Next Generation Probiotics (Current Developments in Agricultural Biotechnology and Food Security)

Next Generation Probiotics: Natural Therapeutics presents a comprehensive and forward-looking exploration of probiotics as scientifically grounded natural therapeutics in modern health and disease management. Building on advances in microbiome science, biotechnology, and computational biology, this volume examines how next-generation probiotics are discovered, designed, evaluated, and applied. The book bridges foundational probiotic research with emerging technologies such as machine learning, genomics, and genetic engineering, highlighting what distinguishes next-generation probiotics from traditional formulations.

This edition expands its scope to reflect rapid developments in probiotic science and translational applications. It integrates insights from probiotic genomics, CRISPR-Cas9 technology, microbiota-targeted foods, and personalized microbiome-based nutrition. By addressing disease-specific, strain-specific, and host-specific effects, the book provides a holistic view of how probiotics can be optimized for therapeutic efficacy. Contributions from experts across bioinformatics, microbiology, clinical research, and food science ensure a multidisciplinary and evidence-based perspective.

Key Features

• Detailed coverage of machine learning applications in probiotic development and fermented dairy products (new to this edition)
• In-depth discussion of probiotic genomics, cancer associations, and CRISPR-Cas9–based strain improvement
• Exploration of emerging probiotic candidates, including Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus, and butyrate-producing microbes
• Comprehensive overview of novel probiotic classes such as postbiotics, parabiotics, pharmacobiotics, and immunobiotics (expanded in this edition)
• Practical insights into challenges in probiotic selection, regulation, stress tolerance, and personalized nutrition strategies

Bringing together fundamental science and applied research, Next Generation Probiotics: Natural Therapeutics serves as an essential resource for researchers, clinicians, nutritionists, food technologists, and graduate students. It is particularly valuable for those interested in microbiome-based therapeutics, functional foods, and personalized health solutions, offering both conceptual frameworks and real-world relevance for advancing probiotic research and application.

1. Dr. Shakira Ghazanfar

Dr. Shakira Ghazanfar is working as Senior Scientific Officer at PARC, Islamabad, Pakistan since 2007. She did her Ph.D in Microbiology from Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad Pakistan. Her area of research is development and commercialization of the TARGET BASED Probiotic Products based on AI/DL/ML. She is regarded among the pioneers, who have initiated Animal Probiotic Research to improve livestock productivity in Pakistan. She is the Main Organizer (100 plus training organizer) of the Training/Workshops/Webinars in her Department. Published more than 100+ research papers (400 plus impact factor), 50+ book chapters, and Main editor of CRC press USA and Springer Nature publishers' books. She is Guest Editor in well-known Journals. She co/supervised/supervising research of 20+ PhD, 100+ MPhil/BS students. She has published widely in the field of AI/ML/DL and food microbiology, drug discovery, nutraceuticals and functional foods with specialization in probiotics-based food/feed and probiotic related anticancer agents.

2. Prof Dr. Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji

Prof Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji is presently a faculty member at the Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Edo State University Uzairue, Edo State, Nigeria, where he utilized the application of biological techniques and microbial bioprocesses for the actualization of sustainable development goals and agrarian revolution, through quality teaching, research, and community development. He was formally the Acting Director of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer, the Head of the Department of Microbiology, Sub Dean of the Faculty of Science, and currently the Chairman Grant Committee and immediate Dean of Faculty of Science, and now the Director of Research and Innovation at EDSU.

3. Wajya Ajmal

Wajya Ajmal is an accomplished bioinformatics professional, who serves as a Scientific Officer at the National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology (NIGAB), Islamabad, Pakistan, a role held since April 2022. With over eight years of experience in the biotechnology industry, including prior work as an Assistant Scientific Officer at NIGAB, she possess expertise in sequence analysis, bioinformatics, Python, systems biology, and Perl. A strong research background supports their work, including a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Bioinformatics from Quaid-i-Azam University (2012–2014) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Bioinformatics from COMSATS University Islamabad (2007–2011). Wajya’s career reflects a robust commitment to advancing genomics and biotechnology through innovative research and technical proficiency.

4. Muhammad Adnan Ansari

Dr. Muhammad Adnan Ansari is an accomplished bioinformatics professional, who serves as a faculty member in the Department of Bioinformatics at Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad, Pakistan. With extensive experience in academic research and higher education, he has developed strong expertise in computational biology, sequence analysis, genomics, data analysis, and bioinformatics programming. His work is supported by a solid research and teaching background, contributing to both undergraduate and postgraduate training in bioinformatics. Dr. Ansari holds advanced academic qualifications in bioinformatics and related life sciences, reflecting a sustained commitment to scientific excellence. His career demonstrates a strong dedication to advancing bioinformatics research, capacity building, and innovation through interdisciplinary approaches and technical proficiency