The present invention comprises the discovery and development of an effective cryoprotectant composition, without containing skim milk or any other animal-derived compounds, to achieve long-term stability of freeze-dried lactic acid bacteria (LAB), at different temperatures, whereby the retention of viability of the freeze-dried LAB after 6 months of storage, preferably after 9 months of storage, more preferably after 12 months of storage is more than 50%. The invention is in the field of producing freeze dried bacteria, in particular Lactic acid bacteria. More in particular, the invention relates to the use of a novel combination of cryoprotectants for increasing the viability of bacteria after freeze drying, improving the texture of the lyofilized cake for easy grinding and improving the long term stability of the freeze dried bacteria at different temperature conditions. The invention further relates to such freeze dried bacteria for use in food industry or in human or animal health applications. More in particular, the invention relates to the increased viability and long-term storage of recombinant bacteria capable of expressing heterologous proteins or peptides and administered to humans or animals for therapeutic or vaccination purposes.

The disclosure relates to a mixture of bacteria belonging to at least six or seven different and specific bacterial species preferably for use in preventing or treating gastro-intestinal disorders. Preferably, the mixture of bacteria is grown together in a fermenter prior to administering the mixture to a subject in order to prevent or treat the disorder.

The disclosure relates to a mixture of bacteria belonging to at least six or seven different and specific bacterial species preferably for use in preventing or treating gastro-intestinal disorders. Preferably, the mixture of bacteria is grown together in a fermenter prior to administering the mixture to a subject in order to prevent or treat the disorder.

The present invention provides a method of treating a disease or condition characterized by inflammation in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a Pediococcus acidilactici probiotic. Compositions of Pediococcus acidilactici probiotic are also provided.

The present invention provides a method of treating a disease or condition characterized by inflammation in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a Pediococcus acidilactici probiotic. Compositions of Pediococcus acidilactici probiotic are also provided.

Kits and composition comprising: (i) a thermo-responsive hydrogel characterized by a viscosity suitable for hardening after administration on a subject's skin; (ii) a bacterial growth medium; and optionally, (iii) a population of non-pathogenic viable bacteria, are provided. Methods for topically delivering a therapeutic or cosmeceutical agent such as for inhibiting or reducing growth of microorganisms on a subject's skin are further provided.

Kits and composition comprising: (i) a thermo-responsive hydrogel characterized by a viscosity suitable for hardening after administration on a subject's skin; (ii) a bacterial growth medium; and optionally, (iii) a population of non-pathogenic viable bacteria, are provided. Methods for topically delivering a therapeutic or cosmeceutical agent such as for inhibiting or reducing growth of microorganisms on a subject's skin are further provided.

An anti-tumor composition, comprising: (A) Bifidobacterium longum; and (B) an immune checkpoint inhibitor, such as a PD-1 inhibitor, a PD-L1 inhibitor, and a CTLA-4 inhibitor. Also provided is a use of Bifidobacterium longum in preparing a drug for treating a tumor, wherein Bifidobacterium longum can be used in combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor preparation.

An anti-tumor composition, comprising: (A) Bifidobacterium longum; and (B) an immune checkpoint inhibitor, such as a PD-1 inhibitor, a PD-L1 inhibitor, and a CTLA-4 inhibitor. Also provided is a use of Bifidobacterium longum in preparing a drug for treating a tumor, wherein Bifidobacterium longum can be used in combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor preparation.

An anti-tumor composition, comprising: (A) Bifidobacterium longum; and (B) an immune checkpoint inhibitor, such as a PD-1 inhibitor, a PD-L1 inhibitor, and a CTLA-4 inhibitor. Also provided is a use of Bifidobacterium longum in preparing a drug for treating a tumor, wherein Bifidobacterium longum can be used in combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor preparation.