Probiotic Lactobacillus Plantarum Research Articles

The Consumption Effect of Indigenous Probiotic Powder Lactobacillus plantarum Dad-13 on Gut Microbiota Population and Short Chain Fatty Acids in Students of SMPN 1 Pangururan, Samosir

The human intestine is a diverse ecosystem populated by microbiota affected by several factors, including age. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of the probiotic powder Lactobacillus plantarum Dad-13 on the numbers of gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and fecal characteristics in healthy adolescents. This research was conducted at SMPN 1 Pangururan, Samosir, with a randomized, double-blind, parallel placebo-controlled trial. 54 healthy adolescents aged 13 to 14 were divided into two groups, one consumed a gram of skimmed milk powder (placebo group) and the other ingested powder containing L. plantarum Dad-13 with 1.18 × 109 CFU/gram (probiotic group). After 33 days of intervention, the height of placebo group (149.42 ± 5.03 cm) and probiotic group (154.37 ± 4.67 cm) increased significantly. Significant increases in body weight (44.35 kg ± 4.61 to 45.20 kg ± 4.78) and BMI (and 18.77 ± 2.12 to 18.99 ± 2.11) were observed in the probiotic group. In the probiotic group, the numbers of gut microbiota were not significantly affected (p > 0.05). The amount of SCFA and fecal characteristics of both groups showed no significant differences. Thus, the consumption of L. plantarum Dad-13 increased weight, height, and BMI but could not influence the numbers of gut microbiota, SCFA, and the fecal characteristics of healthy adolescents.

Encapsulation of probiotics (Lactobacillus plantarum) in soyasaponin–soybean protein isolate water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsion for improved probiotic survival in the gastrointestinal tract

In this study, soyasaponin (Ssa), corn oil, and soybean protein isolate (SPI) were used to prepare a water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) double emulsion system that can protect Lactobacillus plantarum (L.P) in the upper gastrointestinal tract for delivery to the small intestine and colon. Incorporating different amounts of L.P (0.1–0.6% (w/v)) in the W/O/W double emulsion caused the viscoelastic modulus and droplet size of the L.P-embedded emulsion system to change, and the emulsion system transformed from a non-Newtonian fluid to a “solid-like” gel. These results revealed that L.P encapsulation led to significantly improved stability of the W/O/W emulsion. In addition, different concentrations of L.P had different effects on the survival rate of L.P in simulated digestive fluids, and after in vitro digestion, L.P was naturally delivered from the stomach into the intestines. The optimal concentration of L.P for obtaining a stable emulsion was found to be 0.3%, and the survival rate of the encapsulated L.P in the small intestine was as high as 78.96% after 1 h. Thus, choosing an appropriate amount of L.P was crucial. The W/O/W emulsion system effectively maintained the viability of L.P and successfully delivered it to the small intestine and colon.

PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF AMYLASE PRODUCED FROM PROBIOTIC LACTOBACILLUS PLANTARUM CS FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Previous studies have demonstrated that probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum CS was able to generate an appreciable amount of extracellular amylase, hence the need to purify and characterize it. The aim of the study was to purify and characterize crude amylase from probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum CS for its industrial applications Three purification steps including ammonium sulphate precipitation, ion exchange chromatography on carboxymethyl sephadex and gel filtration on Sephadex G-75 were utilized. The homogeneity of the purified enzyme was confirmed using sodium deodocyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The purified amylase was characterized on different parameters including substrates hydrolyses, pH and temperature activity and stability profiles. The general purification elution profile revealed two different peaks of amylase activities with outstanding one having a molecular weight of 59.7kDa. Its purification fold was 4.0 with specific activity of 16.44U/mg protein and enzyme yield of 3%. Temperature optimal activity and stability was at 400C and 7.5 for pH activity and stability. Mangenese (Mn2+) (135.17%), tween 80 (128.30%) and some food condiments garlic, thyme, ginger, and tumeric) significantly (p> 0.05) enhanced amylase activity (≥262.40%). However, selenium (Se4+) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were observed to have greatest inhibiting effect (≥30.9%) on the enzyme. Substrate hydrolysis profiles showed that the amylase hydrolyzed all the test starchy substrates with the highest hydrolytic potential on indigenous sweet potato starch (Km value/ Vmax of 1.33mg/ml/ 7.89ml). The rate of hydrolysis of other test substrates had yam> rice>cassava>corn with km values ≤ 4.0mg/ml and Vmax ≤ 25ml. The obtained results gave an insight that amylase produced from Lactobacillus plantarum CS met with the possessed properties suitable for any industrial application especially in food

Investigation of the Protective Effect of Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum Ep-M17 on the Hepatopancreas of Penaeus vannamei

Infection with the pathogenic bacterium Vibrio parahaemolyticus typically causes severe hepatopancreatic damage in Penaeus vannamei, often resulting in acute shrimp mortality. Therefore, protecting the shrimp’s hepatopancreas is crucial for enhancing their disease resistance. Previous research has demonstrated that the probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum Ep-M17 inhibits the growth of V. parahaemolyticus E1 in vitro. However, it remains uncertain whether Ep-M17 can provide protective benefits to the shrimp’s hepatopancreas. To address this knowledge gap, our present study investigated the histological changes, enzyme activity, gene transcription, and metabolite levels in the hepatopancreas of shrimp after a 4-week diet supplemented with Ep-M17. The results revealed that incorporating Ep-M17 into the shrimp’s diet alleviated the damage by V. parahaemolyticus E1 infection in hepatopancreatic cells. In addition, the inclusion of Ep-M17 notably boosted the effectiveness of immunodigestive enzymes such as SOD, AKP, and CAT. Furthermore, Ep-M17 stimulated gene transcription in crucial immune response-related signalling pathways like the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway and the antigen processing and presentation pathway. Moreover, the incorporation of Ep-M17 into shrimp diets increased the levels of β-alanine, and histidine in the hepatopancreas, enhancing anti-inflammatory capacity and improving the shrimp’s immune response. Overall, the results indicate that incorporating Ep-M17 into the diet can enhance shrimp disease resistance by bolstering both immune response and metabolic activity within the hepatopancreas. These results underscore the importance of probiotics in controlling aquatic animal diseases and highlight Ep-M17 as a promising dietary supplement for enhancing shrimp health and immunity in aquaculture.

Production of prebiotic enriched maple syrup through enzymatic conversion of sucrose into fructo-oligosaccharides

Maple syrup, a popular natural sweetener has a high content of sucrose, whose consumption is linked to different health issues such as obesity and diabetes. Hence, within this paper, the conversion of sucrose to prebiotics (fructo-oligosaccharides, FOS) was proposed as a promising approach to obtaining a healthier, value-added product. Enzymatic conversion was optimized with respect to key experimental factors, and thereafter derived immobilized preparation of fructosyltransferase (FTase) from Pectinex® Ultra SP-L (FTase-epoxy Purolite, 255 IU/g support) was successfully utilized to produce novel functional product in ten consecutive reaction cycles. The product, obtained under optimal conditions (60 °C, 7.65 IU/mL, 12 h), resulted in 56.0% FOS, 16.7% sucrose, and 27.3% monosaccharides of total carbohydrates, leading to a 1.6-fold reduction in caloric content. The obtained products` prebiotic potential toward the probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v was demonstrated. The changes in physico-chemical and sensorial characteristics were esteemed as negligible.

Investigating the impact of probiotic on neurological outcomes in Rett syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled pilot study.

Rett syndrome often involves gastrointestinal symptoms and gut microbiota imbalances. We conducted a study to explore the feasibility of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 and the impact on neurological functions in Rett syndrome. The results of our investigation demonstrated that the supplementation of probiotic L. plantarum PS128 was feasible and well tolerated, with 100% retention rate and 0% withdrawal rate. In addition, there was only one participant who had loose stool after taking L. plantarum PS128. Further, there was a tendency to enhance overall cognitive developmental level, as assessed using Mullen Scales of Early Learning. In addition, it significantly improved dystonia, as assessed using the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Movement Scale, in comparison with the placebo group. This study provides a strong foundation for future research and clinical trials exploring the potential of L. plantarum PS128 probiotics as a complementary therapy for individuals with Rett syndrome.

Alginate-coated pomelo pith cellulose matrix for probiotic encapsulation and controlled release

A novel carrier comprised of ethanol- and alkali-modified cellulosic pomelo pith matrix coated with alginate was developed to improve viability while enabling gastrointestinal release of probiotics. Scanning electron microscopy imaging revealed the agricultural byproduct had a honeycomb-structured cellulose framework, enabling high loading capacity of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum up to 9 log CFU/g. Ethanol treatment opened up pores with an average diameter of 97 μm, while alkali treatment increased swelling and porosity, with an average pore size of 51 μm. The survival rate through the stomach was increased from 89.76 % to 91.08 % and 91.24 % after ethanol and alkali modification, respectively. The control group displayed minimal release in the first 4 h followed by a burst release. Both ethanol modification and alkali modification resulted in constant linear release over time. The release time was prolonged when decreasing the width of the pomelo peel rolls from 10 mm to 5 mm while keeping the volume of the peel constant. After 8 weeks of refrigerated storage, the cellulose-encapsulated probiotics retained viability above 7 log CFU/g. This study demonstrates the potential of the structurally intact, sustainably-sourced cellulosic pomelo pith for probiotic encapsulation and controlled delivery.

Influence of supplementation with iron and probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus curvatus on selected parameters of inflammatory state in rats on a high-fat iron-deficient diet.

A high-fat (HF) diet, diet iron deficiency and iron supplementation may affect inflammatory parameters. Probiotics influence both iron metabolism and inflammation. We compared the inflammatory state in rats on a HF iron-deficient diet receiving oral iron, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus curvatus in different combinations. This was a two-stage experiment. In groups C (n = 8) and HF (n = 8), rats ate a control or HF diet, respectively, for 16 weeks. In the group HFDEF (n = 48), rats ate a HF iron-deficient diet for 8 weeks (first stage) and were subsequently divided into 6 groups (n = 8 each) receiving the following for a further 8 weeks (second stage): HFDEF - a HF iron-deficient diet; HFDEFFe - a HF iron-deficient diet with iron; HFDEFLp and HFDEFLc - a HF iron-deficient diet with L. plantarum or L. curvatus, respectively; and HFDEFFeLp and HFDEFFeLc - a HF iron-deficient diet with iron and L. plantarum or L. curvatus, respectively. Body composition analysis and blood sampling was performed. Markers of iron status and levels of total antioxidant status (TAS), C-reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured in the blood. TAS was higher in the HFDEF group (756.57 ± 489.53 ng mL-1) versus the HFDEFLc group (187.04 ± 47.84 ng mL-1; P = 0.022). No more differences were found between groups, or in TAS, CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations. Also, no differences were found between groups for alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, glucose, total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoproteins and triglycerides. TAS level was positively correlated with ferritin concentration, IL-6 with TAS and TNF-α with hepcidin level. Supplementation with L. plantarum, L. curvatus and iron in combinations exerts no influence on inflammatory status, lipid profile, hepatic function and serum fasting glucose in rats on a HF iron-deficient diet. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum GUANKE effectively alleviates allergic rhinitis symptoms by modulating functions of various cytokines and chemokines.

Currently, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) remains high and there is a great need to develop better and safer ways to alleviate AR symptoms. The Lactobacillus plantarum GUANKE probiotic was reported as an immunomodulator through maintaining Th1/Th2 balance. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of GUANKE in AR subjects. Adults aged from 18 to 60 years old and previously suffered from AR were recruited and received GUANKE probiotics treatment for 4 weeks. The questionnaires of Total nasal symptom scores (TNSS), total non-nasal symptom score (TNNSS), and rhinitis control assessment test (RCAT) were used to assess the effectiveness before and after treatment. The serum allergen-specific IgE and cytokines were also determined at baseline and after 4 weeks of probiotics administration. The results showed that TNSS and TNNSS were significantly reduced and the RCAT score was significantly increased compared to baseline. The sub-symptom score of rhinorrhea, itching, sneezing, and tearing in each questionnaire also showed significant changes, and the serum IgE level was markedly decreased. We further measured inflammatory-related proteins in serum and found that a total of 20 proteins (6 upregulated and 14 downregulated) were significantly changed compared to baseline, including IL-4, IL-7, IL-20, IL-33, CXCL1, CXCL5, CXCL6, CXCL11, CCL4, CCL23, TGF-alpha, LAP-TGF-beta-1, MMP-1, MMP-10, AXIN1, NT-3, OSM, SCF, CD6, and NRTN. Enrichment analysis showed that these significantly altered proteins were mainly enriched in cytokine and chemokine-related signaling pathways. Taken together, this study demonstrated the Lactobacillus plantarum GUANKE can serve as an effective immunobiotic for the treatment of AR, which is realized through maintaining the Th1/Th2 balance by modulating the functions of various cytokines and chemokines.

Lactobacillus plantarum attenuates glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis by altering the composition of rat gut microbiota and serum metabolic profile.

Osteoporosis, one of the most common non-communicable human diseases worldwide, is one of the most prevalent disease of the adult skeleton. Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis(GIOP) is the foremost form of secondary osteoporosis, extensively researched due to its prevalence.Probiotics constitute a primary bioactive component within numerous foods, offering promise as a potential biological intervention for preventing and treating osteoporosis. This study aimed to evaluate the beneficial effects of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum on bone health and its underlying mechanisms in a rat model of glucocorticoid dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis, using the osteoporosis treatment drug alendronate as a reference. We examined the bone microstructure (Micro-CT and HE staining) and analyzed the gut microbiome and serum metabolome in rats. The results revealed that L. plantarum treatment significantly restored parameters of bone microstructure, with elevated bone density, increased number and thickness of trabeculae, and decreased Tb.Sp. Gut microbiota sequencing results showed that probiotic treatment increased gut microbial diversity and the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidota decreased. Beneficial bacteria abundance was significantly increased (Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Ruminococcus, UCG_005, Romboutsia, and Christensenellaceae_R_7_group), and harmful bacteria abundance was significantly decreased (Desulfovibrionaceae). According to the results of serum metabolomics, significant changes in serum metabolites occurred in different groups. These differential metabolites were predominantly enriched within the pathways of Pentose and Glucuronate Interconversions, as well as Propanoate Metabolism. Furthermore, treatment of L. plantarum significantly increased serum levels of Pyrazine and gamma-Glutamylcysteine, which were associated with inhibition of osteoclast formation and promoting osteoblast formation. Lactobacillus plantarum can protect rats from DEX-induced GIOP by mediating the "gut microbial-bone axis" promoting the production of beneficial bacteria and metabolites. Therefore L. plantarum is a potential candidate for the treatment of GIOP.

Peranan Probiotik Lactobacillus plantarum IIA-1A5 dalam Meningkatkan Ketahanan Tubuh, Performa, dan Kualitas Telur Ayam Komersial

Probiotics are microorganisms that are non-pathogenic and beneficial for health when used in certain doses through the mechanism of increasing the function of the small intestine in chickens. This study aims to analyze the effect of adding the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum IIA-1A5 to feed to improve the body's immune system, production performance, and egg quality in laying hens aged 49‒52 weeks. The experimental design used was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The treatment for adding the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum IIA-1A5 to feed consists of four treatment levels, namely P0 (without probiotics), P1 (feed + 8.1 x 106 cfu/g or 1 g/kg feed), P2 (feed + 2.43 x 107 cfu/g or 3 g/kg feed), and P3 (feed + 4.86 x 107 cfu/g or 6 g/kg feed). The results of the study showed that administering the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum IIA-1A5 in feed could reduce Escherichia coli bacteria in the small intestine of laying hens. Giving the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum also had a significant effect (P<0.05) on feed consumption and egg yolk color. The addition of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum IIA-1A5 in feed can increase animal resistance, performance, and quality of chicken eggs. The use of probiotics with a treatment level of 1 g kg-1 feed (8.1 x 106 cfu g-1) showed the best results.
 
 Keywords: heat stress, laying hens, probiotic

Preparation of probiotic-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles and in vitro survival in gastrointestinal conditions

In the present study, Probiotics (Lactobacillus plantarum) loaded-solid lipid nanoparticles were prepared and characterized. Probiotics have proven to possess significant potential in addressing a range of conditions, encompassing neurodegenerative disorders, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammatory conditions. Additionally, they show efficacy in sustaining a harmonious gut microbiota ecosystem. SLNs were prepared by using solvent emulsification-diffusion technique. The size and morphology of prepared probiotic-loaded SLNs were examined by transmission electron microscopy. The activity or viability of probiotics might be compromised in the challenging gastric conditions of the stomach or in the presence of bile salts. Furthermore, they may face vulnerability to thermal or oxidative stress during preparation and storage. Hence, there is a need for stable probiotic formulations to surmount diverse physicochemical, biopharmaceutical, and biological barriers, ensuring maximal therapeutic effectiveness and clinical applicability. In vitro experiments were carried out with the aim of examining the viability of bacterial cells under gastrointestinal conditions. Encapsulation of the cells protect the cell numbers (colony forming unit) when compared to free bacteria. Nevertheless, the number of probiotic cells decreased in gastrointestinal acidic condition in contrast to free cells. Overall encapsulation of Lactobacillus plantarum in SLN’s plays an important role in enhancing viability and stability which consequently enhance the survival of bacteria against gastrointestinal environmental conditions.

Assessment of the Physicochemical, Antioxidant, Microbial, and Sensory Attributes of Yogurt-Style Products Enriched with Probiotic-Fermented Aronia melanocarpa Berry Juice.

The aim() of this study was to create() various formulations of yogurt enriched with freeze()-dried adjuncts, namely() (i) probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 14917 culture(), and (ii) L. plantarum ATCC 14917 fermented black chokeberry juice, along with a commercial() starter culture(). The goal was to enhance() functionality and optimize the nutritional() value() of the products. These new yogurt-style() formulations were subsequently() compared with commercially produced yogurt. All products demonstrated() favorable() physicochemical properties, and the probiotic strain() consistently() maintained viable() levels exceeding 7 log() cfu/g throughout() the entire() storage() period(). The fermented milk produced with the adjunct-free L. plantarum cells, as well as the yogurt produced with the proposed() lactobacilli-fermented chokeberry juice, exhibited the highest lactic acid() production() (1.44 g/100 g yogurt by the end of storage()). Levels of syneresis were observed at lower() values() in yogurt produced with freeze()-dried fermented chokeberry juice. Yogurts prepared() with the lactobacilli-fermented freeze()-dried chokeberry juice displayed elevated total() phenolic content() and antioxidant capacity() (25.74 µg GAE/g and 69.05 µmol TE/100 g, respectively()). Furthermore, sensory tests revealed a distinctive() fruity flavor() in samples incorporating fermented juice. The results demonstrate() that probiotic L. plantarum-fermented chokeberry juice enhances() both the antioxidant capacity() and the viability of beneficial() bacteria() in yogurt while it can be readily() applied and commercialized, especially in the form of a freeze()-dried formulation.

Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum SHY21-2 protected zebrafish against Aeromonas hydrophila infection by maintaining intestinal barrier integrity, inhibiting inflammatory and oxidative stress responses, and regulating intestinal microbiome

Lactic acid bacteria are generally regarded as an effective alternative to antibiotics in aquaculture farming, especially Lactobacillus strains, which are safe and have probiotic potential. However, the mechanism of action of probiotic Lactobacillus in protecting fish against Aeromonas hydrophila infection remains unclear. In this study, a strain of Lactobacillus plantarum SHY21-2, was investigated for its safety and probiotic properties using a combination of phenotypic and whole-genome analysis. The results revealed that SHY21-2 has good safety, antimicrobial activity, and multiple probiotic properties, including tolerance to acid and bile salts, adherence to intestinal epithelial cells, and effective immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potential. Furthermore, 240 zebrafish were randomly divided into 4 groups. After 1 week on a basal diet with or without SHY21-2, all zebrafish were exposed to water with or without A. hydrophila AH40 for 12 h; finally, all zebrafish were transferred to freshwater and fed the basal diet for 5 days. The results showed that supplementation with SHY21-2 alleviated the symptoms of zebrafish infected with A. hydrophila, significantly reduced mortality, inhibited intestinal and muscle inflammation, maintained intestinal barrier integrity, and alleviated hepatic oxidative stress responses. Notably, AH40-infection induced variations in microbial diversity and enriched harmful bacteria, such as unclassified-f-Parachlamydiaceae, Rhodococcus, unclassified-f-Microbacteriaceae, and Bosea, whereas supplementation with SHY21-2 reversed this result and significantly increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactiplantibacillus, Leucobacter, and Gemmobacter. In conclusion, these results suggest that SHY21-2 can effectively protect zebrafish against A. hydrophila infection and is an appropriate candidate probiotic for the aquaculture industry.

Antimicrobial Cyclic Dipeptides from Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica) Eggs Supplemented with Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum.

Fifteen cyclic dipeptides (CDPs) containing proline, one cyclo(Phe-Ala) without proline, and a non-peptidyl DL-3-phenyllactic acid were previously identified in the culture filtrates of Lactobacillus plantarum LBP-K10, an isolate from kimchi. In this study, we used Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) eggs to examine the effects of probiotic supplementation on the antimicrobial CDPs extracted from quail eggs (QE). Eggshell-free QE were obtained from two distinct groups of quails. The first group (K10N) comprised eggs from unsupplemented quails. The second group (K10S) comprised eggs from quails supplemented with Lb. plantarum LBP-K10. The QE samples were extracted using methylene chloride through a liquid-liquid extraction process. The resulting extract was fractionated into 16 parts using semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. Two fractions, Q6 and Q9, were isolated from K10S and identified as cis-cyclo(L-Ser-L-Pro) and cis-cyclo(L-Leu-L-Pro). The Q9 fraction, containing cis-cyclo(L-Leu-L-Pro), has shown significant inhibitory properties against the proliferation of highly pathogenic multidrug-resistant bacteria, as well as human-specific and phytopathogenic fungi. Some of the ten combinations between the remaining fourteen unidentified fractions and two fractions, Q6 and Q9, containing cis-cyclo(L-Ser-L-Pro) and cis-cyclo(L-Leu-L-Pro) respectively, demonstrated a significant increase in activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria only when combined with Q9. The activity was 7.17 times higher compared to a single cis-cyclo(L-Leu-L-Pro). This study presents new findings on the efficacy of proline-containing CDPs in avian eggs. These CDPs provide antimicrobial properties when specific probiotics are supplemented.

The Shelf-life, Microbiology Quality, and Characteristic Changes of Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum Dad-13 Milk Jelly Candy during Storage

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in sufficient amounts, can provide health benefits to their host. L. plantarum Dad-13 milk jelly candies are non-fermented probiotic products. This study aims to evaluate the changes in the characteristics of probiotic milk jelly candies during storage and their microbiological quality. Characteristics such as pH, water activity (aw), hardness, chewiness, gumminess, brightness, and viability of lactic acid bacteria were analyzed over a period of 4 weeks at two temperatures, namely 4 and 30°C. Sub-lethal injury analysis was conducted to estimate the survival of probiotic cells during the jelly candy manufacturing process. Microbiological quality was assessed through Total Plate Count (TPC), Coliform, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Mold, and Yeast analyses. The research results showed that the number of probiotic cells experiencing injury was less than 5%. Furthermore, changes in physical characteristics were observed during the 4-week storage period, but the temperature difference only affected pH and aw. The viability of lactic acid bacteria was more stable at a storage temperature of 4°C, and the microbiological quality met the jelly candy standards, except for TPC. Based on the research findings, milk jelly candies can be used as a carrier for probiotic cells as a non-fermented probiotic product innovation, with a recommended storage temperature of 4°C and best consumed within 47 days. Additionally, probiotic milk jelly candies are free from other microbial contamination. Keywords: Jelly candy, L. plantarum Dad-13, Microbiological quality, Probiotic, Storage

A tangible prospect for the treatment of gingivitis using a potentially probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum MK06 isolated from traditional dairy products: a triple blind randomized clinical trial

BackgroundFrequent bacterial plaque buildup at the gingival margin and crevice can provoke an inflammatory reaction in gingival tissues which manifests as gingivitis. Probiotics could serve as a beneficial complementary therapy for treating gingival inflammation. The main aim of this research was to investigate the effect of the Lactobacillus plantarum MK06 probiotic strain on the treatment of gingivitis.MethodsPatients with gingivitis, who were referred to a private clinic and were systematically healthy, were included in this randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial. They were instructed to use either placebo or Lactobacillus plantarum suspensions for one minute two times a day after tooth-brushing for four weeks. Then, the clinical parameters of gingivitis, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and oral hygiene index (OHI-s), were measured in the first, second, and fourth weeks. A total of forty-two patients were randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 21) and control (n = 21) groups. The mean age of the experimental and control groups was 29.10 and 28.48, respectively.ResultsThe mean scores of BOP, GI, PI, and OHI-s reduced over time in both the control and test groups. However, according to the Mann-Whitney test, the difference between the two groups was not significant at the same time intervals (P ≥ 0.05) and only GI showed a significant difference in the fourth week (GI-3, P = 0.006). Nevertheless, the experimental group experienced a higher overall reduction rate than the control group. The BOP, GI, PI, and OHI-s scores decreased by 0.081, 0.204, 0.186, and 0.172 times in the second week, respectively, resulting from the interaction of time and the intervention, which considerably diminished these indices.ConclusionThis study shows the potential of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum MK06 suspension as a promoting therapeutic adjuvant in the treatment of gingivitis.

Elucidation of the Tissue Distribution and Host Immunostimulatory Activity of Exogenously Administered Probiotic-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Immunoadjuvant.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived nanoparticles that can be used as novel biomaterials. In the development of EVs-based therapeutic systems, it is essential to understand the in vivo fate of exogenously administered EVs and subsequent biological responses mediated by EVs. Although probiotics and microorganisms that modulate the host immune system also secrete EVs, their tissue distribution and biological reactions after administration to the host have not been sufficiently elucidated. In this study, we characterized EVs released from the probiotics Bifidobacterium longum (B-EVs) and Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 (L-EVs) in terms of tissue distribution and immune-activating capacity after intravenous and subcutaneous administration in mice. B-EVs and L-EVs exhibited particle sizes of approximately 100-160 nm and negative zeta potentials. These EVs contained peptidoglycan, DNA, and RNA as their cargoes. Intravenously administered B-EVs and L-EVs mainly accumulated in the liver and spleen. Furthermore, liver F4/80 and splenic CD169 macrophages took up the intravenously administered EVs. Subcutaneously administered B-EVs and L-EVs accumulated in the lymph nodes and were mainly located in the B-lymphocyte zone, indicating that exogenously administered probiotic-derived EVs showed a similar biodistribution, irrespective of the EVs-secreting cell type. Evaluation of EVs-mediated immune reactions demonstrated that intravenously administered EVs showed little activation potency. In contrast, subcutaneously administered B-EVs strongly increased the expression of inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) and co-stimulatory molecules (CD40 and CD80) than L-EVs. These findings indicate that the subcutaneous administration of B-EVs is a useful strategy for the development of novel EVs-based immunotherapies.

Engineered probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum WCSF I for monitoring and treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infection.

Bacterial infection and the emergence of drug-resistant strains are major problems in clinical treatment. Staphylococcus aureus, which typically infects the skin and blood of animals, is also a potential intestinal pathogen that needs to be addressed by the emergence of a new treatment approach. Probiotic therapy is the most likely alternative to antibiotic therapy to solve the problem of bacterial drug resistance in clinical practice. In this study, the engineered Lactobacillus plantarum can not only sense the signal AIP to detect S. aureus but also kill S. aureus by secreting the lysostaphin enzyme. Our strategy employed an Agr quorum-sensing genetic circuit to simultaneously detect and treat pathogenic bacteria, which provided a theoretical possibility for solving practical clinical bacterial infection cases in the future.

Probiotic intervention in young children with autism spectrum disorder in Taiwan: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundThe impact of psychobiotics on ASD is unclear. MethodIn this double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 86 children (aged 2.5–7 years) with ASD were recruited and assigned randomly to either the probiotic or placebo group to explore the effects of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 (PS128). During the first 2 months of the study, the children received either the probiotic or placebo. After that, all of the children received PS128 for 2 more months. We categorized individuals who took PS128 for the entire 4-month duration as the “PS128 early use group” (E group), while those who initially received the placebo for 2 months and then took PS128 for the subsequent 2 months were classified as the “PS128 late use group” (L group). ResultsAfter adjusting for possible confounders, the results showed that the anxious/depressed subscale score of the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment significantly improved in the E group after the first 2-month intervention (P = 0.044) when compared to the L group. In the subsequent 2 months, the L group showed a significant improvement in this subscale (P = 0.017). While the improvement observed during the first two months was not sustained on average in the E group from V2 to V3, this variability can be attributed to the influence of an outlier. Upon analyzing the hyperactivity subscale of the Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Test, no significant differences were found across multiple time points. ConclusionsThe results support that PS128 has beneficial effects on behavioral and emotional problems in young children with ASD.