The 3D printed probiotic products; an emerging category of the functional foods for the next-generations

Background: Considering promising capabilities of probiotics (PRO) in different sectors, their novel applications are dependent on the development of emerging technologies like three dimensional (3D) printing. Production of innovative foods and personalized medicine/health care with customized PRO in terms of strains and dosage or using biomaterial constructs and microbial biofilms will be possible by integration of this strategy with beneficial viable microorganisms. Scope and approach: Currently there is no comprehensive review on the 3D printed (3DP) PRO products and their promising applications. Accordingly, this review highlights the latest advancements in PRO applications using 3D-printing systems, advances in novel food structures, new therapeutic development, and functions/interactions that affect different aspects of the 3DP product. Key findings and conclusions: Innovative formulations for the available PRO products, development of novel PRO categories like PRO baked goods, production of shelf-stable products under post-processing treatments, and combined applications of phytochemicals with PRO to enhance personalized nutrition, textural features and sensory attributes of the product are some novel foods manufactured by this emerging approach. Design of targeted, long-acting and on-demand delivery systems, simultaneous delivery of PRO and other bioactive compounds, production of special foods for hospitalized patients and management/treatment of some microbial infections are the most important health-oriented applications of 3DP PRO products.