Greetings to all skin microbiome enthusiasts and readers.

As you may be aware, the topic of the “microbiome” is one of my favorite subjects. A thorough understanding of the human microbiome—identifying its constituents, their functions, methods, motives, and the consequences of their absence—will likely simplify the future of medicine and human health. In the realm of biological product development for living organisms, a shift in mindset may be necessary. As a fermentation and formulation scientist who has contributed to the launch of several biological products, my viewpoint is naturally inclined toward these areas. A pressing challenge faced by companies developing biological products is determining the necessary quantity of cells. The precise concentration of microbes required when the product is applied to another living organism is exceedingly complex. The task would be simpler if either the product or the host were inanimate and thus predictable. 

I personally have been part of endless discussions that have revolved around the number of live cells required for a product to effectively treat a crop’s seed. This is an intricate issue, likely without a definitive answer. The seed is a living entity with its own physiological variations, and when planted in soil—another living system—it is significantly influenced by a multitude of environmental factors. Variability in whole-cell microbial products from batch to batch introduces further complexity, with changes that our current technology does not fully comprehend. Then arises the question of whether the cells need to be alive or if dead cells within the product also contribute to its effectiveness, and what their optimal ratio might be. 

This same debate is now emerging about human health and the quantity of probiotic cells required for a product to provide health benefits. The definition of a probiotic includes the phrase “when administered in adequate amounts,” yet the meaning of “adequate” remains elusive. Probiotics integrated into products for human health present even greater complexities than live-cell products for agricultural use. The recent publication described changes in the human gut microbiome from morning to night. 

What now? I suggest developing new metrics to measure the success and effectiveness of biological products intended for use in biological organisms.

Until the next blog, cheers!