Recent advances and challenges in the industrial-scale production of probiotics in aquaculture

Probiotics Industrial-scale production Microencapsulation Sustainable aquaculture

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April 25, 2025

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Abstract: Probiotics have emerged as a transformative solution for improving health, growth, and disease resistance in aquaculture, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional practices. This review focuses on updates and advancements in the industrial-scale production of probiotics for aquaculture, emphasizing their significance in fostering eco-friendly aquaculture systems. The development of probiotics tailored for aquaculture has seen substantial progress, with species like Bacillus, Lactobacillus, and Saccharomyces dominating the market due to their proven benefits. Emerging technologies are revolutionizing industrial production, including large-scale fermentation techniques designed to enhance yield and maintain viability, alongside innovative microencapsulation methods that improve the stability and shelf-life of probiotic formulations. Advances in quality control and standardization are also enabling the production of high-quality, consistent products, meeting both industry demands and regulatory standards. However, industrial production is not without its challenges. Technical issues, such as optimizing strains for mass production and ensuring their functionality under diverse aquaculture conditions, remain critical hurdles. Economic and regulatory barriers, including high production costs and stringent compliance requirements, further complicate large-scale implementation. Despite these challenges, the sector holds immense potential, with emerging opportunities in strain optimization and integrative approaches using biofloc systems and advanced feed formulations. This review highlights the ongoing evolution of industrial probiotic production and underscores the need for multidisciplinary collaboration to address existing barriers. By leveraging technological innovations and fostering industry-academia partnerships, aquaculture can achieve more sustainable and efficient practices, paving the way for the broader application of probiotics on an industrial scale.