The ability of probiotic bacteria to adhere to the intestinal epithelium play an important role in colonization of the gastrointestinal tract, preventing their elimination by peristalsis and providing a competitive advantage in this ecosystem. To identify bacterial traits related to adhesion the probiotic strain L. acidophilus M92 was examined for autoaggregation ability and cell surface hydrophobicity L. acidophilus M92 exhibits a strong autoaggregation phenotype and also coaggregation with some pathogen microorganisms that may form a barrier that prevents their colonization. The examined probiotic strain manifests a good degree of hydrophobicity determined by microbial adhesion to hydrocarbons. Aggregation and hydrophobicity were abolished upon exposure of the cells to pronase, which suggests the possible role of cell surface layer (S-layer) proteins, approximated at 45 kDa, in a L. acidophilus M92. The relationship between autoaggregation and adhesion ability to intestinal tissue was investigated by observing the adhesivity of L. acidophilus M92 to porcine ileal epithelial cells. Removal of the S-layer proteins by extraction with 5 M LiCl reduced autaggregation and in vitro adhesion of this strain.

Adhesion and aggregation ability of probiotic strain Lactobacillus acidophilus M92

Fermentation, as a process to increase the security of food supply, represents an integral part of food culture development worldwide. Nowadays, in the evolving functional food era where new sophisticated technological tools are leading to significant transformations in the field of nutritional sciences and science-driven approaches for new product design, fermentation technology is brought to the forefront again since it provides a solid foundation for the development of safe food products with unique nutritional and functional attributes. Therefore, the objective of the present review is to summarize the most recent advances in the field of fermentation processes related to cereal-based products. More specifically, this paper addresses issues that are relevant to nutritional and health aspects, including their interrelation with intestinal (gut) microbiome diversity and function, although clinical trials and/or in vitro studies testing for cereal-based fermented products are still scarce.

https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/9/6/734/pdf

Fermented Cereal-based Products: Nutritional Aspects, Possible Impact on Gut Microbiota and Health Implications.

Grains are a substantial source of macronutrients and energy for humans. Lactic acid (LA) fermentation is the oldest and most popular way to improve the functionality, nutritional value, taste, appearance and safety of cereal foods and reduce the energy required for cooking. This literature review discusses lactic acid fermentation of the most commonly used cereals and pseudocereals by examination of the microbiological and biochemical fundamentals of the process. The study provides a critical overview of the indispensable participation of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the production of many traditional, ethnic, ancient and modern fermented cereals and beverages, as the analysed literature covers 40 years. The results reveal that the functional aspects of LAB fermented foods are due to significant molecular changes in macronutrients during LA fermentation. Through the action of a vast microbial enzymatic pool, LAB form a broad spectrum of volatile compounds, bioactive peptides and oligosaccharides with prebiotic potential. Modern applications of this ancient bioprocess include the industrial production of probiotic sourdough, fortified pasta, cereal beverages and “boutique” pseudocereal bread. These goods are very promising in broadening the daily menu of consumers with special nutritional needs.

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/4/1118/pdf

Lactic Acid Fermentation of Cereals and Pseudocereals: Ancient Nutritional Biotechnologies with Modern Applications

Cassava starch/carboxymethylcellulose edible films embedded with lactic acid bacteria to extend the shelf life of banana.

At present, there is an increasing demand for probiotic enriched plant-based milk products. Although many varieties of plant-based milk exist, soymilk, rice-milk and coconut-milk are the major carrier matrices used in probiotic food development. In general, these products are safe for consumption and can be considered as a suitable vehicle for delivering probiotics due to their ability in maintaining sufficient probiotic levels during product shelf life. However, studies that are focusing on the evaluation of functional efficacy of probiotics in these products with special reference to gastrointestinal survival, adhesion to intestinal epithelium and immunomodulation are scarce and these aspects need to be further assessed.

Huiqin Tang

Papers

Probiotic potential and amylolytic properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Chinese fermented cereal foods

Analysis of Clinical Characteristics and Outcome of Severe Chlamydia Psittaci Pneumonia: Five Case Series