Outlook on next-generation probiotics from the human gut

Probiotics currently available on the market generally belong to a narrow range of microbial species. However, recent studies about the importance of the gut microbial commensals on human health highlighted that the gut microbiome is an unexplored reservoir of potentially beneficial microbes. For this reason, academic and industrial research is focused on identifying and testing novel microbial strains of gut origin for the development of next-generation probiotics. Although several of these are promising for the prevention and treatment of many chronic diseases, studies on human subjects are still scarce and approval from regulatory agencies is, therefore, rare. In addition, some issues need to be overcome before implementing their wide application on the market, such as the best methods for cultivation and storage of these oxygen-sensitive taxa. This review summarizes the most recent evidence related to NGPs and provides an outlook to the main issues that still limit their wide employment.

Automated summary

Currently available probiotics are limited in microbial species, but recent research suggests that the gut microbiome holds potential for beneficial microbes. Researchers are focusing on identifying and testing new gut-origin microbial strains for the development of next-generation probiotics. While some of these strains show promise for preventing and treating chronic diseases, human studies are lacking and regulatory approval is rare. Furthermore, challenges remain in cultivation and storage methods for oxygen-sensitive bacteria before wide market application.