Recent Application of Probiotics in Food and Agricultural Science

Probiotic foods are a group of functional foods with growing market shares and large commercial interest [1]. Probiotics are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a beneficial health benefit on the host [2]. Probiotics have been used for centuries in fermented dairy products. However, the potential applications of probiotics in nondairy food products and agriculture have not received formal recognition. In recent times, there has been an increased interest to food and agricultural applications of probiotics, the selection of new probiotic strains and the development of new application has gained much importance. The uses of probiotics have been shown to turn many health benefits to the human and to play a key role in normal digestive processes and in maintaining the animal’s health. The agricultural applications of probiotics with regard to animal, fish, and plants production have increased gradually. However, a number of uncertainties concerning technological, microbiological, and regulatory aspects exist [3].