Scientists Unveil Initial Worldwide System for Measuring Postbiotics' Amount
In a groundbreaking development for the scientific community, a consortium of fifteen leading scientists from academia and industry have collaborated to develop a framework for postbiotic quantification. This framework, published in 2021, is expected to serve as a touchstone for future studies, reinforcing robust scientific standards and fostering global harmonization.
Postbiotics, preparations containing inanimate microorganisms or their components, have been gaining significant attention due to their potential health benefits for the host. Unlike probiotics, which can be quantified using colony forming units (CFU), postbiotics, being non-living, require a different approach.
The new framework, developed by an international collaboration led by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP), aligns with the growing appreciation in microbiome research that function and composition are interconnected in determining health outcomes. The efficacy of postbiotics is not solely dependent on quantity, and the framework takes a holistic approach to characterizing postbiotic preparations, including consideration of biological activity and mechanistic understanding.
The consensus framework is designed to navigate the inherent complexities of these preparations. It offers an invaluable resource that integrates cutting-edge technologies for effective postbiotic component quantification. Techniques such as flow cytometry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are highlighted as promising tools for postbiotic quantification.
The advancement of postbiotic quantification is considered a pivotal step in unlocking their full potential as therapeutic and preventive agents. The framework will likely underpin evidence-based claims in the marketplace, stimulating investment and catalyzing product development. As laboratory technologies and industry standards evolve, the foundation laid by this consensus will support the responsible development, characterization, and commercialization of postbiotics worldwide.
The framework is adaptable to future technological breakthroughs and enhanced understanding of postbiotic mechanisms. It is a dynamic decision tree that guides researchers and manufacturers in selecting appropriate analytical techniques based on factors such as microorganism types, cell integrity, and number of strains.
The scientific community has a growing interest in postbiotics, a class of bioactive compounds that may revolutionize gut health and beyond. The publication sets a foundational benchmark for defining and measuring postbiotics, ushering in a new era of microbiome-based innovation. The consensus framework, emphasizing the importance of function and composition in determining health outcomes, exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary dialogue in addressing complex challenges.
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