Document Type : Review Article
Authors
1
Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
2
Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
3
Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biology and Center of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organism, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
4
Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
5
Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
The gut microbiome and gut-brain axis are central to systemic homeostasis, with dysbiosis implicated in neurodegenerative (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's) disorders and gastrointestinal conditions (inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and fibromyalgia). These conditions are marked by a reduction in beneficial taxa (e.g., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Bifidobacterium) and an increase in harmful ones (e.g., Escherichia coli and Clostridium scindens). Probiotic, prebiotic, postbiotic, and symbiotic interventions show therapeutic promise, but results can vary. Biotechnological advances, including CRISPR-Cas9 and genetic kill-switch systems, enable precision-engineered probiotics and postbiotics, though concerns about safety, genetic stability, gene transfer, and immune compatibility persist. Encapsulation and nanoencapsulation strategies improve microbial viability and site-specific delivery; i.e., microencapsulating Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis in alginate-pectin matrices enhances survival during freeze-drying, storage, and gastrointestinal transit. Advancing clinical translation requires integrating multi-omics and machine learning with bioengineering approaches. This review examines the microbial-neural interface and surveys emerging biotechnological strategies for improving microbial-based therapeutics.
Highlights
PMID: 42806690 PMCID: PMC13648284
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