Probiotic potential ofLactobacillus curvatusP99 and viability in fermented oat dairy beverage

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the probiotic potential and the viability in fermented oat dairy beverage of Lactobacillus curvatus isolate P99. Probiotic potential was assessed through the survival in simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions, autoaggregation, coaggregation, and hydrophobicity capacity and antimicrobial activity. The safety aspects of the isolate were evaluated for application in food, and these were determined by phenotypic and genotypic tests. Isolate P99 was able to survive in simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions and showed hydrophobicity, autoaggregation, and coaggregation with Listeria monocytogenes. Moreover, the isolate and its cell free supernatant showed antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms. L. curvatus P99 showed in vitro probiotic potential, fulfilled safety aspects, and remained viable for 35 days in fermented oat dairy beverage stored at 4°C. Moreover, probiotic fermented oat dairy beverage demonstrated high acceptability. Therefore, isolate P99 can be considered a promising microorganism for the manufacture of probiotic foods. Practical applications Probiotics are microorganisms capable of providing health benefits to the host. However, isolates with probiotic potential from foods, when used as adjuvant cultures in foods, promote desirable sensory attributes and ensure microbiologically safe food. In this study, we found that Lactobacillus curvatus P99 presented probiotic potential and remains viable for 35 days when used in the production of fermented oat dairy beverage. Therefore, isolate P99 can be considered a promising microorganism for the manufacture of probiotic foods.