The Mediterranean diet features plant-based foods renowned for their health benefits derived from bioactive compounds. This review aims to provide an overview of the bioactive molecules present in some representative Mediterranean diet plants, examining their human nutrigenomic effects and health benefits as well as the environmental advantages and sustainability derived from their cultivation. Additionally, it explores the facilitation of producing fortified foods aided by soil and plant microbiota properties. Well-studied examples, such as extra virgin olive oil and citrus fruits, have demonstrated significant health advantages, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. Other less renowned plants are presented in the scientific literature with their beneficial traits on human health highlighted. Prickly pear’s indicaxanthin exhibits antioxidant properties and potential anticancer traits, while capers kaempferol and quercetin support cardiovascular health and prevent cancer. Oregano and thyme, containing terpenoids like carvacrol and γ-terpinene, exhibit antimicrobial effects. Besides their nutrigenomic effects, these plants thrive in arid environments, offering benefits associated with their cultivation. Their microbiota, particularly Plant Growth Promoting (PGP) microorganisms, enhance plant growth and stress tolerance, offering biotechnological opportunities for sustainable agriculture. In conclusion, leveraging plant microbiota could revolutionize agricultural practices and increase sustainability as climate change threatens biodiversity. These edible plant species may have crucial importance, not only as healthy products but also for increasing the sustainability of agricultural systems.

Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) are nanosized (10–400 nm), membrane-enclosed particles naturally secreted by both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Initially characterized as virulence factors in pathogenic species, BEVs are now recognized as multifunctional entities with significant biotechnological potential. Their cargo—comprising proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and metabolites—enables diverse biological activities, including immune modulation, epithelial barrier protection, stress tolerance, and intercellular communication. Recent studies have highlighted BEVs from biotechnologically relevant bacteria—such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria, cyanobacteria, bacilli, and streptomycetes—for their different roles in biological and ecological interactions. These properties underpin emerging applications in health, agriculture, and bioprocessing, including next-generation postbiotics, vaccine platforms, drug and RNA delivery systems, and novel plant biostimulants. However, major challenges persist, particularly low production yields, variability in cargo composition, and scalability. Addressing these limitations requires a deeper understanding of vesiculation mechanisms and the development of process-oriented strategies for BEV recovery and purification. This review synthesizes recent advances in genetic analysis, physiological modulation, physicochemical stimuli, and bioprocess optimization aimed at enhancing BEV production and stabilizing cargo profiles, providing a comprehensive overview of approaches to unlock the full potential of BEVs as versatile biotechnological tools.