Probiotics (Latin “for life”) are living microorganisms having a health-promoting effect on humans and animals. The focus is primarily on intestinal health, which is why probiotics have been used in the food sector for over 50 years (so-called functional food). A few years ago, other applications were discovered: e.g. in cosmetics, in agriculture or in the household sector.
Not every probiotic strain is suitable for every application. In addition to bioactive efficacy, probiotics must meet certain stability criteria to be marketable for use in products. Here, spore formers often have an advantage: spores are extremely heat resistant and tolerate extreme pH values, high pressure and the presence of organic solvents. Spores are stable over the long term and reach their complete vitality after germination.