Probiotic innovation: From next-generation strains and advanced encapsulation strategies to probiotic engineering
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Probiotics, beneficial microorganisms that inhabit the human gastrointestinal tract, have attracted much attention in the food and pharmaceutical industries for a long time. Encapsulation of probiotics with safe and effective biological macromolecules is considered as a promising approach to enhance their stability and resistance to gastric fluids during oral administration. Additionally, a wide range of materials has been used as wall layers to improve probiotic viability. Recent studies highlight the important role of certain gut microbial strains, known as next-generation probiotics (NGPs), in promoting human health. NGPs offer several advantages over traditional probiotics, including the potential for personalized therapies and targeted drug delivery. With advances in genome engineering, engineered probiotics are now playing an important role alongside conventional probiotics in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In this review, recently applied strategies for probiotic encapsulation such as electrospinning, layer-by-layer assembly, 3D printing, and responsive smart hydrogels are discussed. Commonly used materials as encapsulation layers are examined to compare their bioavailability and resistance to adverse conditions in the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, recent advancements in probiotics, including the use of next-generation probiotics, probiotic engineering, and their roles in improving inflammatory bowel diseases, metabolic disorders, and cancer treatment, are discussed.
Authors: Mehrana Allahverdi, Mehdi Dadmehr
Institutions: Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Payame Noor University
Language: English
Subfield: Food Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,450
OpenAlex ID: W7140085011