Natural Probiotics and Nanomaterials: A New Functional Food

Abstract

Natural probiotics are functional foods with several biological properties and nutritional value inherent to their chemical composition and can play a potentially beneficial role in reducing the risk of chronic degenerative diseases. In order to improve the stability of these compounds, increase the encapsulating power, delay oxidation, increase their effectiveness, control their release and improve the bioavailability of their combination with nanomaterials is a potential tool in the food area enabling the development of new products with functional and nutraceutical characteristics. In addition, the study of nanomaterials in natural probiotics is rarely reported in the literature, being an area of paramount importance in the development of new functional foods. Therefore, in this chapter, a review of nanomaterials’ use in natural probiotics will be addressed to specify their advantages and methodologies of preparation and characterization.

Neuroinflammation and Schizophrenia: New Therapeutic Strategies through Psychobiotics, Nanotechnology, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

“…The integration of nanotechnology in the field of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics offers innovative solutions to the challenges of their widespread use in the treatment and prevention of diseases like cancer and gastrointestinal disorders. Traditionally, the survival and efficacy of these nutraceutical compounds were limited by the adverse conditions of the human gastrointestinal tract, such as acidic pH and high oxygen concentration, which cause oxidative damage to the probiotic cells [16,17]. To ensure health benefits, a specific dose of viable cells is recommended, which often is not maintained until reaching the site of action due to these hostile conditions [16].…”

“…To ensure health benefits, a specific dose of viable cells is recommended, which often is not maintained until reaching the site of action due to these hostile conditions [16]. Nanotechnology emerges as a solution to these problems, allowing the development and characterization of nanomaterials and nanoparticles that encapsulate probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics-psychobiotics, in this particular case, for the treatment of schizophrenia-protecting them from adverse gastric conditions and ensuring their safe release at the site of action [9,17,18]. These nanomaterials can be of natural or synthetic origin and must be biocompatible, biodegradable, and generally recognized as safe (GRAS).…”

“…These nanomaterials can be of natural or synthetic origin and must be biocompatible, biodegradable, and generally recognized as safe (GRAS). The use of nanomaterials and nanostructures in the food industry not only improves food quality but also extends its shelf life, increases safety, and maintains cost and nutritional benefits [16][17][18].…”

“…However, both approaches face challenges, including the potential toxicity of nanomaterials and the need for further research on the safety and efficacy of these technologies. Despite these obstacles, nanotechnology and microencapsulation represent significant advancements in the treatment of brain diseases and in improving gastrointestinal and oral health, marking the path towards future innovations in the medical field [16,17].…”