The aim of this course is to understand the relationship between the gut microbiota and human health, and to teach the concepts of probiotics, paraprobiotics, and postbiotics along with their scientific foundations. Students will gain detailed knowledge about the production processes, mechanisms of action, health effects, and applications of these molecules in functional foods, reaching a level where they can analyze current literature in the field.

This course focuses on the gut microbiota, which plays a critical role in human health, and the related biological molecules. The course covers in detail the definition, sources, health effects, and industrial applications of probiotics, while also providing a comprehensive overview of the increasingly important concepts of paraprobiotics and postbiotics. Inactivation methods used in the production of paraprobiotics and the effects of their cellular components, as well as the metabolites contained in postbiotics and their mechanisms of action, will be evaluated comparatively. Students will learn about the interactions of these molecules with the microbiota, their roles in the immune system, and their potential therapeutic applications; additionally, they will have the opportunity to develop critical analysis and presentation skills based on current scientific literature.