Glutamine-driven Synbiotic for microbiome-mediated GABA production (SYNGABA)

The gut microbiome, or the collection of microorganisms residing in the gut, their genetic material, and the metabolic compounds they produce, is a significant modulator of human health and recovery processes. Currently used probiotics (products containing good bacteria) and similar products often show inconsistent results or lack mechanistically based design and adaptability, for example, after antibiotic use or for specific target groups, such as athletes.

As part of the project, it is planned to develop and test a synergistic synbiotic, a product containing both probiotics and prebiotics (food for good bacteria). The selected product components will work together in a way that the prebiotics specifically help the probiotics included in the product to better survive and multiply in the intestines. Additional focus will be placed on two essential compounds involved in and produced by microbiome metabolism, which have a broad and significantly beneficial effect on the host organism, in this case, humans. L-glutamine is the most common conditionally indispensable amino acid in the human body, helping cells obtain energy and supporting intestinal, immune system, and muscle function. GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is a neurotransmitter in the body that helps calm the nervous system, promoting relaxation, better sleep, and balanced brain function, thereby supporting overall well-being. GABA also plays a crucial role in muscle recovery processes and is one of the central molecules in the gut-brain axis.

Key commercialisation activities will include the development of an intellectual property management strategy, a detailed commercialisation roadmap, the identification of potential industry partners and targeted communication activities, thus mapping out a clear path to the implementation in the market.

The main goal of the study is to develop a prototype of a synergistic synbiotic product that increases the production of L-glutamine and GABA in the gut microbiome.

The project's goal will be achieved by:

(1) identifying the most suitable probiotic species/strain candidates for the SynGABA product prototype,

(2) isolating and characterizing selected probiotic strains, and

(3) evaluating the functional effects of the ingredients of a synbiotic product on the gut microbiome using an anaerobic in vitro bioreactor model.

The result will be a product that is not a random combination of good bacteria, but a purposefully designed, a scientifically tested and proven next-generation product that supports the human gut microbiome under high-stress conditions.

The project results will serve as a basis for further collaboration with dietary supplement or sports recovery product developers to create a synergistic synbiotic that makes microbiome-driven recovery a daily staple—helping people restore gut health and also strengthen cognitive clarity after antibiotic use, stress or intense physical exertion.