July 5, 2012 — The recently released findings from the Human Microbiome Project have spurred increased interest in probiotics. A timely International Probiotic Scientific Conference is planned this year in San Antonio.
The conference brings together an international mix of biotech companies, food processing companies, and academia. The scientific program will focus on current advances in research, production, and use of probiotics with a particular focus on their role in maintaining health and preventing disease.
Dr. S.K. Dash will present criteria for selection of probiotics. The functional qualities of probiotics relate to the specific strain of micro-organism and the production and handling of the probiotic. Dash has been a leader in the probiotic field since 1979 and as such has developed experience and knowledge into the properties of individual strains of probiotics as well as the specific requirements of manufacturing and handling probiotic strains.
His presentation on selection criteria for probiotics will address strain identity using genetic techniques and in vitro testing to establish probiotic qualities like acid and bile resistance, resistance to digestive enzymes, adherence to human epithelial cells, potential anti-microbial activity, affect on immune cytokines and sensitivity to common antibiotics.
Different animal and human testing will be included. Dash will also describe stabilization techniques to ensure viability of probiotics throughout the supply chain along with Good Manufacturing Practices and considerations for condition-specific probiotic blends. The regulatory environment for probiotics continues to be an important consideration for selection and Dash will address regulations in the US, European Union, and Canada.
Source: UAS Laboratories Inc., uaslabs.com
