The contribution of microbial biotechnology to sustainable development goals: microbiome therapies

Abstract

SummaryComplex communities of microbes live on and in plants, humans and other animals. These communities are collectively referred to as the microbiota or microbiome. Plants and animals evolved to co‐exist with these microbes. In mammals, particular kinds of alteration of the microbiome (dysbiosis) are associated with loss of health, most likely due to loss of microbial metabolites, signalling molecules, or regulators of host pathways. Modern life‐style diseases such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), type 2 diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome have been linked to dysbiosis. These multifactorial diseases involve multiple risk factors and triggers, depletion of certain gut microbiota species being one of them. Live Biotherapeutics operate by restoring microbial products or activities in affected subjects. They are being developed as adjuncts, alternatives or new treatment options for diseases that affect a growing proportion of global citizens.

Associations between Gut Microbiota and Common Luminal Intestinal Parasites

“…An increasing body of evidence suggests links between gut microbiota composition and various diseases [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Application of a holistic view of the structure and function of the gut microbiota…”

Holdemanella biformis improves glucose tolerance and regulates GLP‐1 signaling in obese mice

“…18 In this line, several studies have attempted to identify specific gut bacteria of lean subjects that might contribute to restore the metabolic signaling that often goes awry in obesity. [19][20][21] Some of the bacteria investigated so far, such as Akkermansia muciniphila or Bacteroides spp., have demonstrated beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis in preclinical studies of obesity. [22][23][24] Mechanistic studies have established that these effects can be partly attributed to the ability of the bacteria to reduce intestinal inflammation and protect against the gut barrier disruption associated with obesity.…”

Microbial Resources, Fermentation and Reduction of Negative Externalities in Food Systems: Patterns toward Sustainability and Resilience

“…Another group of bio-based innovations oriented at 'label cleaning', conceive alternatives to chemical preservatives [52][53][54] and to fortification via the addition of exogenous nutrients [55][56][57]. Some studies proposed pathways towards enhanced nutrient bioavailability [10,[58][59][60] and improved human health/well-being [61][62][63][64] (including microbiome therapies [63][64][65][66]), advances of interest to contrast the adverse effects of some negative externalities. Furthermore, the design of several works looking at reducing resource dissipation, saving energy [52,69], valorising foods by-products [52,70,71], foods wastes [72][73][74], and wastewater [75][76][77].…”