# Genetic Engineering and Encapsulation Strategies for Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Enhanced Functionalities and Delivery: Recent Advances and Future Approaches

## TL;DR

This review discusses recent advances in genetic engineering and encapsulation strategies to improve Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus for health benefits and industrial use.

## Contribution

The paper evaluates the feasibility and safety of genetically modified L. rhamnosus strains for commercial use and highlights their impact on gut health and related diseases.

## Key findings

- Genetic engineering techniques have improved L. rhamnosus properties for industrial and health applications.
- Encapsulation systems have enhanced the stability of L. rhamnosus for delivery via functional foods.
- L. rhamnosus bioactives may reduce obesity-related disorders and neurological conditions like depression and Parkinson’s disease.

## Abstract

This review addresses the recent advances made through various genetic engineering techniques to improve the properties of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, not only for industrial applications, but also for the health-related benefits. However, due to the strict regulations on microorganisms intended for human consumption, concerning the insufficient characterization degree of the newly isolated strains and the lack of data regarding the safety of the genetically modified (GM) variants, the feasibility of bringing such L. rhamnosus strains to the market and their safety prospects were evaluated. Given their multiple in vivo functions in the contexts of synbiotic and symbiotic functionality, L. rhamnosus strains are more than classic probiotics and need furthermore attention. In the functional food context, this review highlights the impact of L. rhamnosus derived bioactives on the human gut–organ axis, pointing out recently demonstrated molecular mechanisms of action with the host’s gut microbiome to reduce the negative effects of obesity and its related metabolic disorders, as well as depression and Parkinson’s disease, as the major challenges confronting humans today. Beyond that, considering L. rhamnosus delivery and its postbiotics accessibility to consumers via functional foods, notable progress was made to enhance their stability by developing various encapsulation systems, which are also emphasized.