Fructooligosaccharides Research Articles

Freeze-dried pulp and peel from pitahaya (Selenicereus undatus): physicochemical properties and potential source of fructooligosaccharides

The pitahaya Selenicereus undatus is a fruit widely consumed in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, and its cultivation is promising due to its adaptability to adverse climatic conditions, its nutritional quality, and its bioactive compounds. The objective of this work was to determine the physical parameters of the fresh fruit (weights and diameters) and chemical parameters of the pulp (stored at -18 ºC) of pitahaya grown in two locations in the state of Yucatán, as well as to estimate the yield of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) present in freeze-dried pulp and peel flour, using the solid/liquid extraction method. Six physicochemical and six proximal descriptors (in freeze-dried pulp and peel), which were statistically compared using the t-student test, were quantified. The fruits had an average weight of 534.81 and 520.36 g for the pitahaya grown in Kinchil and Yobain, respectively. The peel weight of the fruit from Kinchil was significantly (p < 0.05) higher. The pulp represented between 67 – 72 % of the weight of the fruits. The physicochemical analysis of the fruit pulp indicated that the average total soluble solids/titratable acidity (TSS/TA) ratio was 20.5, and the pH was 3.29. The proximal analysis expressed on a dry basis (% d.b.) showed average values for the pulp of 4.80 % ash, 0.47 % crude fat, 10.42 % crude fiber, and 6.92 % protein; while for the peel 14.20 % ash, 1.39 % crude fat, 22.22 % crude fiber, and 5.31 % protein. The values of crude fiber and total carbohydrates in the peel, as well as the crude fat content in the pulp, were different (p < 0.05) between the locations. The estimated extraction yield of FOS with water was 86.49 g/kg for the freeze-dried pulp and 17.64 g/kg for the freeze-dried peel flour. This fruit exhibited good nutritional properties, and the freeze-dried flour from its peel could be used as supplement rich in dietary fiber and, together with the freeze-dried pulp, could be added to products such as juices, yogurt, and jams, among others, with a potential prebiotic effect due to its fructooligosaccharides content.

Bioactive compounds, volatile compounds, rheological properties and bacteriostatic activities of fig juices with oligosaccharides supplementation fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum fermentation on the bioactive compounds, volatile compounds, rheological properties and bacteriostatic activities of fig juices supplemented with oligosaccharides, namely fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), isomaltooligosaccharides (IMO), xylooligosaccharides (XOS), stachyose (SOE) and mannanoligosaccharides (MOS). Results showed that SOE, FOS and IMO supplementations stimulated the proliferation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, especially for SOE, exhibiting the highest viable bacterial counts (9.84 log CFU/mL). Oligosaccharides supplementation accelerated the conversion of carbohydrates to organic acids, and increased the total contents of flavonoid (TFC) and carotenoid (TCC) during fermentation, of which FOS exhibited the greatest increases in TFC (66.28 mg RE/L) and TCC (0.032 mg/L). Furthermore, the highest levels of DPPH RSA (65.88%) and ABTS RSA (66.24%) were found in fermented fig juice supplemented with MOS, while the highest level of FRAP (0.97 mmol Trolox/L) and protocatechuic acid (6.97 mg/L) was observed in that with GOS. The total contents of alcohols and esters were significantly increased, while aldehyde content was decreased by oligosaccharides supplementation. In addition, oligosaccharides supplementation decreased the apparent viscosity of fermented juices. Fermented juices supplemented with FOS exhibited dramatically effective inhibition against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes, due to the ruptures of cell surfaces and collapse of cellular structure. According to Pearson's correlation analysis, protocatechuic acid content was significantly and positively correlated with bacteriostatic activities. It was suggested that FOS should be a better probiotic additive for the preparation of fermented fig juice.

Optimization of dilution rate and mixed carbon feed for continuous production of recombinant plant sucrose:sucrose 1-fructosyltransferase in Komagataella phaffii.

The trisaccharide 1-kestose, a major constituent of commercial fructooligosaccharide (FOS) formulations, shows a superior prebiotic effect compared to higher-chain FOS. The plant sucrose:sucrose 1-fructosyltransferases (1-SST) are extensively used for selective synthesis of lower chain FOS. In this study, enhanced recombinant (r) 1-SST production was achieved in Komagataella phaffii (formerly Pichia pastoris) containing three copies of a codon-optimized Festuca arundinacea 1-SST gene. R1-SST production reached 47U/mL at the shake-flask level after a 96-h methanol induction phase. A chemostat-based strain characterization methodology was adopted to assess the influence of specific growth rate (µ) on cell-specific r1-SST productivity (Qp) and cell-specific oxygen uptake rate (Qo) under two different feeding strategies across dilution rates from 0.02 to 0.05h-1. The methanol-sorbitol co-feeding strategy significantly reduced Qo by 46 ± 2.4% compared to methanol-only feeding without compromising r1-SST productivity. Based on the data, a dilution rate of 0.025h-1 was applied for continuous cultivation of recombinant cells to achieve a sustained r1-SST productivity of 5000 ± 64.4U/L/h for 15days.

Dietary Supplementation of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis BIONCL17752 on Growth Performance, and Gut Microbiota of Broiler Chickens.

The rapid rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global concern, being triggered by the overuse or misuse of antibiotics in poultry farming sector. We evaluated Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis BIONCL17752 strain, and characterized its probiotic potential to endure hostile gastrointestinal conditions. Genome sequencing analysis revealed probiotics traits, and gene clusters involved in bacteriocins, lactococcin A, and sactipeptides production. The absence of genes for antibiotic resistance, virulence, and biogenic amine production indicates the potential of probiotic strain. The BIONCL17752 strain was explored for antibiotic-free feed supplement for growth promotor in broiler chicken. The feed supplemented with 4 × 109CFU/kg of probiotic strain, in combination with various concentrations of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0kg/tonne in starter, grower, and finisher diets, respectively. A significant improvement of body weight 152 to 171g/bird (p < 0.05), and a low feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.62, was achieved without using synthetic antibiotics for growth promotion. The results of biochemical, hematological, and histological examinations showed normal features, indicating that the treatment had no harmful effects on the bird's health. Reduced levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein(HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in serum are an indication of the health benefits for the treated birds. Microbial community analysis of fecal samples of poultry birds exhibited a higher abundance of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Fusobacteria. Probiotic treatment resulted in reduced Firmicutes and increased Bacteroidetes (F/B ratio) in the broiler's gut which highlights the benefits of probiotic dietary supplements. Importantly, the probiotic-fed group exhibited a high abundance of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZyme) such as glycoside hydrolases (GH), glycoside transferases (GT), and carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) hydrolases which are essential for the degradation of complex sugar molecules. The probiotic potential of the BIONCL17752 strain contributes to broilers' health by positively affecting intestinal microbiota, achieving optimal growth, and lowering mortality, demonstrating the economic benefits of probiotic treatment in organic poultry farming.

Modification of casein with oligosaccharides via the Maillard reaction: As natural emulsifiers

In the present study, different oligosaccharides (fructooligosaccharide (FOS), galactooligosaccharide (GOS), isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO), and xylooligosaccharide (XOS)) were modified on casein (CN) via Maillard reaction. The CN-oligosaccharide conjugates were evaluated for modifications to functional groups, fluorescence intensity, water- and oil-holding properties, emulsion foaming properties, as well as general emulsion properties and stability. The results demonstrated that the covalent combination of CN and oligosaccharides augmented the spatial repulsion and altered the hydrophobic milieu of proteins, which resulted in a diminution in water-holding capacity, an augmentation in oil-holding capacity, and an enhancement in the emulsification properties of proteins. Among them, CN-XOS exhibited the most pronounced changes, with the emulsification activity index and emulsion stability index increasing by approximately 72% and 84.3%, respectively. Furthermore, CN-XOS emulsions have smaller droplet sizes and higher absolute potential values than CN emulsions. Additionally, CN-XOS emulsions demonstrate remarkable stability when ion concentration and pH are varied. These findings indicate that oligosaccharides modified via Maillard reaction can be used as good natural emulsifiers. This provides a theoretical basis for using oligosaccharides to modify proteins and act as natural emulsifiers.

GABA-fortified synbiotic guava beverage: formulation and evaluation of neuroprotective properties using cell-based assays

In recent years, the use of fermented fruit juices to offer protection against mental illness has been increasing enormously. The present study, aimed at formulating a synbiotic fruit beverage for mental well-being using fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Guava extract (abbreviated as fruit extract, FE; 10%) supplemented with FOS (1%) fermented for 48 h using L. rhamnosus, was then fortified with 0.05% GABA (FE + FOS + GABA). This GABA-fortified fermented guava beverage exhibited significant in-vitro antioxidant activity as measured by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (IC50 value of 0.451 ± 0.05 mg/ml) and ferrous reducing antioxidant capacity (A700 nm value of 0.68 ± 0.06) assays. Fermentation also enhanced total phenolics and flavonoids by 27.63% and 27.41%, respectively. Furthermore, GABA-fortified fermented guava beverage showed a significant neuroprotective effect by negatively modulating oxidative stress and upregulating activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) in rotenone treated neuronal cell lines. Taken together, our research findings clearly indicate the propensity of GABA-fortified fermented guava beverage to protect against rotenone mediated neuronal cell damage. Even though the underlying molecular mechanisms need further research, in conclusion, our study demonstrates that the GABA-fortified fermented guava beverage effectively confers neuroprotective effects in vitro, suggesting its potential as a functional beverage for promoting brain health.Graphical

Light Use Efficiency of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck) and rocket (Eruca sativa L.) during the initial plant growth stages

The solar radiation (SR) is one of the key factors for plant adaptation, and of its growth and development, and for several horticultural crops is important for reaching good yield and produce quality. The SR vary in Europe from 2189 to 517 kwh m−2 from Sicily to North cape. Sprouts, microgreens, and baby-leaves, recognized as novel foods due to their high nutraceutical value, have attracted significant attention in the market. The novel foods production could be affected by solar radiation especially when it is carried out in greenhouse in several countries and along their latitudes. Our study aimed to investigate how solar radiation affects the growth of these plants by conducting a thorough analysis of their morphometric characteristics and biochemical profiles. Two different genotypes of commercial rocket, namely Eruca sativa L. var. darkita and var. lobata, along with the Sicilian Black sprouting broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck, Broccolo nero), were examined at different initial plant growth stages, sprouts, microgreens, and baby-leaves. The experimental trial was carried out in Sicily (Italy) utilizing black shade nets with varying levels of solar radiation (SR100, SR60, SR40). The harvested plantlets were analysed for their main morphometric traits, as sprout weight, hypocotyl length, cotyledon dimensions, in addition to the dimensions of the first true leaf for microgreens, and stem length for baby-leaves. Several biochemical parameters, such as total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and several antioxidant assays including DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) were determined. The total glucosinolate content, the sucrose, fructose, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and total sugars amount were detected. We observed significant variations in the sugar content, particularly under reduced solar radiation and during the baby-leaves stage, characterized by decreased FOS levels and simultaneous increases in sucrose, glucose, and fructose. Moreover, antioxidant capacity showed a progressive enhancement from sprouts to baby-leaves. FRAP and DPPH capacity were significantly affected by the genotype. Interestingly, TFC was the most influenced by SR100, particularly in microgreens. This expanded knowledge base not only advances scientific understanding of these novel foods but also provides substantial adaptation to the different solar radiation conditions in different latitude of the world, permitting to individuate the genotypes more efficient in relation to the solar radiation available.

S-layer proteins in microencapsulated freeze-dried probiotic Levilactobacillus brevis strains

The presence of surface (S)-layer proteins as a rare property of lactic acid bacteria plays an important role in the expression of the probiotic properties of the producer strain and protects the cells from unfavourable environmental conditions. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the role of S-layer proteins of four Levilactobacillus brevis MB1, MB2, MB13, and MB20 strains, previously isolated from human milk. The results showed better survival under simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT) conditions and better adhesion to Caco-2 cells, achieved when S-proteins were present on the surface of the examined probiotic Levilactobacillus brevis strains. Free cells and cells microencapsulated in alginate, with or without galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), survived in high numbers during freeze-drying and one-month storage at 4 °C, as well as during exposure to simulated GIT conditions (&gt;108 CFU/g), thus fulfilling the primary technological criterion for the selection of probiotic strains. Higher survival of freeze-drying of encapsulated cells than free cells, can be attributed to the protective effect of alginate, GOS and FOS as prebiotic agents. However, GOS was more protective than FOS in maintaining the viability of microencapsulated Levilactobacillus brevis MB1, MB2, MB13 and MB20 cells in alginate during storage and under the harsh conditions of GIT and freeze-drying.

Assessment of different kinetic models for the production of fructo‐oligosaccharides through enzymatic synthesis

AbstractMathematical modeling is a great tool to understand the mechanism of fructo‐oligosaccharides (FOS) synthesis. The objective in this work is to adapt different models designed for FOS synthesis. Two approaches for the reaction mechanism, chain reaction and ping‐pong, were included in the analysis and genetic algorithm was implemented to find the best fit. Both approaches offered good results, chain reaction approach showed lower overall relative errors (below 8.5%) while ping‐pong mechanism best fit presented an overall error of 10.5%. No matter the approach used, the models with best fit involved the concept of glucose inhibition for the transfructosylation reaction. Different objective functions can be tested to reduce the relative errors when the model struggled to describe the behavior of one component. The sensitive analysis helps to evaluate all the variables such as reaction rate, time, productivity, and FOS yield, to find an optimal reaction condition.Practical applicationsThis research aims to describe and help understand the reaction mechanism involved in the enzymatic synthesis of fructo‐oligosaccharides, through the study of the kinetics using different mathematical models found in the consulted bibliography. This way, the operational conditions (substrate type and concentration, enzyme source [bacteria or fungi], enzyme configuration [purified or whole cells, free or immobilized], enzyme/substrate ratio, reaction time, temperature, and pH, batch or continuous mode) can be adapted, ensuring the attainment of the desired final product.

Investigating the potential of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) juice in the development of organic apple-based snacks

This study investigates the potential of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) juice for the development of prebiotic-rich organic apple-based snacks. Yacon syrup, primarily composed of fructan, inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and free sugars, represents a promising nutraceutical product. Its great potential in food processing, particularly as an innovative source of prebiotics, has been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo since it is fermented specifically by lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. Our objective was to explore the feasibility of employing vacuum impregnation process to incorporate yacon juice into organic apples, followed by hot air drying for the formulation of dried organic apple-based snacks with health-enhancing attributes. We assessed the prebiotic and physicochemical characteristics of the impregnated snacks, also considering 50 days of storage at room temperature. Vacuum impregnation and air drying produced dried apple slices impregnated with yacon juice with good quality and stability. Higher levels of fructan (16-fold difference compared to non-impregnated apples) in the apple slices increased their prebiotic potential, promoting the growth and viability of cells within simulated intestinal fluid, including strains of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB -12, Bifidobacterium breve DSM 20091, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis DSM 20088, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus C112, even after prolonged storage. Remarkably, the physicochemical parameters of the impregnated and dried apple slices remained nearly constant and akin to the control samples. Therefore, the combination of vacuum impregnation and air drying has the potential to be used to produce enriched prebiotic organic apple snacks, providing consumers with additional health benefits, including enhanced gut health, with its associated implications, and increased satiety. This innovation could contribute to the development of health-promoting food products with improved nutritional profiles.

Preparation, characterization, and prebiotic potential of pectic oligosaccharide enzymatically derived from citric acid-extracted pumpkin pectic polysaccharide

Pectic polysaccharide from pumpkin pulp was enzymolyzed with Pectinex® Ultra SP-L. Afterward, the enzymolyzed pectic polysaccharide was fractionated into four fractions (Fraction 1, Fraction 2, Fraction 3, and Fraction 4) using dialysis tubes to elucidate the structural and physicochemical properties of pumpkin pectic oligosaccharide (PkPOS) with the most effective prebiotic potential. From the molecular weight (Mw) analysis, Fraction 1, Fraction 2, and Fraction 3 were classified as PkPOS (Mw of 1.47–4.09 kDa) and Fraction 4 as modified pectin (Mw mainly of 5.63–41.94 kDa). Combining the analysis results, a possible structure of each fraction was proposed as follows: Fraction 1 consisted mainly of galacturonic acid (GalA, 95.77%), most of which were presumably the reducing terminal α-GalA residues. Fraction 2, Fraction 3, and Fraction 4 consisted of the α-1,4-linked GalA residues and (substituted and/or unsubstituted) α-1,2-linked rhamnose (Rha) residues, indicating the presence of both the homogalacturonan and rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) regions in their molecular structure. The proportion of the RG-I region was in descending order of Fraction 4 (GalA/Rha of 4.25) > Fraction 3 (GalA/Rha of 8.83) > Fraction 2 (GalA/Rha of 11.70). Among four fractions and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), Fraction 2 exhibited excellent stimulating effects on the growth of Lb. acidophilus, Lcb. rhamnosus GG, Lcb. casei, and Lcb. paracasei. Generally, Fraction 2 was the most effective in promoting the production of acetate. Although well-designed in vivo studies on prebiotic activities are needed, the present study suggests that Fraction 2 can be considered a promising candidate for a new generation of prebiotics.

Prebiotics for Induction and Maintenance of Remission in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Prebiotics are nondigestible carbohydrates fermented by gut bacteria into metabolites that confer health benefits. However, evidence on their role for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is unclear. This study systematically evaluated the research on prebiotics for treatment of IBD. A search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science. Eligible articles included randomized controlled trials or prospective observational studies that compared a prebiotic with a placebo or lower-dose control in patients with IBD. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models for the outcomes of clinical remission, clinical relapse, and adverse events. Seventeen studies were included. For induction of clinical remission in ulcerative colitis (UC), the fructooligosaccharide (FOS) kestose was effective (relative risk, 2.75, 95% confidence interval, 1.05-7.20; n = 40), but oligofructose-enriched inulin (OF-IN) and lactulose were not. For maintenance of remission in UC, germinated barley foodstuff trended toward preventing clinical relapse (relative risk, 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.15-1.03; n = 59), but OF-IN, oat bran, and Plantago ovata did not. For Crohn's disease, OF-IN and lactulose were no different than controls for induction of remission, and FOS was no different than controls for maintenance of remission. Flatulence and bloating were more common with OF-IN; reported adverse events were otherwise similar to controls for other prebiotics. Prebiotics, particularly FOS and germinated barley foodstuff, show potential as effective and safe dietary supplements for induction and maintenance of remission in UC, respectively. The overall certainty of evidence was very low. There would be benefit in further investigation on the role of prebiotics as treatment adjuncts for IBD.

Intervention with fructooligosaccharides, Saccharomyces boulardii, and their combination in a colitis mouse model.

To examine the effects of an intervention with fructooligosaccharides (FOS), Saccharomyces boulardii, and their combination in a mouse model of colitis and to explore the mechanisms underlying these effects. The effects of FOS, S. boulardii, and their combination were evaluated in a DSS-induced mouse model of colitis. To this end, parameters such as body weight, the disease activity index (DAI), and colon length were examined in model mice. Subsequently, ELISA was employed to detect the serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Histopathological analysis was performed to estimate the progression of inflammation in the colon. Gas chromatography was used to determine the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the feces of model mice. Finally, 16S rRNA sequencing technology was used to analyze the gut microbiota composition. FOS was slight effective in treating colitis and colitis-induced intestinal dysbiosis in mice. Meanwhile, S. boulardii could significantly reduced the DAI, inhibited the production of IL-1β, and prevented colon shortening. Nevertheless, S. boulardii treatment alone failed to effectively regulate the gut microbiota. In contrast, the combined administration of FOS/S. boulardii resulted in better anti-inflammatory effects and enabled microbiota regulation. The FOS/S. boulardii combination (109 CFU/ml and 107 CFU/ml) significantly reduced the DAI, inhibited colitis, lowered IL-1β and TNF-α production, and significantly improved the levels of butyric acid and isobutyric acid. However, FOS/S. boulardii 109 CFU/ml exerted stronger anti-inflammatory effects, inhibited IL-6 production and attenuated colon shortening. Meanwhile, FOS/S. boulardii 107 CFU/ml improved microbial regulation and alleviated the colitis-induced decrease in microbial diversity. The combination of FOS and S. boulardii significantly increased the abundance of Parabacteroides and decreased the abundance of Escherichia-Shigella. Additionally, it promoted the production of acetic acid and propionic acid. Compared with single administration, the combination can significantly increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria and effectively regulate the gut microbiota composition. These results provide a scientific rationale for the prevention and treatment of colitis using a FOS/S. boulardii combination. They also offer a theoretical basis for the development of nutraceutical preparations containing FOS and S. boulardii.

Nutraceutical blends predict enhanced health via microbiota reshaping improving cytokines and life quality: a Brazilian double-blind randomized trial

Nutraceutical interventions supporting microbiota and eliciting clinical improvements in metabolic diseases have grown significantly. Chronic stress, gut dysbiosis, and metainflammation have emerged as key factors intertwined with sleep disorders, consequently exacerbating the decline in quality of life. This study aimed to assess the effects of two nutraceutical formulations containing prebiotics (fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), yeast β-glucans), minerals (Mg, Se, Zn), and the herbal medicine Silybum marianum L. Gaertn., Asteraceae (Milk thistle or Silymarin). These formulations, namely NSupple (without silymarin) and NSupple_Silybum (with silymarin) were tested over 180 days in overweight/obese volunteers from Brazil's southeastern region. We accessed fecal gut microbiota by partial 16S rRNA sequences; cytokines expression by CBA; anthropometrics, quality of life and sleep, as well as metabolic and hormonal parameters, at baseline (T0) and 180 days (T180) post-supplementation. Results demonstrated gut microbiota reshaping at phyla, genera, and species level post-supplementation. The Bacteroidetes phylum, Bacteroides, and Prevotella genera were positively modulated especially in the NSupple_Silybum group. Gut microbiota modulation was associated with improved sleep patterns, quality-of-life perception, cytokines expression, and anthropometric parameters post-supplementation. Our findings suggest that the nutraceutical blends positively enhance cardiometabolic and inflammatory markers. Particularly, NSupple_Silybum modulated microbiota composition, underscoring its potential significance in ameliorating metabolic dysregulation. Clinical trial registry number: NCT04810572. 23/03/2021.

Improvement of both human and animal memory by synergy between fructooligosaccharide and L-theanine function establishing a safe and effective food supplement.

Aging is classically associated with a decline of cognitive abilities, especially in relation to memory. While the development of potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases has been in sharp focus, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a form of age-related memory loss, in the absence of severe functional impairment, a condition experienced by many healthy adults, has received relatively little attention. Advances in this space would make significant contributions to the goal of healthy aging and may also help promote cognitive performance across the wider population. The individual action of either fructooligosaccharide (FOS) or L-theanine, both natural plant-derived molecules, has been tentatively linked with improvements in cognition, but our understanding remains far from complete. We therefore determined the effect of different dose combinations of FOS and L-theanine (termed MT-01/GBL-Memory1) in mice against FOS and L-theanine monotherapy. FOS and L-theanine were found to synergistically enhance murine memory in our animal tests at a dose of 100 mg/kg (coefficient of drug interaction (CDI) < 1). In a subsequent human trial, we demonstrated that MT-01 improved the memory of healthy adults after 1 month of consumption. Our results suggest that a combination of FOS and L-theanine synergistically enhances murine memory within a specific dose range. We show that this plant natural product regimen also improves human memory in a population of healthy adults. MT-01 therefore represents a novel, safe, and effective dietary supplement to promote human memory and cognition.

Effects of fructooligosaccharides and Saccharomyces boulardii on the compositional structure and metabolism of gut microbiota in students

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are a common prebiotic widely used in functional foods. Meanwhile, Saccharomyces boulardii is a fungal probiotic frequenly used in the clinical treatment of diarrhea. Compared with single use, the combination of prebiotics and probiotics as symbiotics may be more effective in regulating gut microbiota as recently reported in the literature. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of FOS, S. boulardii and their combination on the structure and metabolism of the gut microbiota in healthy primary and secondary school students using an in vitro fermentation model. The results indicated that S. boulardii alone could not effectively regulate the community structure and metabolism of the microbiota. However, both FOS and the combination of FOS and S. boulardii could effectively regulate the microbiota, significantly inhibiting the growth of Escherichia-Shigella and Bacteroides, and controlling the production of the gases including H2S and NH3. In addition, both FOS and the combination could significantly promote the growth of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus, lower environmental pH, and enhance several physiological functions related to synthesis and metabolism. Nevertheless, the combination had more unique benefits as it promoted the growth of Lactobacillus, significantly increased CO2 production and enhanced the functional pathways of carbon metabolism and pyruvic acid metabolism. These findings provide guidance for clinical application and a theoretical basis for the development of synbiotic preparations.

An Exploration of various Fructooligosaccharides production methods using novel engineered enzymes with innovative core-shell chitosan beads

This study investigates Fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) production as prebiotics to promote gut health and overall well-being. Various production methods for FOSs were explored, leveraging novel engineered inulosucrase (IN) and levansucrase (LV) enzymes. The methodologies included batch stirred reactors with free enzymes and fixed-bed reactors utilizing enzymes immobilized on hydrogel chitosan beads (HGBs) and core-shell chitosan beads (CSBs). The study found that free enzymes exhibited the highest sucrose consumption rates, with IN achieving 142.8 g/L∙h and LV achieving 82.9 g/L∙h. However, CSB-immobilized enzymes demonstrated substantial enzyme savings (55% and 41% reduction in IN and LV consumption, respectively) through reuse across multiple cycles, while delivering superior FOSs yields. CSB-immobilized enzymes outperformed HGB-immobilized enzymes in terms of immobilization efficiency, activity recovery, sucrose conversion, FOSs yields, and repeatability. A novel reactor setup involving interconnected fixed-bed reactors with different enzymes in series produced promising results, generating novel FOSs species alongside expected I-FOSs and L-FOSs. Consumable cost analysis indicated that while free enzyme usage is initially cost-effective (5.09–7.06 USD/kg FOSs), significant increases in LV prices could make CSB immobilization a cost-competitive alternative. This study highlights the potential of innovative enzyme immobilization strategies and reactor designs for efficient FOSs production, considering both performance and economic feasibility.

Effects of prebiotics on the fermentation of traditional suancai of Northeast China

Suancai is a traditional fermented vegetable widely consumed in Northeast China. In this study, different prebiotics were used to improve the quality of suancai. Four prebiotics (inulin (INU), xylooligosaccharide (XOS), galactooligosaccharide (GOS), and stachyose (STA)) were shown to reduce the pH value and increase the content of total titratable acidity (TTA) in suancai, while the contents of most organic acids were also increased. The addition of prebiotics had significant effects on the bacterial microbiota during the suancai fermentation process. All prebiotics were shown to contribute to the growth of Lactobacillus. The suancai sample with fructooligosaccharides (FOS) had the highest relative abundance of Lactobacillus. Besides, INU and XOS could increase the abundance of Weissella. To evaluate the quality of suancai fermented with prebiotics, profiles of volatile flavor compounds (VOCs) and free amino acids (FAA) were analyzed. The prebiotics affected the VOCs and FAA profiles via transforming the bacterial microbiota. In addition, the addition of prebiotics also changed the taste profiles of the suancai samples. This study is among the first attempts to reveal the effects of different prebiotics on suancai fermentation, and the findings provide a foundation to develop new ways for improving the quality of suancai.

Effects of Multi-species Synbiotic Supplementation on Circulating miR-27a, miR-33a Levels, and Lipid Parameters in Adult Men with Dyslipidemia; A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important regulators of lipid metabolism. Recent studies have suggested synbiotics may modulate miRNA expression and lipid metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the effects of synbiotic supplementation on circulating miR-27a, miR-33a, and lipid parameters in patients with dyslipidemia. Fifty-six eligible participants were randomly allocated to receive either synbiotic or placebo sachets twice a day for 12 weeks. Each synbiotic sachet contained 3×1010 CFU six species of probiotic microorganisms and 5 grams of inulin and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) as prebiotics. Serum miR-27a and miR-33a expression levels, serum lipids, and apolipoproteins, the fecal concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla were assessed before and after the study. Real-time PCR was used to determine the relative expression levels of miRNAs. The results showed synbiotic supplementation significantly downregulated the expression levels of miR-27a and miR-33a compared to the placebo group (p = 0.008 and p = 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the intervention group exhibited significant improvements in serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), small dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL-C), apoA-I, and apoB-100 (p = 0.008, p = 0.006, p = 0.003, p = 0.001, respectively). The results showed a significant negative correlation between miR-33a expression levels with HDL-C, butyrate, propionate, and a significant positive correlation with total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and sdLDL-C in the intervention group. Fecal bacteria and SCFAs were significantly increased in the intervention group. This study provides evidence that synbiotic supplementation can modulate miR-27a and miR-33a expression and improve lipid metabolism in patients with dyslipidemia.

Advanced fructo-oligosaccharides improve itching and aberrant epidermal lipid composition in children with atopic dermatitis.

The effects of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on atopic dermatitis (AD) have not been determined. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, children with AD aged 24 months to 17 years received either advanced FOS containing 4.25 g of 1-kestose or a placebo (maltose) for 12 weeks. The SCORAD and itching scores were reduced in patients treated with both FOS (all p < 0.01) and maltose (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01). Sleep disturbance was improved only in the FOS group (p < 0.01). The FOS group revealed a decreased proportion of linoleic acid (18:2) esterified omega-hydroxy-ceramides (EOS-CERs) with amide-linked shorter chain fatty acids (C28 and C30, all p < 0.05), along with an increased proportion of EOS-CERs with longer chain fatty acids (C32, p < 0.01). FOS may be beneficial in alleviating itching and sleep disturbance, as well as improving skin barrier function in children with AD.