Probiotic-derived postbiotics: a perspective on next-generation therapeutics.

2025-07-17
Frontiers in nutrition 12
- Veilumuthu Pattapulavar
- Sathiyabama Ramanujam
- Bhagyashree Kini
- John Godwin Christopher

PubMed: 40747333
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1624539

Study Design

Type: Review
Methods: This review explores the growing body of literature surrounding postbiotics-bioactive metabolites produced by probiotics-as a promising alternative to live microbial therapy.

The gut microbiome plays a fundamental role in regulating host immunity, metabolism, and overall health. Disruptions to this microbial ecosystem, known as dysbiosis, have been implicated in various conditions such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, and metabolic syndromes. Although probiotics are widely used to restore microbial balance, their efficacy is often inconsistent due to variable colonization and concerns over antimicrobial resistance gene transfer. This review explores the growing body of literature surrounding postbiotics-bioactive metabolites produced by probiotics-as a promising alternative to live microbial therapy. We focus on key classes of postbiotics including exopolysaccharides, cell-free supernatants, short-chain fatty acids, and bacteriocins, summarizing their reported immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. We also highlight recent developments in formulation techniques, such as encapsulation, which enhance their stability and bioavailability. While current findings are promising, limitations persist, including variability in postbiotic composition and a lack of standardized clinical evaluations. Future research should aim to clarify their mechanisms of action, define optimal delivery strategies, and assess long-term safety. Overall, postbiotics present a sustainable, non-viable, and functionally rich alternative to probiotics, aligning with global health goals-Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)-by offering safer, scalable, and effective therapeutic solutions.

Research Insights

Bifidobacterium plantarum→Enhanced Immunomodulation
We focus on key classes of postbiotics including exopolysaccharides, cell-free supernatants, short-chain fatty acids, and bacteriocins, summarizing their reported immunomodulatory... properties.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Bifidobacterium plantarum→Improved Gut Microbiome Composition
The gut microbiome plays a fundamental role in regulating host immunity, metabolism, and overall health. Disruptions to this microbial ecosystem, known as dysbiosis... This review explores... postbiotics... as a promising alternative to live microbial therapy.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Bifidobacterium plantarum→Improved Immune Modulation
We focus on key classes of postbiotics including exopolysaccharides, cell-free supernatants, short-chain fatty acids, and bacteriocins, summarizing their reported immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Bifidobacterium plantarum→Improved Therapeutic Potential
This review explores the growing body of literature surrounding postbiotics-bioactive metabolites produced by probiotics-as a promising alternative to live microbial therapy.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Bifidobacterium plantarum→Increased Antioxidant Activity
...summarizing their reported immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Bifidobacterium plantarum→Reduced Cancer Activity
...summarizing their reported immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Bifidobacterium plantarum→Reduced Cancer Risk
...summarizing their reported immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate