The Most Promising Next-Generation Probiotic Candidates—Impact on Human Health and Potential Application in Food Technology

A substantial body of research indicates that the gut microbiota exerts a profound influence on host health. The purpose of this work was to characterize selected, most promising, well-known next-generation probiotics (NGPs) and review the potential applications of the bacteria in food technology. The isolation of gut bacteria with significant health benefits has led to the emergence of NGPs. In contrast to traditional probiotics, these originate directly from the gut microbiota, thereby ensuring their optimal adaptation to the intestinal ecosystem. NGPs exert their effects on the host organism through a variety of mechanisms, including the synthesis of bioactive compounds, modulation of the gut microbiota, and metabolism of substances provided by the host. Several bacterial species have been identified as potential candidates for NGPs, including Akkermansia muciniphila, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Christensenella minuta, and many others. These bacteria have demonstrated the capacity to exert beneficial effects, including the reduction of obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic disorders, and even cancers. The greatest limitation to their commercialization is their lack of oxygen tolerance, which presents challenges not only for research but also for their potential application in food. The most optimal approach for their application in food appears to be microencapsulation. Further research is required to establish the safety of NGP supplementation and to protect them from environmental conditions.