Postbiotic Application: A Review on Extraction, Purification, and Characterization Methods

Abstract

Postbiotics represent an innovative group of bioactive compounds generated through the fermentation of probiotics. Postbiotics are nonviable bacterial constituents, such as cell wall fragments, teichoic acids, peptidoglycans, and probiotic metabolites, such as exopolysaccharides, short chain fatty acids, and enzymes, which are soluble in cell-free supernatant. They are safe and efficient alternatives to probiotics. Studies have demonstrated their health benefits on different parts of the body, such as the gastrointestinal, neurological, and cardiovascular systems. The extraction of postbiotics can be achieved using either synthetic culture media or sustainable resources such as sugarcane straw. The extraction and identification of postbiotics involve techniques such as centrifugation, ultrafiltration, chromatography, and mass spectrometry. The production process typically includes the fermentation of probiotics, treatment to alter the nature of postbiotics, and subsequent harvesting and concentration. The efficacy of postbiotics in various applications, including food preservation, packaging, and as biofilm control agents, highlights their potential to replace chemical preservatives and enhance food quality. Despite their promising benefits, the application of postbiotics faces challenges, and they need further research to understand their mechanisms and establish safety standards.

Graphical Abstract