Cellooligosaccharides and xylooligosaccharides: production processes, potential prebiotics, and metabolism routes by Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium

Cellooligosaccharides (COS) and xylooligosaccharides (XOS) are promising as prebiotics that help intestinal microbiota. They can be produced from biomass waste, especially when it is inexpensive, abundant, and free of logistical or economic barriers. Still, the most significant challenge is to separate the components of the cell wall so that the polymers can be converted into oligomers and other high-value products. This study reviews the structure of lignocellulosic materials and the main physicochemical pretreatments as emerging technologies used to decrease cellulose crystallinity, solubilize hemicellulose, and remove lignin to promote feasibility in enzymatic treatment for COS and XOS production. The metabolic routes of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the fermentation of COS and XOS were explored, focusing on short-chain fatty acids and their effects on human health.