Next-generation probiotics: innovations in safety assessments

Abstract

The human gut microbiota is integral to health and disease, fostering the development of next-generation probiotics (NGPs) tailored for specific health conditions. This review addresses the safety assessments and development of NGPs, highlighting recent biotechnological advances that enable the customization of NGPs for specific health conditions. It examines the methodologies for in vitro and in vivo animal model assessments focusing on potential toxicity. Additionally, we explore the integration of multi-omics, synthetic biology, and advanced computational technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, to enhance the precision and safety of NGPs. Incorporating NGPs into food matrices represents an effective approach to delivering these probiotics and enhancing the health benefits of food products. This review underscores the necessity of adopting comprehensive safety assessments to navigate the complexities of NGP development effectively.