Fermentative Bacteria Research Articles

Protective effects of Chinese bayberry pomace wine against oxidative stress on Drosophila melanogaster

The Chinese bayberry pomace wine (CPW) was prepared with the assisted fermentation of lactic acid bacteria and acetic acid bacteria, and its antioxidant effect on Drosophila melanogaster was researched. After mixed fermentation, CPW had a better color, which means there was more retention of anthocyanins, and the functional activity of anthocyanins could enhance the antioxidant capacity of flies. We found that the lifespan of flies exposed to CPW was prolonged, and the reproductive capacity of these flies was decreased. The food intake of flies was also influenced by CPW with gender differences. Furthermore, CPW alleviated the excessive proliferation of the intestinal precursor cells of H2O2-induced flies and activated the transcription level of antibacterial peptide genes. CPW had a protective effect on H2O2-induced acute injury flies, with an increased survival rate, enhanced SOD and CAT activities, and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content in flies. The expression of oxidative stress-related genes including CuZn-SOD, Mn-SOD, and CAT was also significantly upregulated by CPW, but the downregulation effect of CPW on age-related gene expression such as methuselah (MTH), the target of rapamycin (TOR) and ribosomaiprotein S6 kinase (S6K) was sex-specific. These results suggested that CPW played an important role in anti-oxidative stress injury, which was beneficial to promoting the reuse of by-products from Chinese bayberry processing.

Fermentation of asparagus juice using selected probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarumJGS49 isolated from pickled asparagus: microbiological, physicochemical and flavour characteristics

SummaryThis study aims to screen LAB with excellent probiotic and fermentation properties, and investigate the effect on asparagus juice. Fifty strains were isolated and identified from pickled asparagus, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum JGS49 was screened by multiple properties. Whole‐genome analysis indicated that L. plantarum JGS49 contains nineteen antibiotic resistance genes and was non‐toxic. Compared with unfermented asparagus juice, the fermentation of L. plantarum JGS49 significantly improved the antioxidant activity of asparagus juice, and also increased the contents of total flavonoids, phenols and organic acids. Seventy‐nine volatile compounds were identified during the fermentation of asparagus juice, among which sixteen differential compounds with aroma activity thresholds were obtained. The contents of alcohol, acid and phenol in asparagus juice were increased by lactic acid bacteria fermentation, while the contents of furan were decreased. LAB fermentation improved the overall acceptability of asparagus juice, enhanced its mushroom and floral flavour, and reduced the green flavour.

Full-scale study on high-rate low-temperature anaerobic digestion of agro-food wastewater: process performances and microbial community.

The fast-growing global population has led to a substantial increase in food production, which generates large volumes of wastewater during the process. Despite most industrial wastewater being discharged at lower ambient temperatures (<20 °C), majority of the high-rate anaerobic reactors are operated at mesophilic temperatures (>30 °C). High-rate low-temperature anaerobic digestion (LtAD) has proven successful in treating industrial wastewater both at laboratory and pilot scales, boasting efficient organic removal and biogas production. In this study, we demonstrated the feasibility of two full-scale high-rate LtAD bioreactors treating meat processing and dairy wastewater, and the microbial communities in both reactors were examined. Both reactors exhibited rapid start-up, achieving considerable chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies (total COD removal >80%) and generating high-quality biogas (CH4% in biogas >75%). Long-term operations (6-12 months) underscored the robustness of LtAD bioreactors even during winter periods (average temperature <12 °C), as evidenced by sustained high COD removal rates (total COD removal >80%). The stable performance was underpinned by a resilient microbial community comprising active acetoclastic methanogens, hydrolytic, and fermentative bacteria. These findings underscore the feasibility of high-rate low-temperature anaerobic wastewater treatment, offering promising solutions to the zero-emission wastewater treatment challenge.

Bioethanol derived from rice straw agricultural waste as alternative energy towards a pollution-free era

Abstract Rice production occupies the first position as raw material for bioethanol production, with a total output throughout Indonesia of 56.63 million tons in 2023 (BPS, 2023). The purpose of this innovation is to create bioethanol derived from new raw materials, namely rice straw, by applying the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) method for the conversion of lignocellulose into alcohol, which will produce bioethanol with a purity level of about 99% with a more efficient process. This method goes through several processes, including breaking the size of the rice straw to 0.1 mm and mixing it with several bacteria for fermentation and hydrolysis. The saccharification process is also carried out until the distillation process to make high levels of bioethanol. Bioethanol from the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) method is tested using an Octane Number Analyzer to determine the octane number content. The test included mixing bioethanol with Pertamax 92 to prove the effect of adding bioethanol to Pertamax, and the result was 93.1. Therefore, the innovation of making bioethanol from rice straw with the SSF method is expected to be a solution for Indonesia towards a pollution-free era.

Field test of a bioaugmentation agent for the bioremediation of chlorinated ethene contaminated sites.

Chlorinated ethenes are toxic compounds that were widely used in the past, and their improper handling and storage caused notable pollutions worldwide. In situ bioremediation by reductive dechlorination of bacteria is a cost-effective and ecologically friendly way to eliminate these pollutions. During the present study, the efficiency of a previously developed bioaugmentation agent combined with biostimulation was tested under field conditions in contaminated soil. Furthermore, the preservation of dechlorinating ability was also investigated in a long-term experiment. Initially, aerobic conditions were present in the groundwater with possible presence of anaerobic micro-niches providing habitat for Brocadia related anammox bacteria. "Candidatus Omnitrophus" was also identified as a dominant member of community then. Significant changes were detected after the biostimulation, anaerobic conditions established and most of the dominant OTUs were related to fermentative taxa (e.g. Clostridium, Trichococcus and Macillibacteroides). Dominant presence of vinyl-chloride coupled with the lack of vinyl-chloride reductase gene was observed. The most notable change after the bioaugmentation was the significant decrease in the pollutant quantities and the parallel increase in the vcrA gene copy numbers. Similar to post-biostimulation state, fermentative bacteria dominated the community. Bacterial community composition transformed considerably with time after the treatment, dominance of fermentative-mainly Firmicutes related-taxa decreased and chemolithotrophic bacteria became abundant, but the dechlorinating potential of the community remained and could be induced by the reappearance of the pollutants even after 4 years.

Feasibility and mechanism exploration of enhancing short chain fatty acid production assisted by nitrate photolysis during sludge fermentation

Seeking for the eco-friendly and low-cost pretreatment technology has become the prerequisite for the efficient release of the embedded organics in waste activated sludge (WAS), further for the higher production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) via anaerobic fermentation. Nitrate, which can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) during photolysis, may have the positive effect on WAS disintegration and organics degradation, while its performance and mechanism for WAS treatment is still unknown. This study investigated the feasibility of the nitrate photolysis on WAS disintegration and SCFAs production, and elucidated the underlying mechanism. Results showed that the highest acidification rate (26.6 h−1) and short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) production (5370.6 mg COD/L) were achieved at 8 d in the nitrate photolysis group (Nitrate-UV) during the anaerobic fermentation, significantly promoted by 2.3 and 12.7 folds than that of Control (raw WAS). Acetic acid (HAc) and propionic acid (HPr) accounted for 89.1 % and 90.1 % in Nitrate-UV and Nitrate group (sole nitrate addition), which were much higher than that obtained in UV and Control. HO• and O2•− were the main contributors compared with NO2•, ONOO– and NO• on the release and bioconversion of the soluble organics. Microbial community and metagenomics revealed the promotion of nitrate photolysis on anaerobic fermentation bacteria (AFB) and nitrate reducing bacteria (NRB), as well as the gene abundance related to the metabolic pathways of glycolysis, amino acid, acetate and nitrogen metabolism, which jointly devoted to the SCFAs enhancement during the anaerobic fermentation.

Magnetic biochar enhanced microbial electrolysis cell with anaerobic digestion for complex organic matter degradation in landfill leachate

Combining microbial electrolytic cells with anaerobic digestion (MEC-AD) was considered as an important method for enhancing complex organic matter degradation. However, the magnetic biochar (MBC) addition would be an effective approach for enhancing biodegradation in MEC-AD. By designing orthogonal experiments, the optimal parameters of MBC-enhanced MEC-AD system for landfill leachate treatment were determined. The results indicated that the optimal conditions were identified as HRT of 72 h, electrode spacing of 2.5 cm, and applied voltage of 0.8 V. Under these conditions, the COD removal efficiency reached a maximum of 54.7 %. Additionally, the UV–vis, 3D-EEM, and GC–MS indicated the macromolecules 13-Docosenamide (Z), Bis(2-ethylhexyl) benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate were degraded. 13-Docosenamide (Z) was almost completely removed under the conditions of 0.8 V applied voltage, 2.5 cm electrode spacing and 24 h HRT, with a removal efficiency of 99.91 %. Significant differences were observed in the microbial core genera among the MEC-AD systems. The core genera in the anodic and cathodic biofilms were primarily fermentative and electroactive bacteria, including Soehngenia (2.2 % - 32.1 %, 3.2 % - 26.4 %) and Desulfomicrobium (1.1 % - 10.2 %, 2.0 % - 29.3 %). Fermentative bacteria, norank_f__Bacteroidetes_vadinHA17, established cooperative relationships with electroactive bacteria Acinetobacter. The enrichment of electrochemically active bacteria optimized microbial interactions, thereby synergistically enhancing the biotransformation of complex organic matter in landfill leachate.

Stable isotope labeling and functional gene prediction elucidate the carbon metabolism in fermentative bacteria and microalgae coupling system

The application of the fermentative bacteria and microalgae coupling system in the wastewater treatment has been studied, but there remains few knowledge regarding the organic and inorganic carbon metabolism within this system. In this study, the carbon metabolism of microalgae and fermentative bacteria was elucidated by 13C stable isotope labeling and functional gene prediction, respectively. The 13C glucose and 13C NaHCO3 were used as stable isotope tracers to clarify the organic and inorganic carbon metabolism of microalgae, indicating that approximately 71.5 % of the Acetyl-CoA in microalgae was synthesized from organic carbon sources, while 26.8 % was synthesized through the utilization of inorganic carbon sources. Inorganic carbon sources can enhance the activity of photosynthetic system and facilitate the Calvin cycle. Considering the adequate organic carbon sources and insufficient inorganic carbon sources in the fermentative bacteria and microalgae coupling system, NaHCO3 was added to improve carbon utilization of microalgae. The maximum microalgal lipid yield reached 1130.37 mg/L with 1000 mg/L NaHCO3 supplementation. Functional gene prediction was used to analysis the effect of various carbon composition on the bacterial carbon metabolism. Notably, the additional inorganic carbon sources increased the abundance of bacterial functional genes associated with the fermentation and acetic acids synthesis, which was advantageous for VFAs production and further promoted microalgae growth. This study can gain a deeper understanding of microbial metabolic mechanisms during the operation of fermentative bacteria and microalgae system, and improve its sustained operational stability.

Petrocella pelovolcani sp. nov., an Alkaliphilic Anaerobic Bacterium Isolated from Terrestrial Mud Volcano

Diversity of extremophilic microorganisms in mud volcanoes is largely unexplored. Here we report the isolation of a novel alkaliphilic, mesophilic, fermentative bacterium (strain FN5sucT) from a terrestrial mud volcano located at the Taman Peninsula, Russia. Cells of strain FN5sucT are gram-stain-positive, non-sporeforming, motile rods. The temperature range for growth is 10–37°C, with an optimum at 30°C. The pH range for growth is 7.5–10.0, with an optimum at pH 9.0. The isolate utilizes various organic polymeric substances, organic acids, carbohydrates, and proteinaceous compounds. The end products of carbohydrates fermentation are acetate, CO2 and trace amounts of H2 and formate. The major cellular fatty acid compounds are C16:0, C16:1 ω7c, and monounsaturated dimethyl acetal C14:1. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that strain FN5sucT is most closely related to Petrocella atlantisensis = DSM 105309T (98.4% 16S rRNA gene identity). The total size of the genome of strain FN5sucT is 3.35 Mb, and a genomic DNA G+C content is 37.0 mol %. The genome contains complete glycolisis/glyconeogenesis pathway. We propose to assign strain FN5sucT to the genus Petrocella, as a new species, Petrocella pelovolcani sp. nov. The type strain is FN5sucT (=DSM 113898T = UQM 41591T).

Preparation of Dendrobium officinale Polysaccharide by Lactic Acid Bacterium Fermentation and Its Protective Mechanism against Alcoholic Liver Damage in Mice.

Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DP) was prepared with lactic acid bacterium fermentation to overcome the large molecular weight and complex structure of traditional DP for improving its functional activity and application range in this work. The structure was analyzed, and then the functional activity was evaluated using a mouse model of alcoholic liver damage. The monosaccharide compositions were composed of four monosaccharides: arabinose (0.13%), galactose (0.50%), glucose (24.38%), and mannose (74.98%) with a molecular weight of 2.13 kDa. The connection types of glycosidic bonds in fermented D. officinale (KFDP) were →4)-β-D-Manp(1→, →4)-β-Glcp(1→, β-D-Manp(1→, and β-D-Glcp(1→. KFDP exhibited an excellent protective effect on alcoholic-induced liver damage at a dose of 80 mg/kg compared with polysaccharide separated and purified from D. officinale without fermentation (KDP), which increased the activity of GSH, GSH-Px, and GR and decreased the content of MDA, AST, T-AOC, and ALT, as well as regulated the level of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β to maintain the normal functional structure of hepatocytes and retard the apoptosis rate of hepatocytes. The results proved that fermentation degradation is beneficial to improving the biological activity of polysaccharides. The potential mechanism of KFDP in protecting alcoholic liver damage was inhibiting the expression of miRNA-150-5p and targeting to promote the expression of Pik3r1. This study provides an important basis for the development of functional foods.

Development and Evaluation of a Fermented Pistachio-Based Beverage Obtained by Colloidal Mill.

The aim of the present study was to develop a fermented pistachio beverage as a plant-based alternative to milk-based drinks. For this purpose, a colloidal mill was used to finely grind and homogenize the pistachios to obtain a homogeneous consistency and prevent sedimentation. In addition, lactic acid bacteria fermentation was used to develop unique flavours and characteristics in the final product and to achieve microbiological stability for up to 30 days of storage a 4 °C. The formulated beverages were evaluated for chemical-physical characteristics (pH, organic acid production, and fructose, sucrose, and glucose content), nutritional profile (proximate composition, amino acid and GABA content), and volatile organic composition by HS-SPME-GC/MS analysis. The pistachio-based beverages were characterized by a good source of protein, fat, fiber, and minerals (mainly K and P). The colloidal mill contributed to creating a homogeneous texture and to making the nutrients readily available to the starter microorganisms, which reached concentrations above 108 ufc/mL in the final products. The beverages were characterized by pronounced acidity and some by the presence of acetoin and 2,3-butanedione, volatile components associated with a yogurt- or kefir-like aroma. This innovative approach provides an alternative to traditional milk-based beverages and highlights the role of LAB in the development of nutritious and attractive plant-based beverages.

Radioactivity as a driver of bacterial community composition in naturally radioactive mineral springs in the French Massif Central.

Some natural environments on Earth are characterised by high levels of radiation, including naturally radioelement enriched mineral springs in the French Massif Central. Therefore, naturally radioactive mineral springs are interesting ecosystems for understanding how bacterial populations in these springs have adapted to high levels of natural and chronic radioactivity over the very long term. The aim of this study was to analyse the bacterial communities of sediments from five naturally radioactive mineral springs in the French Massif Central, sampled in autumn 2019 and spring 2020, and to observe whether radionuclides, compared to other physicochemical parameters, are drivers of the bacterial community structuring in these extreme environments. Physicochemical measurements showed that two springs, Dourioux and Montagne had high radioelement concentrations/activities (uranium, thorium and radon). Analysis of the structure of the bacterial communities, by next generation sequencing based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, showed that the presence of radionuclides in Dourioux and Montagne, did not lead to a reduction in bacterial diversity and richness compared to the other springs. However, Dourioux and Montagne were characterised by specific bacterial populations, whose presence correlates with the radioelement concentrations/activities measured in these springs. This suggests that radioelements could partly explain the structuring of bacterial communities in these springs. In addition, several of these operational taxonomic units (OTUs) specific to Dourioux and Montagne, mainly affiliated to Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, could be involved in the biogeochemistry of radionuclides through different mechanisms (biosorption, biomineralisation, bioaccumulation, and bioreduction), which would allow the development of other bacterial species sensitive to these metals/radioelements. In particular, the co-occurrence of sulphate and/or iron-reducing bacteria, capable of bioreducing uranium, with fermentative bacteria, releasing sources of organic carbons, reflects associations of bacteria with complementary functions that allow them to grow in this peculiar environment and maintain a high diversity in these extreme environments. This study has provided a better understanding of the structuring of bacterial communities exposed to ionising radiation for thousands of years in naturally radioactive environments.

Insights into microbial metabolic coordination under driving force of different conductive materials-mediated direct interspecies electron transfer during anaerobic digestion

In this study, different carbon/metal-based conductive materials (CMs) were amended in traditional anaerobic digestion (AD) system with high hydrogen partial pressure (pH2) to verify the operational feasibility of CMs-mediated direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET). Operational performances revealed that SCOD removal efficiencies and CH4 production of CMs-mediated groups including GS (graphene), CTS (carbon nanotube), BS (biochar), IS (magnetite) and MS (MnO2) were increased by 34.7 %-157.3 %, 33.0 %-154.4 %, 41.2–169.6 %, 30.7 %-146.7 % and 28.1 %-139.5 % when compared with those of control group (54.5 ± 4.1 % and 184.9 ± 12.5 mL/g·VSS). Additionally, electron transfer capacity measurement showed that the equivalent current of biochar-mediated DIET flux (7 × 10-3 A) was 102 and 109 times higher than those in magnetite-mediated and interspecies H2 transfer (IHT) conditions due to presence of abundant electron-exchanging functional groups. Furthermore, dynamic microbiome distribution and anaerobic metabolism analysis proved that genes encoding syntrophic enzymes were highly stimulated in GS, CTS and BS while genes encoding acidogenic enzymes were more expressed in IS and MS with acetate oxidizers and Methanothrix as CMs-mediated DIET participants, suggesting that metabolic coordination of fermentative bacteria could be selectively induced to cooperate with DIETers for maintaining stable operation of each CMs-mediated AD systems in high pH2 condition. Overall, this study could offer better understand on application strategies of carbon-based and metal-based CMs for inducing the distinct CMs-mediated DIET process, which further optimized selection basis of CMs and widened real application of CMs-mediated DIET.

Alkaline Pre-Fermentation Promotes Anaerobic Digestion of Enhanced Membrane Coagulation (EMC) Sludge: Performance and Microbial Community Response

Concentrating organic matter in sludge and converting it into methane through anaerobic bioconversion can improve resource recovery from domestic wastewater. Enhanced membrane coagulation (EMC) is highly efficient at concentrating organic matter, but residual coagulants (aluminum salts) can obstruct bioconversion by blocking microbial access. Limited research exists on evaluating EMC sludge bioconversion performance and addressing coagulant inhibition. This study proposes alkaline pre-fermentation to break down HO-Al-P backbones in coagulated sludge flocs, thereby improving hydrolysis and organic acid production for anaerobic digestion. Among the tested alkaline conditions (pH 9, pH 10, pH 11), pre-fermentation at pH 11 released the most organic matter (4710.0 mg/L SCOD), 20.4 times higher than without alkaline treatment. At pH 11, phosphate (61 mg/L PO43−–P) and organic acid production (2728.1 mg COD/L, with nearly 50% acetic acid) peaked, resulting in superior volatile solids removal (65.2%) and methane production (185.8 mL/g VS) during anaerobic digestion. Alkaline pre-fermentation favored alkali-tolerant bacteria such as Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, especially at pH 11, while neutrophilic Proteobacteria were suppressed. Trichococcus and Bifidobacterium, known acid producers, dominated under all conditions, with their abundance increasing at higher pH levels. Anaerobic digestion enriched fermentative bacteria like Chloroflexi and Synergistota (e.g., Thermovirga), especially in high pH reactors. Methanothrix, an acetoclastic methanogen, became the dominant methanogenic archaeon, indicating that methane production from EMC sludge primarily followed the acetoclastic methanogenesis pathway. Our findings demonstrate that alkaline pre-fermentation at pH 11 significantly enhances the hydrolysis efficiency of EMC sludge for methane recovery.

Start-up of glycerol-driven denitrifying phosphorus removal from wastewater: The effects of the microaerobic environment

Glycerol, an abundant by-product of biodiesel production, represented a promising carbon source for enhancing nutrient removal from low C/N ratio wastewater. This study discovered a novel approach to initiate glycerol-driven denitrifying phosphorus removal (DPR) in situ by creating a short-term microaerobic environment within the aerobic zone. This approach facilitated the in-situ conversion of glycerol, which was subsequently utilized by denitrifying phosphate accumulating organisms (DPAOs) for DPR. The feasibility and stability of glycerol-driven DPR were validated in a continuous-flow pilot-scale reactor. Anaerobic phosphorus release increased from 1.0 mg/L/h to 2.5 mg/L/h, with fermentation bacteria and related functional genes showing significant increases. The stable stage exhibited 92.8% phosphorus removal efficiency and 55.5% DPR percentage. The microaerobic environment enhanced fermentation bacteria enrichment, crucial for glycerol-driven DPR stability. The collaborative interaction between fermentation bacteria and phosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs) played a key role in sustaining glycerol-driven DPR stability. These findings provide a robust theoretical foundation for applying glycerol-driven DPR in established wastewater treatment plants.

Extraction of polyphenols and antioxidant compounds from SCOBY, as a by-product of Kombucha, using different types of extraction

Kombucha is obtained through a symbiosis fermentation of bacteria and yeast, generating a floating film called SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast). After a period of use, SCOBY becomes a production waste. Thus, alternative uses of SCOBY can add value to Kombucha production. In this way, this work aimed to produce and evaluate antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents of SCOBY ethanolic extracts, which were obtained by two different solid–liquid extraction with three different waste weight/extractor solvent volume ratios. The SCOBY evaluated had a high concentration of cellulose (9.42 ± 1.00%) and low concentrations of proteins (0.84 ± 0.04%) and lipids (0.29 ± 0.05%). All evaluated extracts showed a high concentration of total phenolics (40.7–64.3 mg GAE/100 g of SCOBY) and high antioxidant activity (ABTS•+, FRAP and ORAC assays). The most efficient extraction of bioactive compounds was obtained by decoction using the highest solvent volume (ratio 1:20). The PCA showed clusters of the samples both by the type of extraction and by the different ratios of the weight of SCOBY to the solvent volume. Of our knowledge, our work is the first in the literature that describes such data. Therefore, the present work showed the possibility of using this industrial waste mainly to obtain active compounds and antioxidants.

Fermentation of Soy-based dairy substitutes by lactic acid bacteria: Focus on the process of soy protein hydrolysis

Soy-based dairy substitutes (SBDS) made from soybeans are becoming increasingly popular due to the nutritional benefits of soybeans. The use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation to enhance the quality of SBDS is a reasonable strategy, in which protein hydrolysis is one of the key biochemical reaction processes in the fermentation process. However, a systematic analysis is yet to be conducted to comprehensively assess the current impact and potential mechanisms of LAB hydrolyzed soy protein on the quality of SBDS. This review summarizes the effects of LAB hydrolyzed soy proteins on the flavor, texture, nutrient digestion and absorption, bioactive peptide production, and allergenicity of SBDS. In addition, measures to improve the ability of LAB to hydrolyze soy protein were presented, including pretreatment of raw materials, screening of suitable strains, optimization of fermentation conditions, and an outlook on future research directions. From the perspective of protein hydrolysis, this review effectively highlights the significant role of LAB in shaping the quality of SBDS during fermentation. It offers an invaluable reference for those involved in the development of high-caliber SBDS production.

Sargassum horneri extract fermented by Lactiplantibacillus pentosus SH803 mediates adipocyte metabolism in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes by regulating oxidative damage and inflammation

Sargassum horneri (S. horneri), a brown seaweed excessively proliferating along Asian coastlines, are damaging marine ecosystems. Thus, this study aimed to enhance nutritional value of S. horneri through lactic acid bacteria fermentation to increase S. horneri utilization as a functional food supplement, and consequently resolve coastal S. horneri accumulation. S. horneri supplemented fermentation was most effective with Lactiplantibacillus pentosus SH803, thus this product (F-SHWE) was used for further in vitro studies. F-SHWE normalized expressions of oxidative stress related genes NF-κB, p53, BAX, cytochrome C, caspase 9, and caspase 3, while non-fermented S. horneri (SHWE) did not, in a H2O2-induced HT-29 cell model. Moreover, in an LPS-induced HT-29 cell model, F-SHWE repaired expressions of inflammation marker genes ZO1, IL1β, IFNγ more effectively than SHWE. For further functional assessment, F-SHWE was also treated in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. As a result, F-SHWE decreased lipid accumulation, along with gene expression of adipogenesis markers PPARγ, C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, aP2, and Lpl; lipogenesis markers Lep, Akt, SREBP1, Acc, Fas; inflammation markers IFN-γ and NF-κB. Notably, gene expression of C/EBPβ, IFN-γ and NF-κB were suppressed only by F-SHWE, suggesting the enhancing effect of fermentation on obesity-related properties. Compositional analysis attributed the protective effects of F-SHWE to acetate, an organic acid significantly higher in F-SHWE than SHWE. Therefore, F-SHWE is a novel potential anti-obesity agent, providing a strategy to reduce excess S. horneri populations along marine ecosystems.

Preparation of lactic acid bacteria compound starter cultures based on pasting properties and its improvement of glutinous rice flour and dough

The effects of 5 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation on the pasting properties of glutinous rice flour were compared, and suitable fermentation strains were selected based on the changes of viscosity, setback value, and breakdown value to prepare LAB compound starter cultures. The results revealed that Latilactobacillus sakei HSD004 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HSD005 had apparent advantages in increasing the viscosity and reducing the setback and breakdown values of glutinous rice flour. In particular, the compound starter created using the two abovementioned LAB in the ratio of 3:1 had better performance than that using a single LAB in improving the pasting properties and increasing the water and oil absorption capacity of glutinous rice flour. Moreover, the gelatinization enthalpy of the fermented samples increased significantly. For frozen glutinous rice dough stored for 28 days, the viscoelasticity of frozen dough prepared by compound starter was better than that of control dough, and the freezable water content was lower than that of control dough. These results indicate that compound LAB fermentation is a promising technology in the glutinous rice-based food processing industry, which has significance for its application.

Reduction of Beany Flavor and Improvement of Nutritional Quality in Fermented Pea Milk: Based on Novel Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis 80.

Peas (Pisum sativum L.) serve as a significant source of plant-based protein, garnering consumer attention due to their high nutritional value and non-GMO modified nature; however, the beany flavor limits its applicability. In this study, the effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis 80 (Bla80) fermentation on the physicochemical characteristics, particle size distribution, rheological properties, and volatile flavor compounds of pea milk was investigated. After fermentation by Bla80, the pH of pea milk decreased from 6.64 ± 0.01 to 5.14 ± 0.01, and the (D4,3) distribution decreased from 142.4 ± 0.47 μm to 122.7 ± 0.55 μm. In addition, Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation significantly reduced the particle size distribution of pea milk, which was conducive to improving the taste of pea milk and also indicated that Bla80 had the probiotic potential of utilizing pea milk as a fermentation substrate. According to GC-MS analysis, 64 volatile compounds were identified in fermented pea milk and included aldehydes, alcohols, esters, ketones, acids, and furans. Specifically, aldehydes in treated samples decreased by 27.36% compared to untreated samples, while esters, ketones, and alcohols increased by 11.07%, 10.96%, and 5.19%, respectively. These results demonstrated that Bla80 fermentation can significantly decrease the unpleasant beany flavor, such as aldehydes and furans, and increase fruity or floral aromas in treated pea milk. Therefore, Bla80 fermentation provides a new method to improve physicochemical properties and consumer acceptance of fermented pea milk, eliminating undesirable aromas for the application of pea lactic acid bacteria beverage.