Next‐Generation Probiotics: From Traditional Strains to Personalized Therapeutics
Abstract
Traditional probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have long supported gut health, but recent advances in microbiome research have introduced next-generation probiotics (NGPs) such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. These strains are associated with more specific functions, including mucin degradation, butyrate production, enhanced gut barrier integrity, immune regulation, and modulation of host metabolism and inflammation. Unlike conventional probiotics, which mainly promote general digestive balance, NGPs demonstrate targeted mechanisms that link them to metabolic, inflammatory, and even neurological conditions. This review provides a critical comparison of traditional and NGPs, highlighting mechanistic distinctions and functional advancements. It also explores recent innovations in synthetic biology, including programmable gene circuits, and examines how artificial intelligence and microbiome profiling are paving the way toward personalized probiotic therapies, though widespread clinical application remains in its early stages. Key safety, regulatory, and translational challenges are also addressed, outlining barriers to clinical adoption. By integrating omics technologies and precision medicine, NGPs represent a promising frontier with the potential to advance personalized nutrition and therapeutic strategies.
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NGPs have been linked to specialized functions including butyrate production, mucin degradation, increased intestinal barrier integrity, and modulation of host metabolism and inflammation.
“NGPs have been linked to more specialized functions, including butyrate production, mucin degradation, increased intestinal barrier integrity, and modulation of host metabolism and inflammation [141].”
From Current Concepts in Probiotic Safety and Efficacy (2026) · cites this paper as [141]
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Current Concepts in Probiotic Safety and Efficacy
Churin, A. A., Sokolyanskaya, L. O., Lukina, A. P., & Karnachuk, O. V. (2026) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu18040696 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
“NGPs have been linked to more specialized functions, including butyrate production, mucin degradation, increased intestinal barrier integrity, and modulation of host metabolism and inflammation [141].”
- Authors
- Jadhav, N. K., Magdum, A. B., Shinde, K. V., & Nimbalkar, M. S.
- Affiliations
- Shivaji University (IN)
- Corresponding author
- Nimbalkar, Mansingraj S.
- Venue
- Molecular Nutrition & Food Research
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2025-12-01
- Volume
- 70
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- e70339-e70339
- ISSN
- 1613-4125 (ISSN-L)
- 1613-4133
- OpenAlex
- W4416897185
- Cited by
- 29
- References
- 15
- Citations by year
- 2026: 29
- FWCI
- 2.38
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Licence
- Locations
- Molecular Nutrition & Food Research (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Food Science › Probiotics and Fermented Foods
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Gut microbiota and health
- Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Infant Nutrition and Health
- Keywords
- next-generation probiotics, Akkermansia muciniphila, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, gut microbiota, mucin degradation, butyrate production, intestinal barrier integrity, immune regulation, inflammation, host metabolism, synthetic biology, microbiome profiling, personalized nutrition
- MeSH terms
- Gastrointestinal Microbiome, Akkermansia, Animals, Humans, Probiotics, Precision Medicine
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