Building a Better Microbiome: Advances in Microbiome Engineering for Human Health

The human microbiome consists of a wide range of microorganisms residing in various parts of the body. Through a process of coevolution, the microbiome and the host have developed communities that are crucial for promoting human health. However, disturbances in the microbiome can worsen or trigger a variety of diseases and disorders, upsetting the ecological balance. Microbiome engineering offers a potential solution by modifying the structure of the microbiota and restoring the ecosystem’s equilibrium. This chapter explores different strategies for altering the structure and function of the microbiome to achieve therapeutic benefits for human health. Additionally, we address the challenges associated with microbiome engineering and provide an outlook on the future of this promising field, offering perspectives on human microbiome engineering.