Probiotic spores research centre opens in Hà Nội

Ph.D Nguyễn Hòa Anh, founder of Spobiotic (probiotic spores) Research Centre at the lab. — VNS Photo Kiều Vân

HÀ NỘI — A Spobiotic (probiotic spores) Research Centre, the first of its kind in the country, was opened in Hà Nội on Wednesday.

Dr Nguyễn Hòa Anh, founder of the centre, said: “We hope the centre will motivate more scientists to pay attention and develop probiotic spores as a solution towards an antibiotic-free future.”

The centre aims to serve in-depth research on probiotic spores based in the fields of microbiology, biophysics, biochemistry, molecular biology and cell, according to Anh.

The centre, with a total investment of US$1 million, equipped with many modern machines and equipment, is operated by LiveSpo Global JSC.

“The staff working at the centre are qualified with Master’s degrees or higher, especially as we give priority to young talents with potential,” Anh said.

Probiotic spores need to be studied more for new functions and applications to replace antibiotics gradually.

Dr Nguyễn Hòa Anh, the centre’s founder, at the opening ceremony.

“In addition, probiotic spores need to have the opportunity to be clinically proven for inflammatory diseases such as respiratory infections, ear infections, dermatitis, and gynaecological infections,” Hoà Anh said.

Phùng Thị Bích Thuỷ, head of the Department of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases, the National Children’s Hospital, said the hospital has co-operated with LiveSpo since 2021 and uses the LiveSpo Navax spray test on groups of children under 5.

“I hope in the near future, we will work with the centre’s research team to approve many effective probiotic spores products to spread clinical trial evidence for safe products with patients,” Thuỷ said.      

Spore-forming probiotics are bacteria commonly found in topsoil, such as on farms and/or gardens. They are unique in that they use proteins, minerals and other available compounds to form protective endospores that protect them from harsh environments.

Hòa Anh hopes that Việt Nam will be one of the countries contributing many advanced technological inventions to humanity.

“The centre has a very clear vision to 2025 to serve one million families using probiotic spores as an alternative to antibiotics, equivalent to about three million users.”

According to a study published in the Lancet magazine in early 2022, about five million people die from antibiotic resistance every year around the world.

According to the principles, to kill pathogenic bacteria, in addition to antibiotics, probiotic spores can be used to inhibit and destroy pathogenic bacteria.

In 2014, LiveSpo Global JSC’s made-in-Việt Nam probiotic spores products were exported for the first time. The company’s probiotic spores products have now been exported to 20 countries. — VNS