Synergy and oxygen adaptation for development of next generation probiotics

In this study, we present the co-isolation of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, a butyrate producer and Desulfovibrio piger, a sulfate-reducing bacterium, and investigate their mutualistic relationship, particularly in terms of growth promotion and butyrate production. To produce a next-generation probiotic formulation, we adapted F.prasunitzii to tolerate oxygen exposure, and we demonstrate that the symbiotic product is tolerated by mice and humans. Our study describes a new technology for the production of next-generation probiotics based on the adaptation of strictly anaerobic bacteria to tolerate oxygen exposures without reduction of potential beneficial properties.