Prebiotic Activity Research Articles

Protective effects of melanoidins from black garlic on zearalenone-induced toxicity in zebrafish embryonic developmental model

Zearalenone (ZEN), a ubiquitous mycotoxin that widely occurs in grain and foodstuff may induce serious toxic effects after accumulation in vivo. Melanoidins (MLDs) have shown multiple bio-functional properties such as antioxidant, anti-bacterial and prebiotic activities. Black garlic exhibits several advantages over fresh garlic related to health improvement. In this study, the alleviative effects of black garlic MLDs on ZEN-induced toxicity and the potential mechanisms were studied using zebrafish embryonic developmental model. The results showed that MLDs restored the ZEN-induced adverse influences on zebrafish embryonic development, including delay in hatching time, morphological abnormality and the impairment of nervous development. Further studies showed that MLDs significantly inhibited the ZEN-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhanced the intrinsic antioxidant ability by increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) and the content of glutathione (GSH). In addition, co-exposure of MLDs significantly inhibited the ZEN-stimulated cellular apoptosis in zebrafish larvae through down-regulation of pro-apoptotic genes of bax, caspase-3 and caspase-9 and up-regulation of anti-apoptotic gene bcl-2. Moreover, MLDs inhibited the in vivo accumulation of ZEN in zebrafish larvae. To sum up, MLDs attenuated the ZEN-induced zebrafish embryonic developmental toxicity through suppression of the oxidative stress and intervention on mitochondria apoptosis pathway as well as inhibiting the absorption of ZEN in zebrafish embryos/larvae. The results suggest that black garlic MLDs have potential to be used as a functional ingredient against the adverse effects of exogenous toxins.

In vitro evaluation of enzymatically derived blackcurrant extract as prebiotic cosmetic ingredient: extraction conditions optimization and effect on cutaneous microbiota representatives

BackgroundBlackcurrant is a rich source of polyphenols with proven physiological activity, that have lately been classified as emerging prebiotics, making its extracts suitable for application in functional food and bioactive cosmetics. However, these biomolecules are trapped in cell wall structures and nowadays, enzymatic hydrolysis is recognised as powerful tool for extraction efficiency improvement in an environmentally sound manner. This study aimed to optimize enzyme-assisted extraction to maximize yields of blackcurrant polyphenols. In addition, their prebiotic potential was tested by examining their influence on typical skin microbiota representatives as model microorganisms—beneficial coagulase-negative Staphylococcus epidermidis and two opportunistic pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Cutibacterium acnes.ResultsAmong four examined commercial enzyme preparations, Viscozyme® L and Rohapect® MC, demonstrated the highest potential as extraction enhancers by increasing antioxidant activity, total polyphenol, and flavonoid contents. Furthermore, their synergetic effect enabled 95.3% increase in polyphenol concentration compared to conventional extraction with a maximum of 27.6 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry matter (DM) at a total enzyme concentration of 0.05 mL/g DM (Viscozyme® L to Rohapect® MC ratio 2:1) after 60 min. HPLC profiles of two samples showed differences in polyphenol composition indicating simultaneous extraction–biotransformation. At a concentration of 0.025 mg GAE/mL, PAS (prebiotic activity score) values were 0.096 and 0.172 for conventionally and enzymatically obtained extract, respectively. Moderate inhibitory effect of optimal extract concentration on Cutibacterium acnes was shown, as well. Hydrogel prepared with optimal extract concentration showed improved hydration effect, decreased irritability and increased dermatological compatibility comparing to basic formulation.ConclusionsOverall results demonstrated that blackcurrant extract obtained under optimized conditions using enzymes possesses an emerging prebiotic potential for selective skin microbiota stimulation.Graphical

Application of microbial exopolysaccharides in packaging films for the food industry: a review

SummaryExopolysaccharides (EPS) are high‐valued biopolymers produced by microorganisms, which are secreted to the outside of the microbial cell as capsules or soluble slime and have unique characteristics that make their application possible in multiple industries. EPS have shown antioxidant, prebiotic, and antimicrobial activity. In addition, they have been described as non‐toxic, biodegradable, and safe biopolymers for applications in food processes. Due to these characteristics, they became essential complements in the design of environmentally friendly packaging, mainly in the development of bioactive, edible, and intelligent films. In this sense, the objectives of this review were to discuss relevant issues on EPS production for environmentally sustainable food packaging, including principles, recently identified sources, and biosynthesis of different types of EPS produced by microorganisms on different substrates. The potential use of these components in manufacturing packaging films is also discussed as a promising strategy to extend the shelf life of foods.

Exploring the prebiotic potential of fermented glutinous rice filtrate: In vitro skin bacterial balance and biological activities

This study aimed to investigate the prebiotic potential of fermented glutinous rice filtrate (FRF) for the skin bacterial balance, evaluate its suitability for topical formulations, and gain insights into its prebiotic properties. The fermentation process was carried out using an inoculum of Saccharomycopsis fibuligera (S. fibuligera) under various conditions, including the amount of initial inoculum, inoculum strain, incubation time, and concentration of the rice solution. The fermented glutinous rice filtrate was screened for prebiotic activity, and the selected FRF candidate functional ingredient was evaluated for its composition and bacterial growth. An in vitro skin bacterial balance assessment was conducted using a cell culture model to examine the interaction between beneficial bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis) and pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). The viable counts of St. epidermidis were significantly higher in FRF treated than in Phosphate Buffer Saline incubation. Decreasing the amount of St. aureus were occurred in FRF incubated on the 2D and 3D skin models. Additionally, the antioxidant assay and anti-inflammation test were used to evaluate biological activities related to cosmetic applications. The results demonstrated that the prepared FRF had significant prebiotic activity on the skin bacteria model, with a nontoxic profile, making it a potentially useful tool for topical application. The finding of the study unveiled the potential of the optimized fermented glutinous rice within the green practices.

PSIV-30 Exploring the Prebiotic Activities of Proanthocyanidins on a Platform Using the Three-Dimensionally (3D)-Cultured Organoids

Abstract Using antibiotics, the antimicrobial substance active against bacteria and promoting growth efficiency, in feedstuffs and food supply has been attracting great attention due to its side effects and contribution to antibiotic resistance. Therefore, exploring talternatives to antibiotics is of great significance and urgent need for human health and animal industries with a sustainable high efficiency. The objective of this study is to evaluate the biological and medicinal activities of the monomers of proanthocyanidins (PAs), such as epicatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, and flavanols such as quercetin, isoquercetrin, and rutin generated from engineered plants. The evaluations were performed in intestinal organoids isolated from ileum of neonatal piglets. The organoids after expended in vitro were incubated with or without the candidate compounds for 24 hours, and then treated with or without polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [Poly (I:C), 10 µg/mL] for another 24 hours, a synthetic analog of double-stranded RNA (can induce a molecular pattern associated with viral infections). Cell proliferation, barrier function, toll-like receptor pathway and apoptosis as well as organic cation transporters were assessed by measuring the abundance of the corresponding genes. Concentration gradient (0 to 200 µM) measurements showed that isoquercetrin and epigallocatechin gallate might stimulate the intestinal cell proliferation, promote the uptake of L-carnitine, and increase barrier function and mucin secretion (P < 0.05). Epigallocatechin gallate and epicatechin might affect the inflammation responses via modifying expression of Interleukins but not induce apoptosis. Interactions between the examined these compounds and Poly (I: C) were not observed (P > 0.05), but the influence on the challenged pattern were tested for some of the measured genes (P < 0.05). Based on the data collected from this in vitro study, we conclude that epigallocatechin gallate is a potential PA monomer with all prebiotic characteristics and its applicable values in feedstuff and food supply should be studied in vivo studies in domestic (food) animals with and without antigen challenges. Supported by NC Biotechnology Center project (1107)2022-3082 and the North Carolina Agricultural Research Hatch Projects 02780.

Unrevealing the in vitro impacts of Cereus jacamaru DC. cladodes flour on potentially probiotic strains, selected bacterial populations, and metabolic activity of human intestinal microbiota

This study investigated the potential impacts of the flour from Cereus jamacaru cactus cladodes (CJF), a cactus native to the Brazilian Caatinga biome, on the growth and metabolism of different potentially probiotic strains, as well as on the abundance of selected intestinal bacterial populations and microbial metabolic activity during in vitro colonic fermentation with a pooled human fecal inoculum. Cultivation of the probiotics in a medium with C. jamacaru cladodes flour (20 g/L) resulted in viable cell counts of up to 9.8 log CFU/mL, positive prebiotic activity scores (0.73–0.91), decreased pH and sugar contents, and increased lactic, acetic, and propionic acid production over time, indicating enhanced probiotic growth and metabolic activity. CJF overall increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus spp./Enterococcus spp. (2.12–3.29%) and Bifidobacterium spp. (4.08–4.32%) and decreased the relative abundance of Bacteroides spp./Prevotella spp. (8.35–6.81%), Clostridium histolyticum (6.91–3.59%), and Eubacterium rectale/Clostridium coccoides (7.70–3.95%) during 48 h of an in vitro colonic fermentation using a pooled human fecal inoculum. CJF stimulated the microbial metabolic activity, with decreased pH, sugar consumption, lactic and short-chain fatty acid production, alterations in overall metabolic profiling and phenolic compound contents, and maintenance of high antioxidant capacity during colonic fermentation. These results show that CJF stimulated the growth and metabolic activity of distinct potential probiotics, increased the relative abundance of beneficial intestinal bacterial groups, and stimulated microbial metabolism during in vitro colonic fermentation. Further studies using advanced molecular technologies and in vivo experimental models could forward the investigation of the potential prebiotic properties of CJF.

Xylooligosaccharides produced from sugarcane leaf arabinoxylan using xylanase from Aureobasidium pullulans NRRL 58523 and its prebiotic activity toward Lactobacillus spp.

In an attempt to enhance the value of sugarcane leaf, xylan was extracted and used for xylooligosaccharide (XO) production via enzymatic hydrolysis using xylanase from the black yeast Aureobasidium pullulans. The xylan was extracted from sugarcane leaf using alkali extraction according to the response surface methodology. The highest xylan yield (99.42 ± 4.05 % recovery) was obtained using 14.32 % (w/v) NaOH, 13.25:1 liquid: solid ratio, at 121 °C and 15 lb.in2 for 32 min. Sugar composition and FTIR spectrum analyses confirmed its structure as arabinoxylan. The extracted arabinoxylan had a relatively high molecular weight compared to previous studies. Crude endoxylanase from A. pullulans NRRL 58523 was selected for enzymatic hydrolysis of the xylan. The enzyme hydrolyzed well at 50 °C, pH 4.0 and was relatively stable under this condition (87.38 ± 1.26 % of the activity remained after 60 h). XOs, especially xylobiose and xylotriose, were obtained at the maximum yield of 237.51 ± 17.69 mg/g xylan via endoxylanase hydrolysis under the optimum conditions (50 °C, pH 4.0, 65.31 U/g xylan, 53 h). XOs exhibited species-specific prebiotic activity toward three strains of Lactobacillus spp. but not toward Bifidobacterium spp.

Modern Possibilities of Using Lactulose in Clinical Practice

Aim of the publication. To present an overview of current literature data on the possibilities of application of lactulose in clinical practice.Key findings. Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide belonging to the class of osmotic laxatives. Officially permitted indications for its appointment in Russian Federation are functional constipation (including in children, the elderly and senile, pregnant women and women in postpartum period), an obstipation type of irritable bowel syndrome, the need to soften the consistency of feces in hemorrhoids and anal fissures, after operations on the colon and anorectal area, as well as hepatic encephalopathy. Other indications include preparation for colonoscopy, treatment and prevention of disorders of the intestinal microbiota, prevention of constipation in oncological patients receiving narcotic analgesics, as well as patients on artificial lung ventilation.Conclusion. Lactulose is a highly effective and safe drug, which combines osmotic laxative effect with expressed prebiotic action and is used in a wide clinical practice.

Enzymatic generation of cocoa bean shells oligosaccharides and feruloylated oligo/polysaccharides

Cell wall polysaccharides isolated from two varieties (NAC, CCN) of cocoa bean shell (CBS) consisted mainly of pectic polysaccharides, primarily rhamnogalacturonan, and hemicelluloses. Enzymatic hydrolysis of CBS polysaccharides was performed using bi-enzymatic (arabinase/galactanase) and multi-enzymatic systems. Viscozyme® L led to the highest yield (76.64%) of NAC-based oligosaccharides of DP 3–5 (42.04%, mol) and 6–10 (36.78%, mol). The hydrolysis of CCN-based polysaccharides by Depol™ 670L led to 20.72% yield, while generating a diverse complex of oligosaccharides of DP up to 10. When tested for the promotion of the growth of selected probiotic strains, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium longum, oligosaccharides performed similarly or more than inulin and rhamnogalacturonan based on the prebiotic activity scores. In addition, the production of lactic, acetic, butyric and traces of propionic were prominent. Free feruloyl esterases from rumen microorganism provided best feruloylation efficiencies with CBS polysaccharides (56.9–60.1%), while that from Humicola insolens provided best feruloylation efficiencies with the oligosaccharides (30.8–50.5%). The antioxidant activity of feruloylated polysaccharides were expressed using three assays, DPPH, ORAC, and ABTS. Feruloylated CBS polysaccharides prompted significantly notable increases in the scavenging and antioxidant activity compared to their native forms as well as ferulic and ascorbic acid. Overall, CBS oligo- and feruloylated polysaccharides show great potential for use as optimal functional food ingredients.

Antioxidant Activities and Prebiotic Activities of Water-Soluble, Alkali-Soluble Polysaccharides Extracted from the Fruiting Bodies of the Fungus Hericium erinaceus.

In this study, the digestion and fermentation properties of the bioactive water-soluble polysaccharide (HEP-W), and alkali-soluble polysaccharide (HEP-A) from Hericium erinaceus and the impact on the human colonic microbiota were determined using simulated saliva-gastrointestinal digestion and human fecal fermentation models in vitro. The basic physicochemical properties of HEP-W and HEP-A were determined at the same time. The results showed that the in vitro simulated digestion had almost no effect on the physicochemical properties of HEP-W and HEP-A, indicating that HEP-W and HEP-A were partially degraded. During fermentation, HEP-W and HEP-A increased the relative abundance of the dominant butyric acid-producing genera, the microbial community structure was significantly regulated, the gas production and short-chain fatty acid production in the fermentation broth were significantly increased, and the pH of the fermentation broth was reduced. There were structural and other differences in HEP-W and HEP-A due to different extraction methods, which resulted in different results. These results suggest that HEP-W and HEP-A may be potential gut microbial manipulators to promote gut health by promoting the production of beneficial metabolites by intestinal microorganisms using different butyric acid production pathways.

A comprehensive review of pseudo-cereals: Nutritional profile, phytochemicals constituents and potential health promoting benefits

Pseudo-cereals with high nutritional value include amaranth, buckwheat, and quinoa. Pseudo-cereals have an excellent phytochemical profile as well as a nutritional profile rich in high-quality proteins. Dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals, phenolics, and other bio-active compounds are found in pseudo-cereals. Pseudo-cereals may be employed in a range of processed functional foods since they include bio-active polyphenols, flavonoids, fagopyritols, saponins, vitamins, and minerals. As a result, the commoditization of pseudo-cereals containing functional ingredients would assist those suffering from a range of lifestyle disorders. Pseudo-cereals are gluten-free foods that can be included in celiac disease diets since they contain barely any gluten. The inclusion of these in the diets of celiac patients could alleviate their deficiency of fiber intake. Their application in food items inculcates bakery products and pasta, which are mostly consumed. Based on this, this review evaluated the nutritional composition of pseudo-cereals, including protein, carbohydrate, dietary fiber, fat, minerals, and vitamins. Pseudocereals are reported to possess cardio-protective, anti-cancerous, hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity as well as antioxidant properties It has also been recommended that pseudocereals are an alternative source of complete protein that can be used to make peptides having potentaila to combact various chronic diseases. Several health benefits including allergies, celiac disease, hypocholesterolemia, anti-cancer, prebiotic action, and anti-diabetic effects have been highlighted. Potential industrial uses of pseudo-cereals include gluten-free baking items, noodles and pasta, the beverage sector, animal feed, granolas, and morning cereals are discussed.

In vitro study of potential prebiotic properties of monovarietal extra virgin olive oils

Olive oil, essential ingredient of the Mediterranean diet, is attracting a growing interest due to increasing evidence on its beneficial effects on human health. This study investigated whether extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) possess prebiotic properties. Twenty different monovarietal EVOO samples from 5 Marche region cultivars (Italy) were studied. The prebiotic activity of EVOOs was assessed monitoring the selective stimulation of gut bacterial species and the short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production, using an in vitro fermentation system. All EVOOs selectively stimulated Lactobacillus spp., with a stronger activity than that observed in the inulin fermentation (positive control). Also, the bifidobacteria population increased; this bifidogenic stimulation was of EVOOs from Raggia cultivar. SCFAs appeared significantly higher after 24 h in all EVOO fermentations than in the control. Acetic and propionic acids production was particularly stimulated. Overall, most of the investigated EVOOs had a potential prebiotic activity, similar or stronger than inulin.

Chemical Composition of Different Extracts from Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench Roots and Evaluation of Their Antimicrobial Activity

This research aimed to reveal the chemical composition of different fractions obtained by sequential extraction of purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) roots and to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of some of them. Hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water were used as solvents to obtain the corresponding extracts. A GC-MS analysis was employed to reveal the chemical composition of hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate fractions. Conventional and ultrasound-assisted water extraction was performed to isolate inulin-type polysaccharides. Eighteen microorganisms were used for testing the antimicrobial activity of the obtained organic extracts. From GC-MS analysis more than forty compounds were detected in the fractions, including fatty acids, organic acids, fatty alcohols, sterols, and terpenes. Only in ethyl acetate extract were found mannitol and fructose isomers, while in chloroform extract were detected α- and β-amyrin, and betulin. Ethyl acetate fraction demonstrated the highest antimicrobial activity against 11 microorganisms (Bacillus cereus, B. amyloliquefaciens, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enteritis, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Saccharomices cerevisiae, and Peniclium sp.). The polysaccharide fractions were structurally characterized by FT-IR and NMR studies as linear inulin having β-(2→1)-linked Fru units and a T-Glc unit linked α-(1→2). Inulin from coneflower roots showed poor flowability, promising bulk and tapped density, swelling properties, and better oil-holding than water-holding capacity. This study demonstrated the potential of coneflower root fractions as a rich source of phytochemicals with antimicrobial activities and potential prebiotic activity due to inulin content (15% yield) and echinacea root as a useful biobased industrial crop/material.

Bioactivity of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Peels Flour to Improve Probiotics Viability in Micro Co-Encapsulation by Ionic Gelation

ABSTRACT Important ingredients in the food industry, like dietary fiber as prebiotic, or polyphenols with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, can be obtained from agro-industrial coproducts. In this research, pomegranate peel flour was employed as co-encapsulant by ionotropic gelation to obtain a synbiotic capsule. There was a considerable amount of insoluble fiber (27.2±1.4 %) and the polyphenols demonstrated an acceptable antioxidant capacity (TEAC= 1121) and antimicrobial activity as well (equal to tetracycline, higher than erythromycin). Pomegranate peel flour resulted in higher mean growth rate values and mean generation times, indicating the LAB capacity to metabolize the insoluble fiber, related to prebiotic activity. As co-encapsulant ingredient, pomegranate peel flour, enhanced the viability of the encapsulated probiotic strains, maintaining the mean growth rate constant during storage. Since co-encapsulation maintained a high cells viability (>80%), the pomegranate peel flour can be employed as a prebiotic co-encapsulant to develop symbiotic ingredients for the food industry.

Longan pulp polysaccharides regulate gut microbiota and metabolites to protect intestinal epithelial barrier.

Longan pulp polysaccharide is a bioactive component with prebiotic activity and intestinal barrier protection. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of digestion and fermentation on the bioavailability and intestinal barrier protection of polysaccharide LPIIa from longan pulp. The molecular weight of LPIIa didn't change significantly after gastrointestinal digestion in vitro. After fecal fermentation, 56.02% of LPIIa was consumed by gut microbiota. The short-chain fatty acid level in LPIIa group was 51.63% higher than that in blank group. LPIIa intake also increased short-chain fatty acid production and G-protein-coupled receptor 41 expression in the colon of mice. Moreover, LPIIa improved the relative richness of Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, and Bifidobacterium in colon content. Compared to LPIIa, fecal fermented LPIIa better protected intestinal epithelial barrier by increasing Zonula occludens-1 expression. These results provided an important basis for the design of functional food based on longan polysaccharides to prevent intestinal barrier damage related diseases.

Digestion and gut-microbiota fermentation of cocoa melanoidins: An in vitro study

This research aimed to compare the in vitro digestibility and fermentability of melanoidins extracted from cocoa nibs fast-roasted with a fluidized bed roaster (FR-melanoidins), melanoidins from cocoa nibs slow-roasted in a convective oven (SR-melanoidins), and native high molecular weight compounds extracted from unroasted cocoa nibs (UR-HMWC). Data showed that both types of melanoidin extracts, especially FR-melanoidins, better release polyphenols during digestion and earlier produce short-chain fatty acids during in vitro fermentation than UR-HMWC. The delayed catabolism of UR-HMWC resembled that of dense fibers, while FR- and SR-melanoidins resembled oligosaccharides. The production of SCFA was positively correlated with the increase in Bacteroides sp. The profile of the genera identified in the proximal colon showed the differences in fermentability between FR- and SR-melanoidins, with FR-melanoidins having the higher relative growth of nonpathogenic bacteria. This study demonstrated the in vitro digestibility of bound phenolic compounds and the potential prebiotic activity of cocoa melanoidins.

Enzymatic production of cello-oligosaccharides with potential human prebiotic activity and release of polyphenols from grape marc

Grape marc, the main winemaking byproduct, is an excellent source of bioactive polyphenols, such as anthocyanins, resveratrol and quercetin. An enzyme-catalysed treatment of marc was developed using endo-1,4-β-d-glucanase to release polyphenol O-glucosides and simultaneously generate the optimal concentration of water-soluble cello-oligosaccharides (COS), including cellopentaose, cellotriose, and cellobiose from the marc matrix. The prebiotic properties of marc hydrolysate rich in COS was assessed using human probiotic monocultures of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. strains, and invitro human faecal fermentation. The COS-rich hydrolysate showed excellent prebiotic effect in both studies, successfully supporting the growth of beneficial probiotic strains, and was highly fermentable by faecal microbiota producing gas and short chain fatty acids. Acetate and propionate production were the highest when faecal bacteria fermented COS-rich solution compared with standard substrates. For the first time, COS was shown to be fermented by faecal microbiota, demonstrating the potential benefits of valorised grape marc.

Development and characterization of symbiotic microcapsules to enhance the viability of probiotic under stressed conditions

ABSTRACT In the present research, the survival and sustainability of a Lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotic has been investigated with regard to the prebiotic impact of introducing two different kinds of onion (Allium cepa L.) peel extract to probiotic microcapsules. Effective inclusion of red and white onion peel extract featuring good prebiotic action into the microcapsules enhanced probiotic survival. The structure, distribution of size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficacy of probiotics and substances in the extract were evaluated along with the probiotics capability to persist under simulated gastrointestinal circumstances. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to investigate the molecular structure and internal framework. The wall and core components possess adhesive relationships, as demonstrated by FTIR spectra. Probiotics that were free and those that were in capsules were evaluated as well in vitro in undesirable persistence performance (>90%). Probiotics with encapsulation exhibited substantially (p > .05) greater vitality compared free cells, in accordance with an in-vitro experiment. Under simulated gastrointestinal situations, free cells continued diminishing their vitality, but encapsulated cells maintained their viability count beyond the suggested level (107 cfu/g). SEM photographs indicated that probiotics have been effectively encapsulated inblends. The microcapsules were around 191 ± 2 and 176 ± 2 μm in size. These outcomes reveal that these kinds of microcapsules may encourage the probiotic L. rhamnosus prolonged viability and consistency under multiple conditions.

Preparation of lactosucrose catalyzed by levansucrase and evaluation of its prebiotic activity

Prebiotics play an important role in biological processes, which has stimulated great interest in their synthesis. This paper reports a levansucrase from Bacillus subtilis, demonstrating high catalytic selectivity for the synthesis of prebiotic lactosucrose with sucrose as a donor and lactose as an acceptor. The product was purified and the structure was characterized. The effects of lactosucrose on the proliferation and acid production of bifidobacterium and lactobacillus were better than that of lactulose and galactooligosaccharides(GOS). The short chain fatty acid (SCFA) content in the fermentation broth was also measured. It contains large amounts of SCFAs that act roles in intestinal homeostasis. The lactosucrose affected inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages since they suppressed inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 well as compared to the control. Also, lactosucrose had no cytotoxicity in the concentration range of 10 mg/mL. These results indicate that lactosucrose was effective in promoting the proliferation of intestinal probiotics and have anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, lactosucrose has positive prebiotic activity.

Morphological, physicochemical, and functional properties of 15 different dietary carbohydrate sources in Sri Lanka

AbstractBackgroundCarbohydrate is the primary source of energy in the human diet and plays an important role in a healthy diet. In this study, 15 different carbohydrate sources (white raw rice, red raw rice, white basmati rice, red basmati rice, wheat, atta flour, soy, black gram, corn, finger millet, water lily seeds, kithul, chickpea, oats, and palmyra sprouts) in Sri Lanka were investigated for their physicochemical and functional properties.ResultsThe shape of the extracted starch granules varied according to the source, and the amylose content ranged from 17.22% to 36.12%. Kithul and black gram showed the highest water swelling capacity and water absorption index, respectively. Flour of white raw rice and finger millet showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) freeze–thaw stability than other sources. Flour of Soy, black gram, and chickpea showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) dietary fiber content and potassium content than other samples. Water lily seeds showed remarkable in vitro prebiotic activity from the studied carbohydrate sources.ConclusionThe study indicates the potential utilization of raw white rice, palmyra, and finger millet starch in the food processing industry as alternatives to conventional starch sources. Furthermore, the flour from water lily seeds, white basmati rice, soy, and black gram has the potential for use in functional food preparation, offering a wide range of health benefits.