Next-generation probiotics: beyond lactic acid bacteria to untapped taxa and engineered strains for better health

This publication arose from an ISAPP discussion group in Cork, Ireland. During the last two decades, the diversity of microbial strains and species being explored as probiotics has steadily increased. At the same time, the genetic tools to precisely genome engineer and improve the functionality of specific microbial strains and whole communities are rapidly advancing. However, such next-generation probiotics and tools may not be accompanied by the necessary regulatory updates to allow market entry of these novel approaches. This publication in Current Opinion in Microbiology covers the potential applications, benefits and pitfalls of next-generation probiotics, with practical consideration to research pipeline, safety and regulatory challenges.

REFERENCE:

Uribe RV, Sankaran S, Bermúdez-Humarán LG, van Pijkeren JP, Motherway MOC, Ross P, Hill C, Lebeer S. Next-generation probiotics: beyond lactic acid bacteria to untapped taxa and engineered strains for better health. Curr Opin Microbiol. 2026;94:102846. doi: 10.1016/j.mib.2026.102846.