Abstract: Extracellular vesicles (EVs), emerging as a novel category of postbiotics, possess various bioactive functions. Probiotic-derived EVs are nanoscale lipid bilayer particles secreted by probiotics into the extracellular matrix, which cannot self-replicate. These EVs carry bioactive molecules including lipids, proteins and nucleic acids, which enable them to mediate intercellular communication and regulate various host physiological processes and health outcomes. This article reviews the structure, formation mechanism, isolation methods and bioactivities of probiotic EVs, and discusses their potential and challenges in food applications. It aims to provide references for the application of probiotic EVs in functional foods and their development modes.

Key words: probiotic extracellular vesicles; bioactivity; delivery; functional foods