Paraprobiotics: definition, manufacturing methods, and functionality

Abstract

Probiotics are living microorganisms that are beneficial to the host, enhancing the immune response by promoting antibody production, regulating cytokine secretion, and stimulating T cells. However, probiotics have limitations in that they require viability control and have a short shelf life. Recently, the use of paraprobiotics has gained attention. These include dead bacterial cells, bacterial fractions, and cell lysate that have health benefits and are stable and safe for use. Paraprobiotics comprise molecules of bacterial cell wall compounds, such as peptidoglycans, teichoic acids, polysaccharides, and cell surface proteins. Paraprobiotics are manufactured by a diverse range of techniques, including thermal treatments, high pressure, ultraviolet rays, sonication, ionizing radiation, and pH modification. Their beneficial health effects include immunomodulatory, intestinal balancing, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities. Therefore, this review summarizes and discusses the manufacturing methods and bioavailability of paraprobiotics and suggests their potential health advantages.

Keywords: Function; Paraprobiotics; Probiotics; Production; Safety.

Fig. 1

Diagram showing the cell surface of Lactobacilli. The cell membrane (CM) with embedded proteins is covered by a multilayered peptidoglycan (PG) shell composed of lipoteichoic acids (LTA), wall teichoic acids (WTA), pili, proteins, and lipoproteins. Exopolysaccharides (EPS) form a thick covering closely associated with PG and are surrounded by an outer envelope of s-layer proteins

Fig. 2

Manufacturing methods and positive effects of paraprobiotics