Lactobacillus Cells Research Articles

Lactobacillus johnsonii glycolipids, their structure and immunoreactivity with sera from inflammatory bowel disease patients.

SummaryStructural studies of the major glycolipids produced by two Lactobacillus johnsonii (LJ) strains, LJ 151 isolated from intestinal tract of healthy mice and LJ 142 isolated from mice with experimentally induced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), were performed. Two major glycolipids, GL1 and GL2, were present in lipid extracts from L. johnsonii 142 and 151 strains. Glycolipid GL1 has been identified as β‐D‐Glcp‐(1→6)‐α‐D‐Galp‐(1→2)‐α‐D‐Glcp‐diglyceride and GL2 as α‐D‐Galp‐(1→2)‐α‐D‐Glcp‐diglyceride. The main fatty acid residues identified by gas‐liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry were palmitic, stearic and lactobacillic acids. Besides structural elucidation of the major glycolipids, the aim of this study was to determine the immunochemical properties of these glycolipids and to compare their immunoreactivity to that of polysaccharides obtained from the same strains. Sera from rabbits immunized with bacterial cells possessed much higher serological reactivity with polysaccharides than with glycolipids. Inversely, reactivity of the glycolipids with human sera from patients with IBD was much higher than that determined for the polysaccharides, while reactivity of glycolipids with human sera from healthy individuals was much lower than one measured for the polysaccharides. Results indicate that glycoconjugates from Lactobacillus cell wall act as antigens and may represent new IBD diagnostic biomarkers.

Microbiota of the Small Intestine Is Selectively Engulfed by Phagocytes of the Lamina Propria and Peyer’s Patches

Phagocytes such as dendritic cells and macrophages, which are distributed in the small intestinal mucosa, play a crucial role in maintaining mucosal homeostasis by sampling the luminal gut microbiota. However, there is limited information regarding microbial uptake in a steady state. We investigated the composition of murine gut microbiota that is engulfed by phagocytes of specific subsets in the small intestinal lamina propria (SILP) and Peyer’s patches (PP). Analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequences revealed that: 1) all the phagocyte subsets in the SILP primarily engulfed Lactobacillus (the most abundant microbe in the small intestine), whereas CD11bhi and CD11bhiCD11chi cell subsets in PP mostly engulfed segmented filamentous bacteria (indigenous bacteria in rodents that are reported to adhere to intestinal epithelial cells); and 2) among the Lactobacillus species engulfed by the SILP cell subsets, L. murinus was engulfed more frequently than L. taiwanensis, although both these Lactobacillus species were abundant in the small intestine under physiological conditions. These results suggest that small intestinal microbiota is selectively engulfed by phagocytes that localize in the adjacent intestinal mucosa in a steady state. These observations may provide insight into the crucial role of phagocytes in immune surveillance of the small intestinal mucosa.

Differential protection by cell wall components of Lactobacillus amylovorus DSM 16698Tagainst alterations of membrane barrier and NF-kB activation induced by enterotoxigenic F4+ Escherichia coli on intestinal cells.

BackgroundThe role of Lactobacillus cell wall components in the protection against pathogen infection in the gut is still largely unexplored. We have previously shown that L. amylovorus DSM 16698T is able to reduce the enterotoxigenic F4+Escherichia coli (ETEC) adhesion and prevent the pathogen-induced membrane barrier disruption through the regulation of IL-10 and IL-8 expression in intestinal cells. We have also demonstrated that L. amylovorus DSM 16698T protects host cells through the inhibition of NF-kB signaling. In the present study, we investigated the role of L. amylovorus DSM 16698T cell wall components in the protection against F4+ETEC infection using the intestinal Caco-2 cell line.MethodsPurified cell wall fragments (CWF) from L. amylovorus DSM 16698T were used either as such (uncoated, U-CWF) or coated with S-layer proteins (S-CWF). Differentiated Caco-2/TC7 cells on Transwell filters were infected with F4+ETEC, treated with S-CWF or U-CWF, co-treated with S-CWF or U-CWF and F4+ETEC for 2.5 h, or pre-treated with S-CWF or U-CWF for 1 h before F4+ETEC addition. Tight junction (TJ) and adherens junction (AJ) proteins were analyzed by immunofluorescence and Western blot. Membrane permeability was determined by phenol red passage. Phosphorylated p65-NF-kB was measured by Western blot.ResultsWe showed that both the pre-treatment with S-CWF and the co- treatment of S-CWF with the pathogen protected the cells from F4+ETEC induced TJ and AJ injury, increased membrane permeability and activation of NF-kB expression. Moreover, the U-CWF pre-treatment, but not the co-treatment with F4+ETEC, inhibited membrane damage and prevented NF-kB activation.ConclusionsThe results indicate that the various components of L. amylovorus DSM 16698T cell wall may counteract the damage caused by F4+ETEC through different mechanisms. S-layer proteins are essential for maintaining membrane barrier function and for mounting an anti-inflammatory response against F4+ETEC infection. U-CWF are not able to defend the cells when they are infected with F4+ETEC but may activate protective mechanisms before pathogen infection.

English

Bacterial biofilms forming on indwelling urinary catheters continue to represent a public health problem because they are associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs). This study was undertaken to evaluate the ability of immobilized Lactobacillus acidophilus cells to inhibit biofilm formation on catheter surfaces. Urine bacteria and Lactobacillus species were isolated from urine and vaginal swabs (HVS), respectively. Immobilization of L. acidophilus on catheter samples was achieved using sodium alginate and the inhibition of urine bacteria by the immobilized Lactobacillus cells was evaluated by microscopy and viable cell count procedures following co-culture of the immobilized cells and urine bacteria. Results showed that pre-coating of catheter surfaces with L. acidophilus before exposure to urine bacteria significantly (p<0.05) reduced attachment of some urine bacteria to the catheter surfaces. Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella and Escherichia coli were significantly inhibited, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa was not inhibited. Furthermore, crude bacteriocin preparations from the Lactobacillus cells had antimicrobial activity against the urine bacteria. This study shows that pre-coating of catheter surfaces with L. acidophilus could be an effective strategy for controlling biofilm formation on urinary catheters. Key words: Biofilm, catheter, Lactobacillus, immobilization, sodium alginate. &nbsp

Biotechnological methods for chalcone reduction using whole cells of Lactobacillus, Rhodococcus and Rhodotorula strains as a way to produce new derivatives.

Microbial strains of the genera Dietzia, Micrococcus, Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus, Gordonia, Streptomyces, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Penicillium, Rhodotorula and Lactobacillus were screened for the ability to convert chalcones. Synthesis of chalcones was performed by the Claisen-Schmidt reaction. There were three groups of chalcones obtained as the products, which included the derivatives containing 4-substituted chalcone, 2'-hydroxychalcone and 4'-methoxychalcone. The B ring of the chalcones was substituted in the para position with different groups, such as halide, hydroxyl, nitro, methyl, ethyl and ethoxy one. The structure-activity relationship of the tested chalcones in biotransformation processes was studied. It has been proven that Gram-positive bacterial strains Rhodococcus and Lactobacillus catalyzed reduction of C=C bond in the chalcones to give respective dihydrochalcones. The strain Rhodotorula rubra AM 82 transformed chalcones into dihydrochalcones and respective secondary alcohols. These results suggest that the probiotic strain of Lactobacillus can be used for biotransformations of chalcones, which has not been described before. The structure of new metabolites 14a and 15b were established as 4-ethoxy-4'-methoxydihydrochalcone and 3-(4-bromophenyl)-1-(4'-O-methylphenyl)-2-propan-1-ol, respectively, which was confirmed by (1)H NMR and (13)C NMR analysis.

Regulatory effect of paraprobiotic Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 on gut environment and function.

BackgroundLactobacillus gasseri CP2305 (CP2305) is a strain of Lactobacillus isolated from a stool sample from a healthy adult that showed beneficial effects on health as a paraprobiotic. In a previous study, we demonstrated that CP2305-fermented heat-treated milk modified gut functions more than artificially acidified sour milk. Thus, the regulatory activity of the former beverage was attributed to the inactivated CP2305 cells.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to elucidate the contribution of non-viable paraprobiotic CP2305 cells to regulating human gut functions. We thus conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded parallel group trial.DesignThe trial included 118 healthy participants with relatively low or high stool frequencies. The test beverage was prepared by adding 1×1010 washed, heat-treated, and dried CP2305 cells directly to the placebo beverage. The participants ingested a bottle of the assigned beverage daily for 3 weeks and answered daily questionnaires about defecation and quality of life. Fecal samples were collected and the fecal characteristics, microbial metabolite contents of the feces and composition of fecal microbiota were evaluated.ResultsThe number of evacuations and the scores for fecal odors were significantly improved in the group that consumed the CP2305-containing beverage compared with those of the group that consumed the placebo (p=0.035 and p=0.040, respectively). Regarding the fecal contents of microbial metabolites, the level of fecal p-cresol was significantly decreased in the CP2305 group relative to that of the placebo group (p=0.013). The Bifidobacterium content of the intestinal microbiota was significantly increased in the CP2305 group relative to that of the placebo group (p<0.008), whereas the content of Clostridium cluster IV was significantly decreased (p<0.003). The parasympathetic nerve activity of the autonomic nervous system became dominant and the total power of autonomic activity was elevated in the CP2305 group (p=0.0401 and p=0.011, respectively).ConclusionsThe continuous ingestion of heat-treated CP2305 cells clearly affected intestinal functionality. This is the first report of sterilized Lactobacillus cells having a significant impact on the environment and functions of the intestinal tract. The observed effects might be due, at least in part, to the brain–gut interaction.

Adhesions of extracellular surface-layer associated proteins in Lactobacillus M5-L and Q8-L

Surface-layer associated proteins (SLAP) that envelop Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei M5-L and Lactobacillus casei Q8-L cell surfaces are involved in the adherence of these strain to the human intestinal cell line HT-29. To further elucidate some of the properties of these proteins, we assessed the yields and expressions of SLAP under different incubation conditions. An efficient and selective extraction of SLAP was obtained when cells of Lactobacillus were treated with 5 M LiCl at 37°C in aerobic conditions. The SLAP of Lactobacillus M5-L and Q8-L in cell extracts were visualized by SDS-PAGE and identified by Western blotting with sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimide-biotin–labeled HT-29 cells as adhesion proteins. Atomic force microscopy contact imaging revealed that Lactobacillus strains M5-L and Q8-L normally display a smooth, homogeneous surface, whereas the surfaces of M5-L and Q8-L treated with 5 M LiCl were rough and more heterogeneous. Analysis of adhesion forces revealed that the initial adhesion forces of 1.41 and 1.28 nN obtained for normal Lactobacillus M5-L and Q8-L strains, respectively, decreased to 0.70 and 0.48 nN, respectively, following 5 M LiCl treatment. Finally, the dominant 45-kDa protein bands of Lactobacillus Q8-L and Lactobacillus M5-L were identified as elongation factor Tu and surface antigen, respectively, by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Identification of lactic acid bacteria isolated from wine using real-time PCR

ABSTRACTDifferent lactic acid bacteria strains have been shown to cause wine spoilage, including the generation of substances undesirable for the health of wine consumers. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of selected species of heterofermentative lactobacilli, specifically Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus hilgardii, and Lactobacillus plantarum in six different Slovak red wines following the fermentation process. In order to identify the dominant Lactobacillus strain using quantitative (real time) polymerized chain reaction (qPCR) method, pure lyophilized bacterial cultures from the Czech Collection of Microorganisms were used. Six different red wine samples following malolactic fermentation were obtained from selected wineries. After collection, the samples were subjected to a classic plate dilution method for enumeration of lactobacilli cells. Real-time PCR was performed after DNA extraction from pure bacterial strains and wine samples. We used SYBR® Green master mix reagents for measuring the fluorescence in qPCR. The number of lactobacilli ranged from 3.60 to 5.02 log CFU mL−1. Specific lactobacilli strains were confirmed by qPCR in all wine samples. The number of lactobacilli ranged from 103 to 106 CFU mL−1. A melting curve with different melting temperatures (Tm) of DNA amplicons was obtained after PCR for the comparison of Tm of control and experimental portions, revealing that the most common species in wine samples was Lactobacillus plantarum with a Tm of 84.64°C.

The effect of chitosan nanoparticles onto Lactobacillus cells

Chitosan (CS) and trimethyl chitosan (TMC) solutions, as well as nanoparticles synthesized by ionic gelation method are studied. Their characterization is focused on determining the charge and antimicrobial properties against common pathogenic microorganisms and Lactobacillus spp., usually found in resident microbiota of vaginal and gastrointestinal tract. Special emphasis is given to the evaluation of antimicrobial activity in relation to the available cationic charge and the presence of nano-sized chitosan in comparison with chitosan macromolecules. In order to investigate the chitosan's antimicrobial mode of action diffusion nuclear magnetic resonance (D-NMR) is used as a novel approach. This technique enables the monitoring of chitosan nanoparticles (CSNP) effects onto healthy Lactobacillus cells. D-NMR results indicate that CSNP interact with the membrane of Lactobacillus cells, causing the perturbation of the membrane wall and lead to the death of the cells, suggesting the mechanism of Lactobacillus inhibition caused by CSNP. Lactobacillus inhibition is also reflected in low minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC).

Heat-killed Lactobacillus spp. cells enhance survivals of Caenorhabditis elegans against Salmonella and Yersinia infections.

This study examined the effect of feeding heat-killed Lactobacillus cells on the survival of Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes after Salmonella Typhimurium and Yersinia enterocolitica infection. The feeding of heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum 133 (LP133) and Lactobacillus fermentum 21 (LP21) cells to nematodes was shown to significantly increase the survival rate as well as stimulate the expression of pmk-1 gene that key factor for C. elegans immunity upon infection compared with control nematodes that were only fed Escherichia coli OP50 (OP50) cells. These results suggest that heat-killed LP133 and LF21 cells exert preventive or protective effects against the Gram-negative bacteria Salm. Typhimurium and Y. enterocolitica. To better understand the mechanisms underlying the LF21-mediated and LP133-mediated protection against bacterial infection in nematodes, transcriptional profiling was performed for each experimental group. These experiments showed that genes related to energy generation and ageing, regulators of insulin/IGF-1-like signalling, DAF genes, oxidation and reduction processes, the defence response and/or the innate immune response, and neurological processes were upregulated in nematodes that had been fed heat-killed Lactobacillus cells compared with nematodes that had been fed E. coli cells. In this study, the feeding of heat-killed Lactobacillus bacteria to Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes was shown to decrease infection by Gram-negative bacteria and increase the host lifespan. C. elegans has a small, well-organized genome and is an excellent in vivo model organism; thus, these results will potentially shed light on important Lactobacillus-host interactions.

Edible kefiran films as vehicle for probiotic microorganisms

Abstract In the presented work, we have developed edible kefiran films containing Lactobacillus plantarum CIDCA 8327 and Kluyveromyces marxianus CIDCA 8154. Thickness, moisture content and optical properties of films were not altered by the incorporation of microorganisms. During the film obtaining, lactobacillus concentration decreased one logarithmic cycle and no loss on yeast viability was detected. Both microorganisms included in glycerol plasticized kefiran films successfully maintained their viability during storage. After 35 days at 20°°C L. plantarum viability decreased less than 1.3 logarithmic cycles and K. marxianus 0.7 logarithmic cycles. The high susceptibility of free cells of lactobacilli to acid was slightly diminished by the inclusion in the kefiran matrix. Inclusion of K. marxianus CIDCA 8154 significantly improved their survival to the sequential acid–bile treatment (36.3%) compared with the corresponding free cells (8.7%). The obtained edible kefiran films have great potential as an alternative way for probiotic delivery. Industrial relevance The edible kefiran films containing probiotics presented in this manuscript are interesting matrices for probiotic administration since the neutral polysaccharide kefiran, produced by lactic acid bacteria, has health-promoting properties itself. Films can be obtained simply and inexpensively. They are transparent, thin and have good mechanical properties among those constituted by biomacromolecules. Likewise, kefiran films can preserve the viability of probiotics in non-refrigerated conditions.

Immunomodulatory activity and control of Salmonella Enteritidis colonization in the intestinal tract of chickens by Lactobacillus based probiotic

Lactobacillus-based probiotics (LBP) are used as competitive exclusion to control pathogenic enterobacterial infections and improve the weight gain in broiler chickens. This study assessed the inhibition of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) infection in one-week-old broiler chicks, using an experimental LBP containing four Lactobacillus strains isolated from chickens (L. acidophilus, L. fermentum, L. reuteri, L. salivarius). The immunomodulatory effects of this treatment were evaluated, through the analysis of cytokines and influx of macrophages, γδ, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the gut. The intestinal colonization by SE was reduced by 1.8CFU/g (log10) in chicks treated with LBP (p<0.05). The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, LITAF) were significantly reduced in treated chicks (p<0.05), whilst untreated chicks showed elevated inflammatory stimulus and an increased population of CD8+ T cells in the intestinal mucosa after challenge (p<0.05). Additionally, the LBP stimulated TLR2 expression in caecal tonsils. The adjuvant property of the Lactobacillus cell wall (LCW) was evaluated, demonstrating good capability to stimulate T helper 2 (Th2) cell proliferation. Pretreatment of chicks with LBP decreased the intestinal colonization by SE, minimizing the tissue lesions and inflammation after challenge and showed a potential use as adjuvant with injectable killed vaccines.

Lactobacillus Pentosus Ita23 and L. Acidipiscis Ita44 Enhance Feed Conversion Efficiency and Beneficial Gut Microbiota in Broiler Chickens

Although the use of probiotics especially Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria species on growth and feed utilization in poultry production has been extensively studied, the results were inconsistent presumably because the mode of action of probiotic is multi-factorial and each probiotic strain may affect the host in a specific manner. This study investigated the probiotic effect of two strains of Lactobacillus (Lactobacillus pentosus ITA23 and Lactobacillus acidophilus ITA44; 109 cells/kg feed) isolated from mulberry (Morus Alba) silage on the growth performance, cecal microbial population, and blood cholesterol of broiler chickens. One hundred twenty male broiler chicks (Cobb500) were randomLy allocated to two groups (control and treatment) of six replicates (cages) with 10 chicks per cage. Chicks in the control group received a standard diet and those in the treatment group received the same diet supplemented with 109 cells of the above Lactobacillus per kg feed. Supplementation of Lactobacillus did not affect body weight gain (averaged 1604 g at 35 days old) but feed conversion ratio improved (p<0.01) by 6.4% due to reduction in feed intake (p<0.01) by birds in the treatment group. Supplementation also increased the population of Lactobacillus spp. and reduced pathogens E. coli in the cecal samples. Although Lactobacillus supplementation tends to reduce serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride concentrations, these values were not significantly different from those of the control group. Results of this study showed that L. pentosus ITA23 and L. acidophilus ITA44 are potential probiotics to be used in poultry diets.

Abstract 52: The Gut Microbiome Alters Susceptibility to Coronary Inflammation in Kawasaki Disease

The gut microbiome has been shown to have immunomodulatory capabilities, and changes in the composition of the microbiome have altered the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. In this study, we sought to investigate the effects of the microbiome on the pathogenesis of Kawasaki Disease (KD) using the Lactobacillus cell wall extract (LCWE)-induced coronary arteritis model. Using qPCR on mouse fecal samples, we quantified bacterial communities through the 16S rRNA gene. Animals originating from the same supplier where housed in two independent facilities. There were marked elevations in Bacteroides, Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus and segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) and decrease in Clostridia in Facility A compared to Facility B. The transition to the newer Facility B resulted in a reduction in disease induction by LCWE to 26% (25/95), compared to 50% (35/70) at Facility A. Addition of antibiotics to the drinking water to deplete the microbiome reduced disease incidence to 40% (2/5) of mice housed at Facility A compared to 100% (5/5) of untreated mice, suggesting that components of the microbiome are necessary to exacerbate inflammation. To address whether the gut microbiome was sufficient to support disease susceptibility, the cecal contents of the susceptible mice at A were gavaged into the less susceptible mice at B. Recipients of the cecal contents from Facility A had an increased disease incidence of 91% (10/11) compared to 60% (6/10) in control mice which received cecal contents from mice housed in Facility B. We also report elevated levels of IL-17 in the serum of SFB-colonized mice. SFB, known to exacerbate several models of autoimmunity, was completely absent in mice housed at Facility B. Interestingly Th17 and its associated cytokine IL-17 have been associated with acute KD, but its role in pathogenesis remains unclear. Th17 cells have been implicated in autoimmunity, and are also important players in gut homeostasis. Our data provide evidence for the role of the gut microbiome in modulating the immunopathogenesis of KD, pointing to the important interactions of commensal and pathogenic factors as determinants of disease.

Short communication: Antiproliferative effect of 8 different Lactobacillus strains on K562 cells

Some strains of Lactobacillus genus have antiproliferative activities against cancer cells. However, until now, the exact effector molecules of Lactobacillus strains with anticancer activity have not been identified. The aim of the present study was to explore which fraction of the Lactobacillus cells exerts the highest antiproliferative effect. For this purpose, the heat-killed bacterial cells, bacterial cell wall extract, and genomic DNA of 8 Lactobacillus strains were prepared to assess their antiproliferative activities against human myeloid leukemia cell lines K562. The heat-killed bacterial cells of the 8 lactobacilli strains exerted antiproliferative effect on K562 cells, and the inhibition rates exerted by the heat-killed bacterial cells of the strains G15AL, M5AL, SB31AL, SB5AL, and T3AL were significantly higher than those exerted by the cell walls and genomic DNA of the strains. The bacterial DNA of G15AL exerted higher antiproliferative effect on K562 cells. The exact effector molecules and the effect mechanism of the strains should be further explored for the application of these strains as probiotic strains or bioactive probiotic molecules.

Microbial Diversity of a Camembert-Type Cheese Using Freeze-Dried Tibetan Kefir Coculture as Starter Culture by Culture-Dependent and Culture-Independent Methods

The biochemical changes occurring during cheese ripening are directly and indirectly dependent on the microbial associations of starter cultures. Freeze-dried Tibetan kefir coculture was used as a starter culture in the Camembert-type cheese production for the first time. Therefore, it's necessary to elucidate the stability, organization and identification of the dominant microbiota presented in the cheese. Bacteria and yeasts were subjected to culture-dependent on selective media and culture-independent polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis and sequencing of dominant bands to assess the microbial structure and dynamics through ripening. In further studies, kefir grains were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods. A total of 147 bacteria and 129 yeasts were obtained from the cheese during ripening. Lactobacillus paracasei represents the most commonly identified lactic acid bacteria isolates, with 59 of a total of 147 isolates, followed by Lactococcus lactis (29 isolates). Meanwhile, Kazachstania servazzii (51 isolates) represented the mainly identified yeast isolate, followed by Saccharomyces cerevisiae (40 isolates). However, some lactic acid bacteria detected by sequence analysis of DGGE bands were not recovered by plating. The yeast S. cerevisiae and K. servazzii are described for the first time with kefir starter culture. SEM showed that the microbiota were dominated by a variety of lactobacilli (long and curved) cells growing in close association with a few yeasts in the inner portion of the grain and the short lactobacilli were observed along with yeast cells on the exterior portion. Results indicated that conventional culture method and PCR-DGGE should be combined to describe in maximal detail the microbiological composition in the cheese during ripening. The data could help in the selection of appropriate commercial starters for Camembert-type cheese.

Use of cheese whey for biomass production and spray drying of probiotic lactobacilli

The double use of cheese whey (culture medium and thermoprotectant for spray drying of lactobacilli) was explored in this study for adding value to this wastewater. In-house formulated broth (similar to MRS) and dairy media (cheese and ricotta whey and whey permeate) were assessed for their capacity to produce biomass of Lactobacillus paracasei JP1, Lb. rhamnosus 64 and Lb. gasseri 37. Simultaneously, spray drying of cheese whey-starch solution (without lactobacilli cells) was optimised using surface response methodology. Cell suspensions of the lactobacilli, produced in in house-formulated broth, were spray-dried in cheese whey-starch solution and viability monitored throughout the storage of powders for 2 months. Lb. rhamnosus 64 was able to grow satisfactorily in at least two of the in-house formulated culture media and in the dairy media assessed. It also performed well in spray drying. The performance of the other strains was less satisfactory. The growth capacity, the resistance to spray drying in cheese whey-starch solution and the negligible lost in viability during the storage (2 months), makes Lb. rhamnosus 64 a promising candidate for further technological studies for developing a probiotic dehydrated culture for foods, utilising wastewaters of the dairy industry (as growth substrate and protectant) and spray drying (a low-cost widely-available technology).

Effect of the gastrointestinal environment on pH homeostasis of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus brevis cells as measured by real-time fluorescence ratio-imaging microscopy

In the present work, an in vitro model of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) was developed to obtain real-time observations of the pH homeostasis of single cells of probiotic Lactobacillus spp. strains as a measure of their physiological state. Changes in the intracellular pH (pHi) were determined using fluorescence ratio imaging microscopy (FRIM) for potential probiotic strains of Lactobacillus plantarum UFLA CH3 and Lactobacillus brevis UFLA FFC199. Heterogeneous populations were observed, with pHi values ranging from 6.5 to 7.5, 3.5 to 5.6 and 6.5 to 8.0 or higher during passage of saliva (pH 6.4), gastric (pH 3.5) and intestinal juices (pH 6.4), respectively. When nutrients were added to gastric juice, the isolate L. brevis significantly decreased its pHi closer to the extracellular pH (pHex) than in gastric juice without nutrients. This was not the case for L. plantarum.This study is the first to produce an in vitro GIT model enabling real-time monitoring of pH homeostasis of single cells in response to the wide range of pHex of the GIT. Furthermore, it was possible to observe the heterogeneous response of single cells. The technique can be used to determine the survival and physiological conditions of potential probiotics and other microorganisms during passage through the GIT.

Effect of lactic acid bacteria in combination with yeast on fermentation of wort

Eight Lactobacillus, five Saccharomyces and one Streptococcus strains were chosen to perform mono and mixed culture fermentations, focusing on interaction investigation via agar diffusion and analysis of cell growth kinetics, both serving as selection criteria. Mixed culture fermentations with four lactic acid bacteria (Lb. bulgaricus, Lb. paracasei SF1, Lb. plantarum 2142, and Lb. casei Shirota) and four yeast strains (S. cerevisiae W66, S. cerevisiae WS34/70, S. cerevisiae W120, and S. carlsbergensis 843) were performed in wort with initial cell ratio of 1:1. It was determined that during fermentations, cell concentration of lactic acid bacteria exceeded that of yeasts by one order of magnitude. Three strain combinations (S. carlsbergensis with Lb. bulgaricus, Lb. 2142, and Lb. Shirota) were chosen for further fermentations. Basic behaviour of them in wort was studied in mono culture, which helped to determine interaction type between bacteria and yeast in mixed culture. It resulted in higher Lactobacillus cell concentration in mono cultural than in mixed culture fermentation, which refers to competition. Cell ratio was changed to 1:10 (lactobacilli:yeasts), to favour growth of yeast and avoid lower pH. Despite the higher initial concentration of yeast, results turned in favour of lactobacillus already at the 24th hour.

Ca 2+ -Citrate Uptake and Metabolism in Lactobacillus casei ATCC 334

The putative citrate metabolic pathway in Lactobacillus casei ATCC 334 consists of the transporter CitH, a proton symporter of the citrate-divalent metal ion family of transporters CitMHS, citrate lyase, and the membrane-bound oxaloacetate decarboxylase complex OAD-ABDH. Resting cells of Lactobacillus casei ATCC 334 metabolized citrate in complex with Ca(2+) and not as free citrate or the Mg(2+)-citrate complex, thereby identifying Ca(2+)-citrate as the substrate of the transporter CitH. The pathway was induced in the presence of Ca(2+) and citrate during growth and repressed by the presence of glucose and of galactose, most likely by a carbon catabolite repression mechanism. The end products of Ca(2+)-citrate metabolism by resting cells of Lb. casei were pyruvate, acetate, and acetoin, demonstrating the activity of the membrane-bound oxaloacetate decarboxylase complex OAD-ABDH. Following pyruvate, the pathway splits into two branches. One branch is the classical citrate fermentation pathway producing acetoin by α-acetolactate synthase and α-acetolactate decarboxylase. The other branch yields acetate, for which the route is still obscure. Ca(2+)-citrate metabolism in a modified MRS medium lacking a carbohydrate did not significantly affect the growth characteristics, and generation of metabolic energy in the form of proton motive force (PMF) was not observed in resting cells. In contrast, carbohydrate/Ca(2+)-citrate cometabolism resulted in a higher biomass yield in batch culture. However, also with these cells, no generation of PMF was associated with Ca(2+)-citrate metabolism. It is concluded that citrate metabolism in Lb. casei is beneficial when it counteracts acidification by carbohydrate metabolism in later growth stages.