The world of probiotics is undergoing a paradigm shift, and it's all about traceability and functionality. At the Growth Asia Summit 2026, TCI's R&D Manager, Lucas Chang, highlighted the evolution of probiotic delivery from a logistical challenge to a biological one. Instead of just ensuring survival and arrival, the focus is now on the context, ecosystem, and function of the gut-axis, which includes gut-brain, gut-liver, gut-skin, and gut-muscle interactions. This shift emphasizes the need for traceability in the 'evidence chain', which encompasses microbiome function, bioactive compound production, host response, and measurable impact at distant sites.
Chang argues that this traceability is crucial for understanding healthy aging, as the body's response to pressure and biological challenges changes over time. He presented a longitudinal study showing that the body's response to stress is not linear, with major disruptions occurring around 40 and 60 years of age. These transitions affect lipid metabolism, alcohol metabolism, cardiovascular health, immune regulation, carbohydrate metabolism, oxidative stress, and more. This means that two people of the same chronological age can have vastly different functional trajectories later in life.
To address these aging challenges, TCI developed TCR711, a patented spore-forming probiotic strain. In a study involving adults with non-alcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD), TCR711 improved liver-fat outcome by 8.7% compared to placebo. The study also revealed shifts in gut ecology, indicating that the probiotic's effects extend beyond the liver. Large human microbiome studies have linked fatty liver to changes in microbial metabolic capacity, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).
TCI's approach to probiotic development is unique. Instead of starting with a strain and trying to force it into a supplement format, they begin with the desired health outcome and functions. They then trace the biology backwards, define the microbial job, and build the probiotic strain, function, and delivery around it. This approach ensures that the probiotic not only arrives alive but also performs a specific job after arrival.
Chang showcased a fascinating application of this approach in liquid chocolate format. By creating a low free-water, lipid-rich environment, they've developed a product that not only helps with survival but also builds consumers' daily habits. This format offers reduced exposure to moisture and oxygen, making it strain-compatible and suitable for everyday moments. The chocolate can be enjoyed as a snack or incorporated into various dishes, making it a convenient and tasty way to consume probiotics.
In conclusion, the future of probiotics lies in traceability and functionality. TCI's innovative approach to probiotic development, as demonstrated by TCR711 and the liquid chocolate format, showcases the potential for probiotics to address specific health challenges and improve overall well-being. As the field continues to evolve, we can expect more exciting applications and a deeper understanding of the gut-axis and its impact on our health.
