Lactobacillus Fermentum Strains Research Articles

Characterization of Erythromycin and Tetracycline Resistance in Lactobacillus fermentum Strains.

Lactobacillus fermentum colonizing gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts of humans and animals is widely used in manufacturing of fermented products and as probiotics. These bacteria may function as vehicles of antibiotic resistance genes, which can be transferred to pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, monitoring and control of transmissible antibiotic resistance determinants in these microorganisms is necessary to approve their safety status. The aim of this study was to characterize erythromycin and tetracycline resistance of L. fermentum isolates and to estimate the potential transfer of resistance genes from lactobacilli to the other Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Among six L. fermentum strains isolated from human feces and commercial dairy products, five strains demonstrated phenotypic resistance to tetracycline. PCR screening for antibiotic resistance determinants revealed plasmid-located tetracycline resistance genes tet(K) and tet(M) in all strains and erythromycin resistance genes erm(B) in the chromosome of L. fermentum 5-1 and erm(C) in the plasmid of L. fermentum 3-4. All tested lactobacilli lacked conjugative transposon Tn916 and were not able to transfer tetracycline resistance genes to Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Listeria monocytogenes, Acinetobacter baumannii, Citrobacter freundii, and Escherichia coli by filter mating. Staphylococcus haemolyticus did not accept erythromycin resistance genes from corresponding Lactobacillus strains. Thus, in the present study, L. fermentum was not implicated in the spread of erythromycin and tetracycline resistance, but still these strains pose the threat to the environment and human health because they harbored erythromycin and tetracycline resistance genes in their plasmids and therefore should not be used in foods and probiotics.

Potential Role of Gut Microbiota in ALS Pathogenesis and Possible Novel Therapeutic Strategies.

Recent preclinical studies suggest that dysfunction of gastrointestinal tract may play a role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis through a modification of the gut microbiota brain axis. Our study is the first focused on microbiota analysis in ALS patients. Our aim was to study the main human gut microbial groups and the overall microbial diversity in ALS and healthy subjects. Moreover we have examined the influence of a treatment with a specific bacteriotherapy composed of Lactobacillus strains (Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus salivarius) acting on the gastrointestinal barrier. We enrolled 50 ALS patients and 50 healthy controls, matched for sex, age, and origin. Fecal samples were used for total genomic DNA extraction. Enterobacteria, Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., Clostridium sensu stricto, Escherichia coli and yeast were quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction approach. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analyses were performed to investigate total eubacteria and yeasts populations. Patients were randomized to double-blind treatment either with microorganisms or placebo for 6 months and monitored for clinical progression and microbiota composition. The comparison between ALS subjects and healthy group revealed a variation in the intestinal microbial composition with a higher abundance of E. coli and enterobacteria and a low abundance of total yeast in patients. Polymerase chain reaction denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis showed a cluster distinction between the bacterial profiles of ALS patients and the healthy subjects. The complexity of the profiles in both cases may indicate that a real dysbiosis status is not evident in the ALS patients although differences between healthy and patients exist. The effects of the progression of the disease and of the bacteriotherapy on the bacterial and yeast populations are currently in progress. Our preliminary results confirm that there is a difference in the microbiota profile in ALS patients.

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Bio-preservative potential of the secondary metabolites produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from fermented cassava was assessed against fungal pathogens associated with spoilage of fresh fruits and vegetables. Twenty LAB isolates were identified according to standard morphological and biochemical methods and ten were subjected to phenotypic and genotypic identifications. The metabolites produced were tested for anti-fungal activity using agar-dilution and agar-well diffusion methods. The metabolites were used as sanitizers and biopreservatives by applying them on fresh fruits and vegetables for inhibition of the growth of spoilage fungi and extension of shelf-life. The LAB isolates were identified as Lactobacillus pentosus strains PIS23 and Reyan20, Lactobacillus plantarum strains PON10014, CTBRBL268 and N3114, Lactobacillus brevis strain NS25, Lactobacillus delbrueckii strain NS9, Lactobacillus fermentum strain NS9, Lactococcus lactis strain NS32 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides strain NS73. When fresh fruits and vegetables were inoculated with the metabolites, there was strong inhibition of the radial growth and spores of the fungal pathogens. This study shows that metabolites from fermented cassava are a good source of lactic acid bacteria with the ability to inhibit wide range of spoilage fungi, and can be employed in prolonging the shelf-life of fresh fruits and vegetables.   Key words: Lactic acid bacteria, metabolites, biopreservation, Penicillium oxalicum, Fusarium verticillioides, Aspergillus niger.  

Lactobacillus fermentum strains from human breast milk with probiotic properties and cholesterol-lowering effects.

The study aimed to identify two lactic acid bacteria from human breast milk and evaluate for their probiotic potential. Lactobacillus fermentum strains showed various degree of antibiotic susceptibility profile to clinical commercial antibiotics. The MA-7 and MA-8 strains have never lost their vitality at pH 2 and 3. Lactobacillus fermentum MA-8 exhibited more resistance to 0.3 and 1% bile concentrations than MA-7 strain. Both of the L. fermentum strains can tolerate the simulated gastric and intestinal juices. The strains showed high auto-aggregation percentages varied from 95 to 98%. Both isolates also exhibited gamma hemolytic activity. The cholesterol lowering activity of MA-7 and MA-8 strains was varied from 34.84 to 91.15%. The supernatants showed higher anti-cholesterol activity compared to pellets. The results demonstrated that both L. fermentum strains maybe good probiotic candidates and may have potential as health biotherapeutic with cholesterol-lowering effects.

In vitro probiotic properties of vaginal Lactobacillus fermentum MG901 and Lactobacillus plantarum MG989 against Candida albicans

Candida albicans is the most important Candida species causing vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). We investigated the potential of the probiotic strains Lactobacillus fermentum MG901 and L. plantarum MG989 towards control of C. albiacns. Cell viability tests following co-culturing with lactobacilli revealed that C. albicans cells lost metabolic activity and were eventually killed. Further studies revealed that MG901 and MG989 had high surface hydrophobicity that enhanced its adhesion ability to epithelial cell. The MG901 and MG989 showed coaggregation with E. coli and C. albicans to affect their adhesion and colonization. The adhesion of MG901 and MG989 to HT-29 cell and its inhibition of E. coli and C. albicans adherence to these cells were demonstrated. These incidences provided evidence of the possible colonization of MG901 and MG989 that would prevent binding and growth of E. coli and C. albicans onto intestinal epithelial cells. Following daily administration of 108 CFU of viable MG901 and MG989 orally, the animals’ feces were examined for bacterial excretion. The potential probiotic MG901 and MG989 were found to persist for up to 6 days in the feces of mice. In conclusion, L. fermentum MG901 and L. plantarum MG989 have the potential to inhibit the yeast growth, which could possibly have played an important role in helping to clear VVC in vivo.

Lactobacillus species increase the survival of Galleria mellonella infected with Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida clinical isolates.

Investigation into new therapeutic strategies, such as the use of bacterial isolates with probiotic characteristics, has increased in importance due to the high incidence of Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida infections. This study evaluates Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains as prophylactic and therapeutic agents against infection caused by Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, and Candida tropicalis in a Galleria mellonella model. Prophylactic treatment provided greater benefits during Candida spp. infection, increasing G. mellonella survival, compared to therapeutic treatment. This study demonstrated that the different Lactobacillus species are potent prophylactic agents of Candida species infection.

Encapsulation, with and without oil, of biofilm forming Lactobacillus fermentum UCO-979C strain in alginate-xanthan gum and its anti-Helicobacter pylori effect

Helicobacter pylori is a pathogenic bacterium and the main risk factor for gastric carcinoma. Presently it shows resistance to antibiotics and, therefore, it is important to find alternatives for prevention and treatment of this microorganism. Some probiotics, such as Lactobacillus fermentum strain UCO-979C inhibits H. pylori. In this work, we report the encapsulation of L. fermentum UCO-979C in a 3:1 proportion alginate-xanthan gum matrix (1.5% w/v) with 20% or without vegetal oil and the increase of bacterial density culturing capsules in MRS broth supplemented with calcium during 12 h to promote biofilm formation. L. fermentum UCO-979C released from capsules containing biofilm and subjected to pH 3.0 maintained the anti-H. pylori inhibitory activity. Capsules containing a biofilm of probiotics plus a polyunsaturated fatty acid rich in omega-3 could be an innovative technological solution to develop a functional food to prevent H. pylori infection.

Fermentation by Lactobacillus fermentum strains (singly and in combination) enhances the properties of ting from two whole grain sorghum types

Challenges with spontaneous fermentation of whole grain (WG) sorghum into ting, necessitates the use of starter cultures that could ensure consistency, better acidification and improved quality. This study therefore investigated the effect of single and co-starter culture additions [L. fermentum (FUA 3165 and 3321)] on ting properties (physicochemical, bioactive components and antioxidant activity) obtained from whole grain (WG) sorghum types [high tannin (HT) and low tannin (LT)]. WG-ting samples were obtained from different sorghum types after fermentation at 34 °C for 24 h and 28 °C for 72 h. Both single starter cultures yielded better results with significantly lower pH (4.94–5.07), tannin content (0.41–2.83 mg CE/g), total phenolic content (8.11–32.13 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid content (7.53–26.38 mg CE/g), with higher titratable acidity (1.98–2.67 g/kg) and antioxidant activity (4.82–7.81 μM TE/g). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) quantification of some phenolic compounds showed that WG-ting samples from the HT-sorghum, fermented with L. fermentum FUA 3321 had significantly higher bioactive compounds (catechin, gallic acid and quercetin). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed the presence of diverse functional groups, while principal component analysis (PCA) of the FTIR data further differentiated the ting samples into group clusters. Sorghum type and fermentation with L. fermentum significantly influenced fermentation and subsequently the WG-ting composition. Fermenting HT sorghum type with L. fermentum FUA 3321 yielded WG-ting higher pH, titratable acidity, bioactive components and improved phenolic composition.

Evaluation of some in vitro probiotic properties of Lactobacillus fermentum Strains.

This study aimed to check the in vitro probiotic properties of eleven Lactobacillus fermentum strains previously isolated from fermented dairy products and infant faeces. These cultures were tested for their tolerance to different pH such as 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 and 6.5, bile salt hydrolysis and cell surface hydrophobicity. All the strains were persistent at pH 3.5 for 3h whereas only faecal origin isolates such as L. fermentum BIF-19, BIF-20, BIF-18 and MTCC 8711 had shown considerable growth at pH 2.5. The strains NCDC-400, MTCC 8711, BIF-18, BIF-19 and BIF-20 showed slight to intense precipitation zone of bile salt hydrolase activity by agar plate assay. The strain L. fermentum BIF-19 exhibited best preliminary probiotic properties was selected for the adhesion to Caco-2 cell lines, which shows similar adhesion to that observed for standard probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.

Probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum strain JDFM216 stimulates the longevity and immune response of Caenorhabditis elegans through a nuclear hormone receptor

Here, we examined the functionality of Lactobacillus fermentum strain JDFM216, a newly isolated probiotic bacterium, using a Caenorhabditis elegans model. We determined bacterial colonization in the intestinal tract of C. elegans by plate counting and transmission electron microscopy and examined the survival of C. elegans using a solid killing assay. In addition, we employed DNA microarray analysis, quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction, and immunoblotting assays to explore health-promoting pathways induced by probiotic bacteria in C. elegans. Initially, we found that the probiotic bacterium L. fermentum strain JDFM216 was not harmful to the C. elegans host. Conditioning with JDFM216 led to its colonization in the nematode intestine and enhanced resistance in nematodes exposed to food-borne pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli O157:H7. Interestingly, this probiotic strain significantly prolonged the life span of C. elegans. Whole-transcriptome analysis and transgenic worm assays revealed that the health-promoting effects of JDFM216 were mediated by a nuclear hormone receptor (NHR) family and PMK-1 signaling. Taken together, we described a new C. elegans-based system to screen novel probiotic activity and demonstrated that preconditioning with the probiotic L. fermentum strain JDFM216 may positively stimulate the longevity of the C. elegans host via specific pathway.

Lactobacillus fermentum UCO-979C strongly inhibited Helicobacter pylori SS1 in Meriones unguiculatus.

Searching for bacterial probiotics active upon Helicobacter pylori continue to be an important clinical challenge because of the increased prevalence of this highly priority pathogen in humans. In this work, we assess the in vivo anti-H. pylori SS1 (cagA+/vacAs2m2+) properties of a previously isolated human gastric probiotic strain Lactobacillus fermentum UCO-979C by using a Meriones unguiculatus (Mongolian gerbil) model. Animals were administered with a saline suspension of L. fermentum UCO-979C or H. pylori SS1 as negative and positive control for H. pylori colonisation controls, prior to assayed the challenge group that was administered with these two species per animal for detecting protective activity of the probiotic strain against colonisation. The results showed that L. fermentum UCO-979C strongly inhibited the colonisation of H. pylori decreasing up to 87% of the colonisation in the antrum by the pathogen, suggesting that this probiotic strain has a strong probiotic activity against H. pylori in the most valuable animal model for in vivo assays nowadays.

Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus fermentum Strains Isolated from Mozzarella Cheese: Probiotic Potential, Safety, Acidifying Kinetic Parameters and Viability under Gastrointestinal Tract Conditions.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the probiotic properties of Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus fermentum strains, as well as to select novel and safe strains for future development of functional fermented products. The in vitro auto-aggregation, co-aggregation, hydrophobicity, β-galactosidase production, survival to gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and antibiotic susceptibility were evaluated. The selected strains were additionally tested by the presence of genes encoding adhesion, aggregation and colonization, virulence factors, antibiotic resistance, and biogenic amine production, followed by the evaluation of acidifying kinetic parameters in milk, and survival of the strains under simulated GIT conditions during refrigerated storage of fermented milk. Most strains of both species showed high auto-aggregation; some strains showed co-aggregation ability with other lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and/or pathogens, and both species showed low hydrophobicity values. Seven L. casei and six L. fermentum strains produced β-galactosidase enzymes, and ten strains survived well the simulation of the GIT stressful conditions evaluated in vitro. All strains were resistant to vancomycin, and almost all the strains were resistant to kanamycin. L. casei SJRP38 and L. fermentum SJRP43 were distinguished among the other LAB strains by their higher probiotic potential. L. fermentum SJRP43 presented fewer genes related to virulence factors and antibiotic resistance and needed more time to reach the maximum acidification rate (Vmax). The other kinetic parameters were similar. Both strains survived well (> 8 log10 CFU/mL) to the GIT-simulated conditions when incorporated in fermented milk. Therefore, these strains presented promising properties for further applications in fermented functional products.

Anti-adhesion Property of the Potential Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus fermentum 8711 Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a multidrug-resistant pathogen and one of the leading causes of nosocomial infection worldwide. Probiotic bacteria play a significant role in preventive or therapeutic interventions of gastrointestinal infections in human as well as animals. In this study, we have investigated the adhesion property of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus fermentum MTCC 8711 and its ability to prevent the adhesion of MRSA to human colon adenocarcinoma cells, Caco-2. We have shown that L. fermentum could efficiently adhere to the Caco-2 cells. Also, we have shown that L. fermentum significantly reduced MRSA adhesion to Caco-2 cells. Three types of experiments were performed to assess the anti-adhesion property of L. fermentum against MRSA. Inhibition (Caco-2 cells were pre-treated with L. fermentum, and subsequently MRSA was added), competition (both L. fermentum and MRSA were added to Caco-2 cells simultaneously), and displacement or exclusion (Caco-2 cells were pre-treated with MRSA, and subsequently L. fermentum was added). In all three experiments, adhesion of MRSA was significantly reduced. Interestingly, L. fermentum could efficiently displace the adhered MRSA, and hence this probiotic can be used for therapeutic applications also. In cytotoxicity assay, we found that L. fermentum per se was not cytotoxic, and also significantly reduced the MRSA-induced cytotoxicity. The protective effect occurred without affecting Caco-2 cell morphology and viability.

KARAKTERISTIK MINUMAN WHEY YANG DIFERMENTASIKAN DENGAN BAKTERI ASAM LAKTAT INDIGENUS ASAL DANGKE

Whey from the dangke processing center in Enrekang district, South Sulawesi, is the main by-product which can contribute to environmental pollution. On the other hand, the nutritional content of whey is highly potential to be developed into high value food products and provide functional benefits. Whey processing into a fermented drink is one of the easy and inexpensive alternatives with good prospect to be developed. The aim of this study was to investigate the microbial, physical, chemical and sensory characteristics of the whey drink fermented (FWD) by probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from dangke. The LAB strain used were Lactobacillus fermentum strains B323K, C113L, A323L, C222L, and B111K. The results showed that the LAB strains grew well the whey medium and the viability met the standard of dairy fermented product. FWD have similar pH, % titratable acidity, and aW characteristics in all fermentation treatments with LAB strains from dangke, however to adjust the pH and acidity level of FWD to the yoghurt standard (pH 4.4 and %TAT 0.9–1.2%), the FWD fermentation must be stopped at the 20th hour. Changes in the level of moisture, ash, and carbohydrate contents of FWD occurred after the fermentation. The sensory quality tests showed that the FWD fermented by LAB strains from dangke was preferred by the panelists than the unfermented one (Whey + 8% sucrose).

Evaluation of Probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum CCM 7421 Administration with Alginite in Dogs.

There are growing efforts to find applications for various naturally occurring organo-mineral rocks. They have so far been preferentially used in agriculture and forestry; however, medicine and nutrition may also be interesting areas for their application. This study investigates the effects of dietary supplementation with canine-derived probiotic strain Lactobacillus fermentum CCM 7421 in combination with alginite in dogs. Alginite is a loam-like material of volcanic origin composed of clay minerals and fossilised unicellular algae. The effects of these additives on faecal microbiota, faecal characteristics, short-chain fatty acid profile, haematology, serum biochemistry and cellular immunity parameters were monitored. Forty dogs were randomly divided into four treatment groups: control group (C), alginite-supplemented group (A; 1% diet), probiotic group (LF; L. fermentum CCM 7421 at a dose of 109cfu/day/dog) and combined group (A + LF group); 10 dogs in each group. The experiment lasted for 35days with a 14-day treatment period (sample collection at days 0, 7, 14 and 35). The results of this straightforward experiment showed beneficial effects in the combined A + LF group. In detail, a decrease in faecal coliforms and clostridia and an increase in lactic acid bacteria, haemoglobin and serum magnesium levels compared to baseline were observed in the A + LF group (P < 0.05). In contrast, sole application of alginite (A group) led to several unexpected effects such as an increase in clostridial population and serum alanine aminotrasferase and a decrease in haemoglobin concentration (P < 0.05). The addition of alginite prevented a decrease in faecal pH and serum mineral content observed in the LF group. This indicates the possibility of applying alginite also in the nutrition of dogs as a combinative additive with probiotic bacteria for restoring optimal acid-alkali balance without affecting positive probiotic effects.

Positive enhancement of Lactobacillus fermentum HY01 on intestinal movements of mice having constipation

Lactobacilli have been used to treat many gastrointestinal disorders. But the outcome of Lactobacilli are strain specific. The strain Lactobacillus Fermentum, HY01, (LF-HY01) has a good performance in the environment of gastrointestinal tract. In this study, the aim is to investigate the preventive effects of LF-HY01 against activated-carbon-induced constipation in mice. Mice are randomized into four groups. Normal group was fed a normal diet, model group also has the same with activated carbon treatment, and low and high concentration groups are treated with LF-HY01. We have determined many indexes such as body weight, water content in faeces, defecation conditions, the level of small intestinal villi damages and levels of various neurotransmitters in serum, including motilin (MTL), gastrin (GT), endothelin (ET), somatostatin (SST), acetylcholinesterase (AchE), substance P (SP), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). LF-HY01 has no significant difference in each group, but it can significantly improve water content of faeces, defecation time of first black stool and activated carbon propelling rate in small intestine as compared of model group. Furthermore, LF-HY01 can effectively prevent small intestinal villi damages, which is less than that of model group. Moreover, LF-HY01 has the consistency to increase the levels of MTL, GT, ET, AchE, SP and VIP, and LF-HY01 can also have the ability to reduce the level of SST. These results suggest that Lactobacillus Fermentum, HY01, has a great impact in enhancing intestinal peristalsis ability and has the ability to prevent from activated-carbon-induced constipation in mice.

Effects of Fusarium verticillioides and Lactobacillus Strains Inoculation on Growth and Antioxidant Enzymes Activity of Zea mays Plants

Abstract The current research based on greenhouse experiment evaluates the impact of the Lactobacillus strains (Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paralimentaris, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus pentosus, and Lactobacillus buchneri) previously isolated from maize silage on the Fusarium verticillioides-infected maize plants. The growth parameters as well as catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and peroxidase antioxidant enzymes activity were investigated in one-month old seedlings, after inoculations with Fusarium or co-inoculations with Fusarium and the Lactobacillus strains. Application of Lactobacillus strains in maize seedlings significantly enhanced the plant growth and biomass. The best effect was observed when the L. buchneri was applied. It was revealed that inoculation with Fusarium stimulated antioxidant enzyme activity and co-inoculation with Lactobacillus strains reduced the enzyme activity, compared to Fusarium treatment alone. This is the first report that revealed the bioprotective role of Lactobacillus strains against F. verticillioides.

Newly Isolated Lactobacilli strains from Algerian Human Vaginal Microbiota: Lactobacillus fermentum Strains Relevant Probiotic's Candidates.

Lactobacilli strains are considered as a preventive means for treatment of vaginal infections or post-antibiotic treatment to repopulate the vaginal mucosa. This study aimed at establishing the vaginal lactobacillus profile of Algerian women with different vaginal diseases. Afterwards, lactobacilli isolated from swabs were in vitro characterized for their probiotic hallmarks. This prospective study allowed isolation of 44 Lactobacillus strains and 160 potentially pathogens, among which are Escherichia coli (50 isolates), Staphylococcus sp. (38 isolates), Enterococcus sp. (16 isolates), and Candida sp. (56 isolates). All Lactobacilli strains were characterized for their antagonism, adhesion to polystyrene, and resistance to acidity and bile. Consequently, six Lactobacillus strains (Lb. fermentum 5LB4, 5LB10, 5LB12, Lb. plantarum 5LB2, 5LB11, and Lactobacillus sp. 4LB9) were moderately or weakly adherent, and 35 potentially pathogens exhibited weak to strong adhesion to polystyrene. Antagonism was recorded for 36 Lactobacillus strains towards E. coli 6E2, S. aureus 7S3, Enterococcus sp. 5EN8, and Candida albicans C1 used as indicator organisms. Finally, Lb. fermentum 9LB6, 4LB16, and 10LB1 and Lb. plantarum 9LB4 were remarkable for their inhibitory activity, absence of hemolytic potential, and for their resistance to acidity (pH1.5) and bile (0.5%) harsh conditions.

Ability of lactobacilli isolated from traditional cereal-based fermented food to produce folate in culture media under different growth conditions

Folates are essential vitamins (B9). Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can be used to increase the folate levels in foods during fermentation. Here, 151 LAB strains isolated from fermented food were screened for folate production. Folates were extracted by heat treatment coupled with enzymatic extraction. Total, extra- and intracellular folate were quantified by microbiological assay. Most Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus fermentum strains synthesized folate, Pediococcus pentosaceus strains consumed folate, and Pediococcus acidilactici strains either consumed or produced. Seven strains were further examined for their ability to synthesize or consume folate during growth in rich folate medium (MRS) and folate-free medium (FACM). For most strains, the differences observed in MRS were attenuated in FACM. L. fermentum 8.2 and L. plantarum 6.2 produced the highest levels of folates in MRS (97 and 93 ng·mL−1) and FACM (29 and 44 ng·mL−1). In most cases, production reached a maximum from 9 or 11 h to 24 h. Incubations in FACM with mixed LAB cultures showed that folate production is not additive. We demonstrated how biosynthesis of folate by LAB depends on species, strains, and is highly influenced by time and medium composition. Characterized LAB strains can be further explored for novel folate bio-enriched functional food.

Potential of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Dangke and Indonesian Beef as Hypocholesterolaemic Agent

Lactobacillus fermentum strains were successfully isolated from dangke which was a fresh cheese-like product originating from Enrekang, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. In addition, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus acidophillus were isolated from beef. This study aimed to investigate the ability of those 8 LAB strains from dangke and beef in lowering cholesterol level by using in vitro study. Strain of Lactic acid bacteria used were L. fermentum strains (A323L, B111K, B323K, C113L, C212L), L. plantarum strains (IIA-1A5 and IIA-2C12), and L. acidophillus IIA-2B4. Variables observed were identification of Bile Salt Hydrolase (BSH) gene by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), BSH activity and cholesterol assimilation. Phylogenetic tree indicated homology of L. plantarum IIA-IA5 was 98% to BSH gene of L. plantarum Lp529 with access code of FJ439771 and FJ439775 obtained from GenBank. The results demonstrated that eight strains of LAB isolated from dangke and beef that potentially showed cholesterol-lowering effects were L. fermentum B111K and L. plantarum IIA-1A5. L. fermentum B111K was able to assimilate cholesterol by 4.10% with assimilated cholesterol of 0.13 mg in 1010 cells. In addition, L. plantarum IIA-1A5 had BSH gene and BSH activity, as well as the ability to assimilate cholesterol by 8.10% with assimilated cholesterol of 0.06 mg in 1010 cells. It is concluded that L. fermentum B111K and L. plantarum IIA-1A5 were strains that showed cholesterol-lowering effects.