International Journal of Clinical Case Reports 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 66-78 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijccr 66 Invited Review Open Access Engineering Synthetic Microbial Communities for Enhanced Probiotic Functionality and Gut Health Improvement Jingqiang Wang Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: jingqiang.wang@gmail.com International Journal of Clinical Case Reports 2024, Vol.14, No.2 doi: 10.5376/ijccr.2024.14.0009 Received: 25 Mar., 2024 Accepted: 27 Apr., 2024 Published: 08 May, 2024 Copyright © 2024 Wang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Wang J.Q., 2024, Engineering synthetic microbial communities for enhanced probiotic functionality and gut health improvement, International Journal of Clinical Case Reports, 14(2): 66-78 (doi: 10.5376/ijccr.2024.14.0009) Abstract The objective of this study is to examine advancements in engineering synthetic microbial communities aimed at enhancing probiotic functionality and improving gut health. The study focuses on the integration of synthetic biology tools, dietary influences, and the therapeutic applications of these engineered probiotics. Significant progress has been made in developing engineered probiotics capable of delivering therapeutics and responding to environmental cues within the gut. Key findings include the enhanced therapeutic potential of engineered probiotics for treating diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and metabolic disorders, and the challenges posed by the complexity and adaptability of synthetic probiotics compared to native gut microbiota. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence and synthetic biology has significantly advanced personalized probiotic therapies. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in replicating the complexity of native microbiota and ensuring the long-term stability and efficacy of engineered probiotics. Future research should focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating advanced technologies, and establishing robust regulatory frameworks to maximize the therapeutic potential of synthetic probiotics. Keywords Synthetic microbial communities; Engineered probiotics; Gut health; Synthetic biology; Personalized medicine Gut health is increasingly recognized as a crucial aspect of overall well-being, influencing not only digestion but also immune function, mental health, and disease prevention. The human gut microbiome is a complex and dynamic ecosystem that plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. It is involved in various physiological processes, including metabolism, immune modulation, and the development of the nervous system (Bober et al., 2018; Dou and Bennett, 2018). Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the gut microbiota, has been linked to various health issues such as inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, diabetes, and even neurological disorders. Probiotics, comprising beneficial bacteria and yeasts, which are live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host when administered in adequate amounts, have been extensively studied for their potential to enhance gut health. They can help in maintaining a balanced gut microbiota, improving digestion, and boosting the immune system (Crovesy et al., 2021). The modulation of gut microbiota through probiotics has shown promising results in treating conditions such as obesity, gastrointestinal disorders, and inflammation (Crovesy et al., 2021). Synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) represent an innovative approach in the field of probiotics. Unlike traditional probiotics, which often consist of single or a few strains of beneficial bacteria, SynComs are designed to mimic the complexity and functionality of natural microbial communities (Venturelli et al., 2018; Berkhout et al., 2022). These engineered communities can be tailored to perform specific functions, such as producing therapeutic compounds, enhancing nutrient absorption, or modulating immune responses (Landry and Tabor, 2017; Dou and Bennett, 2018), and offer enhanced stability and efficacy. By harnessing the synergistic interactions between different microbial species, SynComs can provide more robust and targeted therapeutic benefits. The engineering of SynComs involves selecting microbial species based on their functional traits, compatibility, and ability to survive and thrive in the gut environment (Dou and Bennett, 2018). Advances in synthetic biology have enabled the precise engineering of these communities, allowing for the incorporation of genetic circuits, biosensors, and other sophisticated tools to enhance their efficacy and safety (Landry and Tabor, 2017; Bober et al., 2018; Dou and Bennett, 2018). The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with synthetic biology further
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