes to infections, mucosal damage, and metabolic and allergic diseases. To provide protection against potential damage to the intestinal mucosa, agents such as prebiotics and probiotics are recommended due to their ability to secrete components and metabolites (e.g., bacteriocins, organic acids, enzymes) that can exert beneficial biological effects. The aim of this study is to comprehensively investigate the effects of a postbiotic derived from Pediococcus acidilactici on healthy rat intestinal tissue. A total of 78 Wistar Albino rats were used in this study. Following compositional analysis of the postbiotic, the animals were administered the postbiotic orally via gavage for different durations (7, 14, 21, 28 days) and at different doses (250 mg/Kg, 500 mg/Kg, 1000 mg/Kg). Characterization of the produced postbiotic revealed a diverse spectrum of biologically active compounds, including organic acids, phenolics, and volatile compounds. Histopathological examination of intestinal sections (duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, colon, and rectum) showed no pathological lesions in any of the experimental groups. Conversely, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the postbiotic increased the expression of CLDN3, OCLN, ZO1, AQP4, and AQP8, proteins involved in intestinal permeability and fluid transport, in a dose-dependent manner. These results highlight the potential of Pediococcus acidilactici as a supportive agent in a range of intestinal pathologies, including major intestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Key Bioactive Components of Probiotics and Postbiotics and Their Applications in Foods)

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20 pages, 6491 KB

Open AccessArticle

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LPPerfectus001 Alleviating Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Mice by Modulating Gut Microbiota and NF-κB Signaling Pathway

by Yue Wang, Xiaoyue Bai, Yizhi Jing, Xin Feng, Yajuan Guo, Yanling Hao, Dun Su and Zhengyuan Zhai

Foods 2026, 15(3), 417; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15030417 - 23 Jan 2026

Viewed by 900

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder, often accompanied by low-grade inflammation, visceral hypersensitivity and gut microbiota dysbiosis. In this study, the therapeutic potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LPPerfectus001 (L. plantarum 001) was investigated to alleviate IBS symptoms. Using an Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophage model, L. plantarum 001 demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting Nitric Oxide production and downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, in a mouse model of IBS induced by Citrobacter rodentium infection and water avoidance stress, L. plantarum 001 intervention reduced fecal moisture, improved intestinal barrier integrity via up-regulating of ZO-1 and MUC2, and attenuated visceral hypersensitivity. Transcriptomic analysis combining with RT-qPCR revealed that L. plantarum 001 modulated the NF-κB signaling pathway and Th1/Th2 cell differentiation, reducing expression of key inflammatory genes. Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing showed that L. plantarum 001 restored gut microbiota diversity, enriched beneficial butyrate-producing Odoribacter, and suppressed pro-inflammatory Pseudomonadota. These findings suggested that L. plantarum 001 alleviates IBS through multi-targeted mechanisms involving barrier repair, microbiota modulation, and anti-inflammatory signaling, highlighting its potential as a probiotic therapy for IBS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Key Bioactive Components of Probiotics and Postbiotics and Their Applications in Foods)

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15 pages, 13015 KB

Open AccessArticle

Limosilactobacillus reuteri Urob-7 Alleviates Hyperuricemia by Modulating Uric Acid Metabolism Through Nucleoside Degradation and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibition

by Yizhi Jing, Xiaoyue Bai, Haidong Qian, Yue Wang, Yan Hao, Zhengyuan Zhai, Zhu Zhang and Yanling Hao

Foods 2025, 14(21), 3706; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14213706 - 30 Oct 2025

Viewed by 1960

Abstract

Hyperuricemia (HUA), a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated serum uric acid resulting from imbalanced production and excretion, is associated with gout and other serious health issues. This study aimed to screen out the potential probiotics with HUA-alleviating properties among 20 Lactobacillus strains. The results showed that L. reuteri Urob-7 exhibited the highest degradation rates for inosine and guanosine (82.10% and 88.78%, respectively) and strong xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibitory activity (62.86%). In a HUA mouse model induced by inosine, guanosine, and potassium oxonate, L. reuteri Urob-7 intervention significantly reduced serum uric acid levels by 46.54%, restoring them to levels similar to control groups, and improved kidney function indicators. Moreover, Urob-7 reduced hepatic XOD activity by 37.6% and downregulated XOD expression in the intestines, decreasing excessive uric acid synthesis. It also significantly inhibited the NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammatory pathway, reducing the expression levels of NF-κB and NLRP3 in the kidneys by 39.3% and 47.6%, respectively. Furthermore, L. reuteri Urob-7 increased the abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria (e.g., Ruminococcus and Intestinimonas) while reducing the proportion of pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Bacteroides and Anaerovorax), thus ameliorating gut microbiota dysbiosis and intestinal barrier dysfunction. In summary, L. reuteri Urob-7 effectively relieved HUA by modulating uric acid metabolism, suppressing inflammation, and improving gut microbiota balance. These results highlighted its potential as a promising candidate for HUA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Key Bioactive Components of Probiotics and Postbiotics and Their Applications in Foods)

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18 pages, 2650 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Lychee Fermented by Mixed Probiotic Strains Alleviates D-Galactose-Induced Skeletal Muscle and Intestinal Aging in Mice

by Huixian Han, Jin Tao, Xiaoyue Bai, Yizhi Jing, Zhengyuan Zhai, Junjie Luo, Wanxiang Zhang, Dan Gan and Yanling Hao

Foods 2025, 14(21), 3684; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14213684 - 29 Oct 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1240

Abstract

Aging-associated skeletal muscle and intestinal dysfunction is largely driven by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and microbiota imbalance. This study investigated the protective effects of a lychee fermentate (LF) in a D-galactose-induced aging mouse model. LF was prepared using a mixed microbial fermentation approach with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus casei, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Acetobacter pasteurianus SP021. LF administration significantly improved muscle strength and endurance and restored muscle fiber morphology. Meanwhile, LF alleviated colonic transit impairment and downregulated senescence markers p16 and p21. H&E and AB-PAS staining showed that intervention with LF ameliorated the colonic tissue damage, preserved goblet cell populations and promoted MUC2-mediated mucus secretion, which was further confirmed by the upregulation of intestinal barrier-related proteins MUC2, ZO-1, Claudin-1, and Occludin through immunofluorescence analysis. In addition, LF reduced colonic inflammation by suppressing IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, CXCL1, and MCP1 expression, and mitigated oxidative stress by lowering malondialdehyde levels to 24.65 ± 3.84 nmol/mL while enhancing glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities. Moreover, the LF restored intestinal health by modulating microbiota homeostasis, such as adjusting the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria like Clostridia_UCG-014 and Alistipes. Metabolomic profiling indicated that the enhanced bioactivity of the LF was primarily attributed to the enrichment of phenolic acids, flavonoids and their derivatives postfermentation, including ethyl caffeate, gallic acid, kaempferol and isorhamnetin. In summary, these findings provided new insights into the potential application of LF as a functional food for mitigating skeletal muscle and intestinal aging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Key Bioactive Components of Probiotics and Postbiotics and Their Applications in Foods)

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17 pages, 5521 KB

Open AccessArticle

Modulation of Intestinal Smooth Muscle Cell Function by BL-99 Postbiotics in Functional Constipation

by Wen Zhao, Mingkun Liu, Hanglian Lan, Ran Wang, Wei-Lian Hung, Jian He and Bing Fang

Foods 2025, 14(19), 3441; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14193441 - 8 Oct 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1720

Abstract

Postbiotics, as a novel class of functional components, have garnered considerable scholarly and industrial interest due to their distinctive advantages in food processing applications and their positive impact on human health. Although postbiotics have demonstrated potential in alleviating constipation, their specific mechanism of action and bioactive components remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effects and potential mechanisms of postbiotics derived from Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL-99 (BL-99) on FC using both in vivo and in vitro models. The findings revealed that both BL-99 and its postbiotics significantly mitigated FC symptoms, as evidenced by enhanced intestinal motility, and elevated fecal water content. Additionally, treatment with BL-99 postbiotics was associated with an increase in the thickness of the intestinal muscular layer and a reduction in apoptosis of intestinal smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Mechanistically, BL-99 postbiotics were found to enhance the contractile response and promote the proliferation of intestinal SMCs. Furthermore, untargeted metabolomics analysis identified two key bioactive peptides, Glu-Val and Glu-Leu, as the active components in BL-99 responsible for regulating SMC function. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of BL-99 postbiotics as a promising functional food ingredient for alleviating FC, providing a novel and effective strategy for the developing dietary interventions targeting this condition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Key Bioactive Components of Probiotics and Postbiotics and Their Applications in Foods)

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