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The concept of probiotics is well known from the time of Greeks and Romans. The term ‘Probiotics’ is defined as the substances produced by microorganisms that help stimulate the secretion of another. Though the definition has been redefined by many, the most recent and acceptable definition is by FAO/WHO (2001) and has defined it as: ‘Live microorganisms that when being administered in appropriate dose, confer the benefit of health to the receiver’. Probiotics are usually found in dairy and non-dairy products, infant formula, dietary supplements, and energy drinks. They are generally recommended for consumption after the antibiotic therapy and help to manifest a positive balance of valuable microbes in the intestine. The most often used probiotic species belongs to Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, apart from these some of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and some Bacillus and E. coli species are also used as they too demonstrated the probiotic properties. To be a probiotic, the strain needs to fulfil certain specific criteria (GRAS, nontoxic, stable, etc.) and their mechanism of probiosis includes manipulating gut microbial communities, immunomodulation, suppressing pathogens, stimulating epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation; and fortification of the intestinal barrier. The use of probiotics can restore the replenished good bacteria and overcome the adverse effect of chronic diseases. Yakult, Danone, Nestle, Amul, and Mother Dairy are the common probiotic brands in India which have made their remark of recognition in this industry along with many others (some minor brands) are too heading towards better quality pre and probiotic products. The laws governing probiotics are ambiguous due to the categorization of probiotics in functional food or drugs, therefore are regulated differently in countries as per their intended use. Regulations for the probiotic production and release in India have been framed by regulatory bodies of ICMR, DBT, and FSSAI. The outlook of researchers is looking out for commercialization of Indian probiotic strains and a new technique that holds promises to help prolong the shelf-life of probiotic products. This will create more acceptability in consumers and increase the probiotic market.

Paddy soil, compost, kitchen waste and landfill waste were used to develop the microbial inoculum for the enhancement of biogas production from cattle dung. Fourteen digesters were set up and digestion was carried out in batch type manner for eight weeks. The samples were analyzed for dehydrogenase activity and cellulase activity. Biogas production was measured for a period of eight weeks. The maximum biogas production (32.1 litres) was observed at the end of 4th week on supplementation of cattle dung with kitchen waste @ 5%, compost @ 5%, landfill waste @ 5% and paddy soil @ 5% on dry weight basis in batch anaerobic digestion. The dehydrogenase activity (1772.0 μg TPF/g sample/24 h) and cellulase activity (178.7 μg glucose/g sample/24 h) was observed at 4th week in digester 14.