In Vitro Modulation Processes, Prebiotic vs. Postbiotic, of Microbiota Pattern: A Preliminary Study

The human gut microbiota helps maintain metabolic balance, supports immune function, and defends against opportunistic pathogens that can disrupt the microbiota ecosystem. An imbalance or dysbiosis in microbial composition is linked to various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic syndromes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Using microbiota modulation with prebiotics and postbiotics is a practical approach to address these imbalances. Prebiotic compounds are defined as substrates that promote metabolic activity and restore microbial patterns. Postbiotics include short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), microbial cell lysates, and extracellular compounds. This research aims to investigate how the gut microbiota can be modulated in vitro using the prebiotic ColonX and a postbiotic derived from Kombucha fermentation within a controlled GIS1 in vitro system. These products demonstrate potential for modulation, as they support selective bacterial growth and enhance microbial diversity. Prebiotics help stabilize gut pH, while postbiotics play a crucial role in biofilm formation. Together, they provide an innovative approach to treating dysbiosis and enhancing overall gut health. The findings highlight the importance of utilizing prebiotics and postbiotics to modulate gut microbiota in chronic diseases characterized by dysbiosis. This paper is especially relevant for elderly populations, as gut dysbiosis is common, and microbiota modulation supports healthy aging.