Postbiotics in Nanostructures: Scientometric, Patentometric, Market and Regulatory

The incorporation of postbiotics into nanostructured systems still lacks integration between scientific, technological, and regulatory advances, limiting their translation to the market. This study addresses this gap by analyzing the scientometric, patentometric, market, and regulatory aspects related to nanoencapsulated postbiotics. Searches in scientific and patent databases, combined with market analyses and regulatory agency data, revealed trends in this emerging field. A stronger emphasis on biological effects was observed, in contrast to physicochemical characterization of nanostructures, with a predominance of nanoparticles and nanogels containing cell-free supernatants and/or cell lysates. Applications are mainly concentrated in the pharmaceutical and food sectors. However, regulatory gaps, associated with the absence of standardization and specific guidelines, directly contribute to delays in commercialization and adoption of these technologies. Overall, this study provides an integrated analysis of key aspects for the development of these nanostructures, highlighting an emerging yet promising scenario.