Delivery to the gut microbiota: A rapidly proliferating research field

The post genomic era has brought breakthroughs in our understanding of the complex and fascinating symbiosis we have with our co-evolving microbiota, and its dramatic impact on our physiology, physical and mental health, mood, interpersonal communication, and more. This fast “proliferating” knowledge, particularly related to the gut microbiota, is leading to the development of numerous technologies aimed to promote our health via prudent modulation of our gut microbiota. This review embarks on a journey through the gastrointestinal tract from a biomaterial science and engineering perspective, and focusses on the various state-of-the-art approaches proposed in research institutes and those already used in various industries and clinics, for delivery to the gut microbiota, with emphasis on the latest developments published within the last 5 years. Current and possible future trends are discussed. It seems that future development will progress toward more personalized solutions, combining high throughput diagnostic omic methods, and precision interventions. Graphical abstract [Display omitted] •Knowledge of microbiota-human host symbiosis and its health impact is fast-growing.•Technologies for modulation of gut microbiota are being developed and evaluated.•They include pro-& prebiotics, protebiotics, phages, microbial transplantation etc.•Methods for encapsulation of probiotic bacteria are described.•Future trends include more personalized diagnostics and interventions.