Probiotics and Postbiotics: Advances in Functional Foods and Health Applications

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Microbial Biotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2027 | Viewed by 1385

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Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Ave. General Ramón Corona 2514, Zapopan 45138, Mexico
Interests: fermentation strategies; bioactive compounds; food biotechnology; food by-products; food microbiology; food science
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The growing understanding of microbiota–host interactions has catalyzed a new era in probiotic and postbiotic research, driving innovation in nutrition, health, and sustainable food systems. This Special Issue welcomes original research and reviews ranging from fundamental mechanisms and production technologies to clinical and functional evaluations in foods and supplements. We invite studies on microbial strain discovery and selection, omics-based characterization, bioactive metabolite profiling, process and formulation engineering, delivery systems, stability and shelf-life, and safety/quality and regulatory aspects. We particularly encourage studies linking probiotics and postbiotics to gastrointestinal, metabolic, immune, cognitive/mental health, and healthy aging, as well as papers addressing plant- and dairy-based matrices, precision fermentation, and circular bioeconomy approaches. Methodological advances, systematic reviews, and translational/real-world evidence are also within the scope of this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Tomas García-Cayuela
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • probiotics
  • postbiotics
  • functional foods
  • microbiota
  • health applications

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Review

20 pages, 975 KB  
Review
Recent Advances in Encapsulation Strategies for Synbiotic Formulation Containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum
by Kairat Saparkhanovich Zhakipbekov, Murat Zulpidinovich Ashirov, Baurzhan Kalzhanovich Makhatov, Karlygash Manapovna Akpayeva, Aziza Mukataikyzy Omari, Rakatzhan Duisenbekuly Abdikalykov, Zhanar Kasymbekovna Shimirova, Gulmira Marsovna Abdrakhmanova, Yerbolat Abibillayevich Tulebayev, Sabit Bekseitovich Pazilov, Bazarkhan Imangaliyeva, Marzhan Bauyrzhan, Bauyrzhan Kuanishbekovich Toizhanov, Zhanat Sadebekovna Toxanbayeva and Sulushash Dauletiyarkyzy Butanbayeva
Microorganisms 2026, 14(8), 1621; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14081621 - 24 Jul 2026
Viewed by 199
Abstract
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is one of the most studied probiotic organisms due to its adaptability, gastrointestinal tolerance, antimicrobial activity, and health-promoting properties. However, the survival and efficacy of this probiotic can be significantly reduced during processing, storage, and gastrointestinal transit, limiting its effectiveness in [...] Read more.
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is one of the most studied probiotic organisms due to its adaptability, gastrointestinal tolerance, antimicrobial activity, and health-promoting properties. However, the survival and efficacy of this probiotic can be significantly reduced during processing, storage, and gastrointestinal transit, limiting its effectiveness in food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical products. Synbiotic formulations, which are prepared by combining probiotics with prebiotics, have emerged as a promising approach to enhance the survival and efficacy of probiotics. In this context, encapsulation technologies play a crucial role in protecting probiotic cells from environmental and physiological stresses and in enabling controlled release at targeted sites within the gastrointestinal tract. This review describes recent developments in encapsulation strategies for L. plantarum-based synbiotic formulations, including traditional methods such as spray drying, freeze drying, extrusion and emulsion-based systems, as well as emerging methods such as nanoencapsulation and hydrogel-based delivery systems. The properties of commonly used encapsulating materials, and functional applications in food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products are also described. Furthermore, current challenges and future prospects are also highlighted. Overall, encapsulation represents an effective strategy to improve the stability, delivery and therapeutic potential of L. plantarum-based synbiotic formulations. Full article
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36 pages, 4336 KB  
Review
Postbiotics as Multifunctional Bioactives: Mechanistic Insights and Translational Applications in Host Physiology and Microbial Ecosystem Modulation
by Nidhisha Babysulatha Sasidharan, Sreetha Hely, Subin John, Kalyani Arun, Nandhana Joy Raveendran, Ghanta Rishitha, Sreya S. Kumar, Kongot Abhilash Nair, Sanjay Pal, Damu Sunilkumar, Bipin G. Nair and Vidhya Prakash
Microorganisms 2026, 14(6), 1230; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14061230 - 30 May 2026
Viewed by 702
Abstract
Postbiotics are increasingly recognized as a predominant group of biotherapeutic agents sourced from the microbial secretome, offering functional benefits, while circumventing the safety concerns associated with the application of live microbial consortia. These microbial derivatives are emerging as promising approaches for tackling complex [...] Read more.
Postbiotics are increasingly recognized as a predominant group of biotherapeutic agents sourced from the microbial secretome, offering functional benefits, while circumventing the safety concerns associated with the application of live microbial consortia. These microbial derivatives are emerging as promising approaches for tackling complex diseases, encompassing cancer, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic disorders, through modulation of host cell signalling pathways, including G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the NF-κB (Nuclear Factor Kappa B) pathway, and epigenetic regulatory pathways. Besides systemic effects, postbiotics may also have localized effects, such as epithelial regeneration, modulation of fibroblast functions, and control of collagen remodelling. Eventually, the scale-up in the production of postbiotics has initiated new avenues in improving sustainable agriculture and environmental biotechnology. This comprehensive review attempts to integrate mechanistic insights and translational applications, highlighting the therapeutic potential of postbiotics across biomedical and ecological domains. These observations could pave the way to bridge the gap between microbiome regulation, precision medicine, and sustainable biotechnology, thereby positioning postbiotics as a versatile tool addressing some of the most pressing health and sustainability challenges of the 21st century. Full article
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