Utilization of Agro-Industrial based Polysaccharides waste for Microbial Production of Prebiotics: A Review

Author: Laxmi Kant Pandey, Tanim Arpit Singh, Ranjan Singh, Ajit Kumar Passari, Trashi Singh, Prabhash Kumar Pandey and Neeraj Khare

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Abstract

Prebiotics are non-digestible short-chain carbohydrates that could be used to selectively stimulate the growth of some groups of beneficial bacteria in the colon. There are a varied number of microorganisms (mainly bacteria and fungus) used for the production of prebiotics. The agricultural activities produce immense amount of waste matter which needs proper disposal for environmental safety and balance. It has been noted that majority of agricultural residue comprise of lignocellulose, proteins, polysaccharides and polyphenols which can be converted into commercially valuable products by the action of microbes and microbial enzymes. These valuable compounds can be in the form of prebiotics that can be consumed by humans for better health and lifestyle. In recent times, the production of prebiotics from agro-industrial by-products is under examination. The agro-industrial residues majorly include polysaccharides which exhibit their potential as prebiotics. These polysaccharides can be utilized as a substrate by the human gut microbiota, converting it into prebiotics for improved health. Along with this, the use of agricultural by-products is advantageous as it is available in abundance at low cost. Currently, majority of agricultural waste is burnt or discarded in the landfill leading to large scale environmental pollution and barren lands. This waste can be valorized into commercially important products that can not only help in the economical growth, but also reduce environmental degradation. The present review article focuses on the production of prebiotics by microbes using agricultural residues as substrate.

Keywords

Prebiotics, Lactobacillus species, Gut microbiota, Polysaccharides, Agro-industrial

Conclusion

The administration of prebiotics promotes beneficial effects on human health. These have been used as complementary treatments for intestinal diseases since they are capable of competing with pathogenic microorganisms in addition to activating the cells of the immune system. It is also important to consider that the unbalance or lack of these microorganisms has been linked to the risk of suffering from obesity, diabetes, and some types of cancer. Nowadays, we know the effects of certain species of bacteria that have beneficial effects on human health and that the balance of these can influence the maintenance of homeostasis. This type of microorganism, therefore, should be included in diets frequently to achieve it.

References

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How to cite this article

Laxmi Kant Pandey, Tanim Arpit Singh, Ranjan Singh, Ajit Kumar Passari, Trashi Singh, Prabhash Kumar Pandey and Neeraj Khare (2023). Utilization of Agro-Industrial based Polysaccharides waste for Microbial Production of Prebiotics: A Review. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(10): 955-961.