A Glance to the Patent World of Probiotics

Patents are important when it comes to probiotics business whether it is food or therapeutic supplements. Probiotics are getting attractive niche for the same. According to World Health Organization (WHO), Probiotics are viable microorganisms and when administered in sufficient numbers, confer health benefits to the host. These are mainly explored for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, enhancement of mineral bioavailability, antioxidant potential, and immunomodulation. More than 524 patents granted approval (in the USA and Europe) from more than 2500 patent applications filed. Genetic engineering and a boom in the biotechnology field have brought its extension towards the development of new patentable bacterial strains with added advantages over the natural strain. Recent patents have revealed that probiotic bacteria can effectively produce metallic nanoparticles and found applications in cosmetics, pharmaceutics, medicine, and biotechnology. This chapter attempt to highlight the global market potential of probiotics in various fields. A complete patent scenario of the probiotics with different medicinal field shall be explored to get the overall picture of the probiotic business potential.