Search Results (1,585)

The global probiotic market is expanding rapidly, driven by growing demand for accessible strategies to support gut health, preventive care, and microbiome-based interventions. However, this commercial growth contrasts with the limited number of clinically validated, mechanism-driven products, highlighting a persistent gap between market expansion, scientific evidence, and therapeutic translation. Most current probiotics remain dominated by conventional genera, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Bacillus, Saccharomyces, and Streptococcus, whereas live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) remain scarce. Synthetic biology is beginning to address this gap by transforming probiotics from empirically selected strains into programmable microbial platforms that sense disease-associated signals and produce defined therapeutic outputs. Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) offers a valuable model chassis for engineered probiotics because of its long history of human use, safety record, genetic tractability, transient gut colonization, and scalable cultivation. As a rare Gram-negative probiotic, EcN naturally produces outer membrane vesicles that support host interaction, immunomodulation, and therapeutic cargo delivery. This review links probiotic market expansion with live biotherapeutic development and uses EcN to discuss emerging engineering strategies, therapeutic opportunities, and remaining translational barriers. Full article

Aims: Our aim was to evaluate calcium alginate beads as a physical cultivation platform for probiotic bacteria and investigate their effects on bacterial growth localization, release dynamics, and viability under different environmental conditions. Methods and Results: Calcium alginate beads were fabricated using sodium alginate at different concentrations (1.0–2.0%, w/v), and their structural stability, permeability, and pH resistance were assessed. Lacticaseibacillus paracasei was used as the primary model organism. Among the tested formulations, 2.0% alginate exhibited the lowest permeability (~40%) compared with 1.0% and 1.5% alginate (~60%) and maintained structural integrity under alkaline conditions (pH 11–12). Encapsulated L. paracasei proliferated predominantly within the bead matrix, while less than 1% of total bacteria were released into the surrounding medium during the first 12 h and approximately 8% released after 24 h. Encapsulation also maintained higher bacterial viability over 24–48 h compared with conventional liquid culture conditions. Encapsulated cells could be efficiently recovered using sodium citrate without marked loss of viability. In addition, encapsulation enabled the growth of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis under aerobic incubation conditions, suggesting the formation of locally protective microenvironments within the gel matrix. Conclusions: Calcium alginate beads function as controllable microenvironmental regulators that influence bacterial growth, release behavior, and long-term viability. These findings suggest that alginate-based encapsulation systems may provide a simple and scalable platform for controlled microbial cultivation and probiotic-related applications. Full article

Synthetic biology seeks to build predictable, programmable biological systems. We developed a blue-light-inducible T7RNAP system with dual-input regulation to enable precise spatiotemporal gene control, which is vital for biomanufacturing, therapy, and microbial engineering. We optimized it by replacing RBS sequences, testing tandem T7 promoters, and evaluating split-T7RNAP variants. Expression and bactericidal efficacy were assessed via fluorescent output and real-time growth curves under blue light. RBS variants caused up to 50-fold differences in expression. Three tandem T7 promoters provided the best balance between yield and fidelity. Integration of a benzoate-responsive module enabled 4.5-fold repression at 3 mM benzoate, demonstrating effective chemical off-switching without compromising light induction. This system combines blue light precision with environmental responsiveness, offering non-invasive, on-demand activation for antimicrobial therapy or spatial bioproduction. The benzoate-triggered off-switch is especially valuable for ecological applications such as biocontainment or bioremediation, where gene expression must shut down upon detection of pollutants, for example, aromatic hydrocarbons. Its orthogonal, modular design supports context-dependent control, making it ideal for environmental biosensors, programmable probiotics, and smart antimicrobial delivery in complex ecosystems. Full article

In Mexico, cheese whey (CW) is commonly treated as a dairy wastewater despite its high lactose and nutrient content. This study evaluated cheese whey (CW) and ultrafiltered cheese whey (UF-CW) as low-cost substrates for the cultivation of the probiotic strains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactococcus lactis. The proposed bioprocess simultaneously enables the production of probiotic biomass and lactic acid, a high-value platform chemical with broad applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and biopolymer industries. In the first experimental trials, in which CW and UF-CW were used solely as media, fermentations lasted 36 h at 30 and 37 °C, with initial pH levels of 5 and 7. CW demonstrated a greater capacity to support the growth of lactic acid bacteria. Thus, to increase the fermentative capability of UF-CW, it was supplemented with yeast extract (YE) or corn steep liquor (CSL), and CaCO₃ was added to stabilize pH, as low pH values inhibit growth and lactic acid production. The proposed strategy notably improved microbial growth in UF-CW, increasing Lc. lactis and L. acidophilus populations from 8.3 and 8.2 Log₁₀ CFU/mL to 9.3 Log₁₀ CFU/mL, respectively. The findings suggest that dairy wastewater can be effectively repurposed as a low-cost cultivation medium for these bacteria. ASPEN simulation analyses demonstrated that lactose conversion efficiency and final product concentration were key factors affecting process performance and economic feasibility. Among the evaluated scenarios, a 45% lactose-to-lactic acid conversion yielded the most economically favorable process performance compared with conversions of 10% and 25%. Future research should focus on enhancing fermentation yields and adopting more efficient downstream recovery techniques. Full article

Anaerobutyricum is a Gram-positive, obligately anaerobic genus within the family Lachnospiraceae that is widely distributed in the gut microbiota of humans and animals. This genus has attracted increasing attention because of its ability to produce short-chain fatty acids, particularly butyrate, a key microbial metabolite involved in intestinal homeostasis, immune regulation, and host energy metabolism. The genus currently comprises only two validly described species, Anaerobutyricum hallii and Anaerobutyricum soehngenii. Despite this limited taxonomic representation, accumulating evidence has linked variation in Anaerobutyricum abundance to host health and disease. In humans, alterations in Anaerobutyricum abundance have been linked to metabolic, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative disorders. In livestock, especially pigs, limited evidence suggests that this genus may also be associated with growth-related traits, intestinal health, and reproductive performance. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the taxonomy, physiological characteristics, genomic features, metabolic potential, and major factors influencing the abundance of Anaerobutyricum. We further discuss its reported associations with human health and its possible relevance to animal production, with particular attention to pigs at different developmental stages. Overall, Anaerobutyricum appears to be a promising functional genus; however, most available evidence remains association based rather than causal, livestock studies are still sparse, host interaction mechanisms remain poorly understood, and its utility as a probiotic candidate, biomarker, or microbiome-based intervention target requires further strain-level, mechanistic, and in vivo validation. Full article

Broiler production has frequently faced economic losses due to infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms. These problems are commonly resolved using antibiotics, but doing so could lead to antibiotic resistance and impair food safety. This study evaluated the effects of a tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) shell powder (TSP) supplementation on the growth performance and overall health status in broiler chickens. A total of 375 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned to five dietary treatment groups in a completely randomized design. Broilers received either a basal diet; antibiotic-supplemented diet; or diet supplemented with TSP at 1 × MIC, 16 × MIC, or 32 × MIC daily for 42 days. The results showed that treatment 4 (TSP 16 × MIC—64 mg per bird) had the best growth performance in broilers. Intestinal permeability measurements assessed using 4 kDa fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated dextran (FITC–dextran) showed that broilers fed the treatment 5 (TSP 32 × MIC—128 mg per bird) diet had significantly lower FITC–dextran concentrations in all intestinal segments (p < 0.05) and were determined to have higher serum FITC–dextran than the control group. The hematological parameters can significantly reduce serum cholesterol and triglycerides. Finally, the application of tamarind shell powder promoted probiotic proliferation within the broilers’ gastrointestinal tract and mitigated Enterobacteriaceae infections, demonstrating comparable efficacy to the antibiotic-treated control group. This research suggests that tamarind shell powder supplementation, especially at a medium dosage (treatment 4), may beneficially influence gut morphology, modulate the gut microbiota, and enhance intestinal health in broiler chickens. Full article

The valorization of agro-industrial byproducts is attracting attention due to its potential to support circular bioeconomy development in food systems. Dragon fruit (Selenicereus spp.) peel, representing approximately one-third of total fruit mass, is an underutilized biomass that is high in pectin content. Unlike standardized commercial citrus and apple pectins, pectin from dragon fruit peel exhibit variability in their galacturonic acid content, degree of esterification, molecular weight, and rhamnogalacturonan-I branching structure, which are dependent on how the pectin is extracted. These structural attributes influence the solubility, rheological properties, gelation mechanisms, emulsifying capacity, and water-holding properties. There is emerging evidence that rhamnogalacturonan-I-enriched fractions promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms and may also increase the in vitro production of short-chain fatty acid, thereby exhibiting potential prebiotic activity. In addition, low methoxyl pectin has been shown to provide excellent properties for the calcium-mediated encapsulation of probiotics, as well as for pH-sensitive release in the gastrointestinal tract, thus supporting the synbiotic concept. The purpose of the current paper is to provide an overview of recent findings related to extraction technologies, structural characterization, structure–function relationship, fermentation behavior, potential delivery of probiotics, and the regulatory requirements for using dragon fruit peel pectin in the development of functional foods. Full article

To screen high-quality porcine-derived lactic acid bacteria for swine production, this study compared growth performance, acid production, acid and bile salt tolerance, and genome characteristics of Lactobacillus plantarum (MRS002), Lactobacillus amylovorus (MRS003), and Lactobacillus salivarius (MRS004). All experiments were performed with three biological replicates, and data were analyzed using the GraphPad Prism software 8.4.3 by one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test (significance level p < 0.05). All three strains showed typical anaerobic growth. L. amylovorus MRS003 had a longer growth cycle and higher biomass, while L. plantarum MRS002 and L. salivarius MRS004 grew faster and produced more acid, with pH values reaching 4.2 and 4.3 at 24 h, respectively. L. plantarum MRS002 and L. salivarius MRS004 also exhibited higher survival rates under 0.3% bile salt and pH 2.0 stress. Genome annotation revealed that more than 50% of genes were related to metabolism in all strains. L. plantarum MRS002 possessed the most comprehensive metabolic and stress-resistance gene networks; L. amylovorus MRS003 shows genomic enrichment in starch-degradation pathways and appears promising for high-starch feed fermentation; and L. salivarius MRS004 showed unique advantages in aromatic amino acid metabolism (e.g., phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis). In summary, based on the evaluated in vitro indicators, L. salivarius MRS004 has more favorable phenotypic characteristics, L. plantarum MRS002 has broad adaptability, and L. amylovorus MRS003 is suitable for high-starch feed fermentation. This study provides a theoretical basis for the research and development of probiotic products. Full article

Gingivitis, periodontitis, and stomatitis are common oral inflammatory disease affecting a large proportion of the global population. Increasing attention has recently been given to the development of health functional materials aimed at maintaining oral health and preventing microbial-associated oral disease. This study evaluated the efficacy of the lipoteichoic acid (LTA) fraction derived from the probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum K8 (pLF) in preventing oral inflammation and microbial infection using the oral epithelial cell line YD-38. The results confirmed that pLF enhances the expression of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase M (IRAK-M), a negative regulator of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling, and inhibits the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8), in YD-38 cells stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Furthermore, it was demonstrated that pLF induces IRAK-M expression in a TLR2-involved manner and inhibits nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling, thereby reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. pLF also exhibits oral antimicrobial efficacy by increasing the expression of the antimicrobial peptide human β-defensin 1 (hBD1) and human β-defensin 2 (hBD2) in a TLR2-involved manner and effectively inhibiting the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Staphylococcus aureus in the epithelial cell associated system. Therefore, the LTA fraction derived from L. plantarum K8 represents a promising postbiotic candidate for the regulation of oral immune and microbial responses. Full article

Probiotics can promote gut health, but their efficacy is often limited by low viability and metabolic activity in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This study aimed to develop protective hydrogels for encapsulating Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CJLP 133 using a composite matrix of sodium alginate (SA) and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs). L. plantarum CJLP 133-loaded hydrogel beads were fabricated via the ionic gelation technique using an optimized formulation of SA and CNF. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that CNF integration improved spherical morphology with reduced surface cracking. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between SA and CNF. CNF integration also reduced gumminess and chewiness, resulting in a softer texture. The survival rate of L. plantarum CJLP 133 remained high following thermal exposure and freeze-drying. The in vitro GI delivery system demonstrated a protective swelling profile in stimulated gastric fluid and a targeted, highly efficient release profile in stimulated intestinal fluid. Finally, the 3% SA + 0.5% CNF hydrogel with L. plantarum CJLP 133 exhibited significant synbiotic effects, enhancing probiotic growth, intestinal adhesion, and butyrate and succinate production. These results suggest that the SA/CNF-based hydrogel is an effective delivery system that ensures the targeted release of probiotics within the GI tract. Full article

Bee honey is a valuable natural substance with documented health-promoting effects. Chemical analysis indicates that the oligosaccharides and polyphenols in honey act as prebiotics, stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria in the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). While empirical evidence supporting the innate presence of stable probiotic strains in honey is somewhat scarce, scholarly articles underscore its role as an exceptional protective vehicle (synbiotic matrix) that enhances the viability of probiotic microorganisms in challenging gastrointestinal environments. These mechanisms translate into benefits for metabolic and immune health by inhibiting pathogens and reducing inflammation. Given the dynamic development of the functional food market and its documented role in modulating the intestinal microbiota, bee honey is a valuable ingredient in food technology. The purpose of this article is to present the current state of knowledge on bee honey in the context of the functional properties resulting from the probiotic and prebiotic content. Full article

A novel Bacillus velezensis strain DY201, isolated from broiler feces, was characterized to assess its probiotic potential as an antibiotic alternative in poultry production. The strain demonstrated robust environmental tolerance with optimal growth at 42 °C and 51.32% survival following sequential exposure to simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. DY201 exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella pullorum, and Clostridium perfringens, with activity remaining stable across pH 5.0–8.0 and retaining over 92.65% efficacy after 85 °C treatment. Scanning electron microscopy revealed metabolite-induced membrane perforation in target pathogens. Although whole-genome sequencing identified 14 biosynthetic gene clusters for lipopeptides including surfactin and fengycin, integrated proteomic and metabolomic analyses detected small-molecule metabolites—Withaferin A, 2′-hydroxy-2-methoxychalcone, and platycodigenin—as the primary antimicrobial effectors. In a preliminary broiler trial, dietary DY201 supplementation significantly increased the relative abundance of Bacillus in the ileum from 0.30% to 10.30% (p = 0.0434) and in the jejunum from 0.77% to 5.56% (p = 0.0453), enriched the generally beneficial genus Lactobacillus in the jejunum from 73.05% to 80.11% (p = 0.0323), and reduced Candidatus Arthromitus in the ileum from 13.38% to 0.59% (p = 0.0105). These findings support B. velezensis DY201 as a promising probiotic candidate for intestinal microbiota modulation in broilers, although functional intestinal health benefits require further validation through growth performance, barrier function, immune response, and pathogen challenge studies. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary host-derived Bacillus strains combined with fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) on growth performance, basal physiological status, intestinal morphology, and thermal stress responses in juvenile olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). A total of 486 fish with an initial body weight of 7.26 ± 0.04 g were randomly distributed into 27 tanks and fed nine experimental diets for nine weeks. The diets consisted of a basal control, an FOS-only diet, three single-strain synbiotic diets containing FOS and one host-derived Bacillus strain (B. sonorensis, B. subtilis, or B. velezensis), and four multi-strain synbiotic diets containing FOS and combinations of two or three strains. Probiotics were included at 1 × 10⁷ CFU g⁻¹ diet, and FOS was supplemented at 5 g kg⁻¹ diet. After the feeding trial, no significant dietary effects were observed on growth performance, somatic indices, whole-body proximate composition, plasma biochemical parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities, immune-related indicators, stress-related biomarkers, or intestinal morphology. Fish were subsequently subjected to lethal and acute high-temperature challenges to evaluate thermal stress tolerance and associated physiological responses. In the lethal temperature challenge, fish fed the multi-strain diets FOS + B. sonorensis + B. velezensis and FOS + B. sonorensis + B. subtilis + B. velezensis showed numerically higher survival than the other groups; however, these differences were not statistically significant. Following acute heat exposure, dietary treatments did not significantly affect plasma metabolites, and most heat-shock- and energy-metabolism-related genes were not differentially expressed among treatments. Hepatic AMPKβ expression showed a significant dietary treatment effect, with higher expression in the BCF and ACF groups than in the ABF group. Overall, host-derived synbiotic supplementation did not significantly enhance growth performance or basal physiological responses under the present experimental conditions. However, some multi-strain combinations showed a non-significant tendency toward higher survival under lethal thermal stress. Further studies incorporating gut microbiome profiling, metabolomic analysis, and alternative dietary conditions are required to clarify whether host-derived Bacillus–FOS synbiotic formulations can influence thermal stress resilience in olive flounder. Full article

Fungal contamination and the buildup of mycotoxins are ongoing threats to global food safety, especially in tropical areas where environmental conditions favor the growth of toxigenic fungi such as Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., and Penicillium spp. These toxins contaminate various food products and are linked to serious health problems, including liver toxicity, nerve toxicity, immune suppression, and cancer. Traditional methods to reduce these risks, such as chemical preservatives, heat treatments, and irradiation, have limited success in fully eliminating mycotoxins due to their stability, safety concerns, and declining consumer acceptance of synthetic additives. As a result, there is increasing interest in biological options that are safer and more sustainable. This review critically examines the potential of probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from local fermented foods as multifunctional biocontrol agents that inhibit toxin-producing fungi, detoxify mycotoxins, and reduce cellular toxicity caused by these toxins. Scientific studies were retrieved from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, focusing on research published from 2011 to 2025 on antifungal activity, detoxification mechanisms, and cellular toxicology. The evidence shows that probiotic LAB employ various strategies, including producing organic acids, secreting bacteriocins, competing with fungi, adsorbing toxins onto their cell walls, and enzymatically transforming mycotoxins into less harmful substances. Recent findings also indicate that metabolites from LAB may influence oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death in mammalian cells exposed to mycotoxins. Overall, probiotic LAB from native fermented foods offer promising biological approaches to improve food safety and reduce health risks associated with toxins. Future studies should focus on omics-based analysis of detoxification pathways, testing in real food systems, and translational research to support regulatory approval and large-scale use of probiotic-based strategies for mycotoxin control. Full article

Background/Objectives: Plant-derived soluble fibers are being explored as sustainable prebiotic ingredients; however, tropical legumes such as Leucaena leucocephala remain understudied. This study evaluated soluble fibers from L. leucocephala seeds after simulated gastrointestinal digestion, focusing on rheological properties, microbial selectivity, metabolite production, and intestinal safety. Methods: The anatomical parts of the seed underwent INFOGEST 2.0 digestion. Soluble fibers were characterized by GC-MS monosaccharide profiling, viscosity, and SEM/EDS analyses, and were used as substrates for both probiotic and pathogenic bacteria. Fermentation supernatants were analyzed for short-chain fatty acids and lactate, and cytotoxicity was assessed using Caco-2 cells. Results: Endosperm polysaccharides exhibited high apparent viscosity (>300 cP) and pseudoplastic behavior. Monosaccharide profiles revealed the presence of galacto-oligosaccharides and arabinoxylo-oligosaccharides in the oligosaccharide fraction, and galactomannans, xylans, and arabinoxylans in the polysaccharide fraction. Polysaccharides selectively promoted the growth of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium spp., comparable to or exceeding that of fructo-oligosaccharides (p < 0.05), while limiting pathogenic bacteria. Fermentation produced acetate and lactate concentrations of >4500 ppm and >1000 ppm, respectively. Caco-2 viability remained >90% across all treatments. Conclusions: Compartment-resolved analysis identified the endosperm as the principal source of digestion-resistant viscous fiber, selectively fermented by probiotic bacteria at levels matching or exceeding fructo-oligosaccharides. These findings position L. leucocephala endosperm fiber as a candidate prebiotic substrate, warranting further preclinical evaluation. Full article