Postbiotic production: harnessing the power of microbial metabolites for health applications

Abstract

Postbiotics, which are bioactive substances derived from the metabolic processes of beneficial microbes, have received considerable attention in the field of microbiome science in recent years, presenting a promising path for exploration and innovation. This comprehensive analysis looks into the multidimensional terrain of postbiotic production, including an extensive examination of diverse postbiotic classes, revealing their sophisticated mechanisms of action and highlighting future applications that might significantly affect human health. The authors thoroughly investigate the various mechanisms that support postbiotic production, ranging from conventional fermentation procedures to cutting-edge enzyme conversion and synthetic biology approaches. The review, as an acknowledgment of the field's developing nature, not only highlights current achievements but also navigates through the problems inherent in postbiotic production. In order to successfully include postbiotics in therapeutic interventions and the production of functional food ingredients, emphasis is given to critical elements, including improving yields, bolstering stability, and assuring safety. The knowledge presented herein sheds light on the expanding field of postbiotics and their potential to revolutionize the development of novel therapeutics and functional food ingredients.

Keywords: antimicrobial activity; health applications; microbial metabolites; postbiotics; probiotics.

Figure 1

Health Benefits of Probiotics. The figure was produced with BioRender (www.biorender.com; accessed 30 July 2023).

Figure 2

Role of probiotics in beneficial postbiotic production. The figure was produced with BioRender (www.biorender.com; accessed 27 September 2023).

Figure 3

Metabolism of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The metabolic pathways governing the use of SCFAs are responsible for the degradation and subsequent utilization of SCFAs within the biological system for energy production or participation in the biosynthesis of essential biomolecules. The figure was produced with BioRender (www.biorender.com; accessed 24 September 2023).

Figure 4

Effects of Probiotic Gut Microbiota. Postbiotics produced by probiotic microorganisms contribute to health-promoting aspects, which include enhancing the barrier against infection and also due to exhibiting antibacterial, immune-modulating, and anti-inflammatory properties. The figure was produced with BioRender (www.biorender.com; accessed 22 September 2023).