Journal of Probiotics & Health
Open Access

Synthetic Probiotics: An Alternative to Traditional Probiotics

Sahar Jansma^{* *}Correspondence: Sahar Jansma, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia, Email:

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Description

Probiotics have been known for their beneficial effects on gut health and overall well-being. However, the use of traditional probiotics has been limited to live microorganisms that may not always survive harsh environmental conditions. Synthetic probiotics offer a new avenue for probiotic development that could overcome these challenges. In this article, we will discuss what synthetic probiotics are, how they are made, and their potential benefits.

Synthetic probiotics

Synthetic probiotics are genetically engineered microorganisms that are designed to perform specific functions within the gut. Unlike traditional probiotics, synthetic probiotics are not necessarily live microorganisms. They can be designed to produce specific metabolites, peptides, or enzymes that can be beneficial to gut health.

One of the primary advantages of synthetic probiotics is their ability to survive harsh environmental conditions that may affect live probiotics. They can also be designed to be more effective than natural probiotics by producing higher amounts of beneficial metabolites or peptides.

Synthetic probiotics are created using genetic engineering techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 or Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALEN). These techniques allow researchers to modify the genetic material of microorganisms.

The first step in creating a synthetic probiotic is to select a microorganism that is naturally found in the gut. Researchers then modify the microorganism's genetic material to produce the desired metabolites or peptides. The modified microorganism is then tested to ensure that it is safe and effective.

The process of creating a synthetic probiotic is still in its early stages, and there is much research to be done to determine the best microorganisms to use and the best genetic modifications.

Potential benefits of synthetic probiotics

Synthetic probiotics offer several potential benefits over traditional probiotics. One of the primary advantages is their ability to survive harsh environmental conditions. Synthetic probiotics can be designed to withstand acidic environments, high temperatures, and other conditions that may affect live probiotics.

Another potential benefit of synthetic probiotics is their ability to produce higher amounts of beneficial metabolites or peptides. For example, synthetic probiotics can be designed to produce short-chain fatty acids, which have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving gut health.

Synthetic probiotics may also offer targeted therapeutic benefits. For example, synthetic probiotics could be designed to produce enzymes that break down specific types of food, such as lactose. This could be beneficial for individuals with lactose intolerance.

Finally, synthetic probiotics could offer a new avenue for treating a range of gut-related diseases, including Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and colorectal cancer. By producing specific metabolites or peptides, synthetic probiotics could help to reduce inflammation, improve gut health, and prevent the growth of cancer cells.

Despite the potential benefits of synthetic probiotics, there are several challenges and limitations that must be overcome before they can be widely used. One of the primary challenges is ensuring the safety of synthetic probiotics. Because they are genetically engineered, there is a risk that they could have unintended consequences, such as producing harmful metabolites or peptides.

Another challenge is the regulatory framework surrounding synthetic probiotics. Currently, there are no regulations specifically governing synthetic probiotics, and it is unclear how they will be classified and regulated in the future.

Finally, there is still much research to be done to determine the best microorganisms to use and the best genetic modifications to make. This study will require significant investment and collaboration between researchers and industry partners.

Conclusion

Synthetic probiotics offer a new avenue for probiotic development that could overcome some of the limitations of traditional probiotics. They have the potential to survive harsh environmental conditions, produce higher amounts of beneficial metabolites or peptides, and offer targeted therapeutic. Probiotics have demonstrated efficacy in preventing and treating various medical conditions, particularly those involving the gastrointestinal tract.