Fourteen steps to relevance: taking probiotics from the bench to the consumer

Authors

Gregor Reid, The University of Western Ontario

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2020

Journal

Canadian Journal of Microbiology

Volume

66

Issue

1

First Page

1

Last Page

10

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.1139/cjm-2019-0148

Abstract

Much is made of the need to translate scientific research into improved care of people or other life forms. Grant applications invariably start with the extent of a problem and end by claiming that their work will or could result in making an impact. In truth, very few projects ever lead to translation at the level of the host, nor was that really their intent. For those who are focused on applied science, there are many ways to reach the desired goal, sometimes through serendipity or by logical stepwise progress. The following paper will provide personal insight into the stages, pitfalls, and ultimate assessment of relevance in the context of using probiotic lactobacilli for human health and other applications.