后生元：从科学定义、机制解析到产业范式革新

Post-genomic Era: From Scientific Definition and Mechanism Analysis to Industrial Paradigm Innovation

The concept of postbiotics, defined as preparations of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confer a health benefit on the host, signifies a paradigm shift in microecological intervention strategies from “live bacteria dependence” to “functional component orientation.” This review systematically delineates the scientific definition of postbiotics under international and domestic authoritative consensus, their core material basis, and the boundaries distinguishing them from related concepts such as non-viable microbes. It focuses on dissecting the multi-dimensional mechanisms of action of postbiotics, including the modulation of gut microbiota, enhancement of barrier function, precise immunoregulation, and mediation of “gut-X axis” crosstalk, elucidating their clinical translational potential using specific disease models like chronic constipation. The article further discusses the advantages of postbiotics over traditional probiotics in terms of safety, stability, and industrial application, as well as their role as “new quality productive forces” in driving the upgrade of the food and health industries. Finally, it points out current challenges in the in-depth analysis of mechanisms, construction of standardized systems, and accumulation of evidence-based data, offering a perspective on the future transition towards a precision-engineered Postbiotic 4.0 era.

后生元作为对宿主健康有益的无生命微生物和/或其成分的制剂，其概念的厘清标志着微生态干预策略从“活菌依赖”向“功能成分导向”的范式转移。本综述系统梳理了后生元在国际与国内权威共识下的科学定义、核心物质基础及其与非活性微生物相关概念的边界。重点剖析了后生元通过调节肠道菌群、增强屏障功能、精准免疫调节及介导“肠-X 轴”对话等多维度作用机制，并以慢性便秘等具体疾病模型阐明其临床转化潜力。文章进一步探讨了后生元相较于传统益生菌在安全性、稳定性及产业化应用上的优势，以及其作为“新质生产力”驱动食品与大健康产业升级的路径。最后，本文指出现阶段在作用机制深度解析、标准化体系构建及循证证据积累方面面临的挑战，并对未来迈向精准化、工程化的后生元 4.0 时代提出展望。