Evaluation of prebiotic, probiotic, and synbiotic potentials of microalgae

Abstract

Microalgae can be considered an alternative food ingredient thanks to their nutritional composition and bioactive molecules. Microalgae are considered a rich source of sulfated and non-sulfated polysaccharides, and certain types of polysaccharides vary depending on their taxonomic groups. It is thought that valuable bioactive compounds possessed by algae biomass can increase the vitality of probiotic bacteria by stimulating their growth and being a good source for lactic acid production. Probiotics are defined as living, microbial dietary supplements that beneficially affect the human organism with their effects on the intestinal tract when they are consumed adequately. Prebiotics are indigestible or poorly digested food ingredients that stimulate the growth or activity of probiotic bacteria. Synbiotic is a term that expresses the union of probiotics and prebiotics to exert health benefits on humans. Spirulina and Chlorella are good sources of protein and polysaccharides or oligosaccharides that have been suggested as potential prebiotic candidates. These microalgae are thought to have a stimulating effect on the growth of probiotic bacteria. In this study, synbiotic efficacy and prebiotic activity of microalgae on probiotic microorganisms will be discussed and their potential in this area will be revealed.