Project title: SynGABA: Glutamine-driven Synbiotic for microbiome-mediated GABA production

Project No.: OSI_PIP_BioPhoT-2025/2-0076

Period: 1 March 2026 – 31 October 2026

Project costs: 190 000,00 EUR

Principal Investigator: Dr. biol. Ilze Elbere

Project summary:

The gut microbiome, i.e., the community of microorganisms residing in the intestine together with their genetic material and produced metabolic compounds, is an important modulator of human health and recovery processes. Currently used probiotics (products containing beneficial bacteria) and similar products often show inconsistent results or lack a mechanistically grounded design and target adaptation, for example, after antibiotic use or for specific target groups such as athletes.

Within this project, it is planned to develop and test a synergistic synbiotic, i.e., a product containing both probiotics and prebiotics (nutrients for beneficial bacteria), in which the selected components work together so that the prebiotics specifically support the probiotics included in the product to better survive and proliferate in the gut.

An additional focus will be placed on two important compounds involved in and produced through microbiome metabolism that have broad and particularly beneficial effects on the host organism—in this case, humans. L-glutamine is the most abundant conditionally essential amino acid in the human body and helps cells obtain energy while supporting intestinal, immune, and muscle function. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a signaling molecule 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 an important role in muscle recovery processes and is one of the central molecules involved in the gut–brain axis.

The main commercialization activities will include the development of an intellectual property management strategy, preparation of a detailed commercialization roadmap, identification of potential industry partners, and implementation of targeted communication activities, thereby outlining a clear pathway for bringing this technology to the market.

Information published 16.03.2026.