Simulated Gastrointestinal Juice Research Articles

Effects of in vitro simulated digestion and fecal fermentation on the structure and regulating the glucose and lipid activity of a polysaccharide from Mori Folium

Mori folium, as a homologous drug-food, has hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering activity. Polysaccharides are the main bioactive ingredient of the Mori folium that exhibit diverse biological activities. In this study, a homogeneous polysaccharide (MP4) was purified and characterized from Mori folium. The changes of MP4 affected by saliva, simulated gastrointestinal juice, and human fecal fermentation, including physicochemical property or its bioactivity, were systematically investigated. Meanwhile, the influence of fermentation on the bioactivity were evaluated. The results showed that the backbone of MP4 is mainly composed of →4)-α-D-GalpA-(1→ residues. The molecular weight, the levels of reducing sugar content and free monosaccharides of MP4 exhibited no significant differences indicating that gastrointestinal digestion has a minimal effect on the physicochemical characteristics of MP4. However, during in vitro gut microbiota fermentation, MP4 are significantly degraded and utilized by gut microbiota, showing increased the production of short-chain fatty acids, notably acetic acid and propionic acid. The relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria were significantly increased, whereas the levels of pathogenic bacteria such as Fusobacteria and Megamonas were significantly decreased, which changed the composition of the gut microbiota. The Firmicutes/Bacteroides ratio was also decreased significantly. Interestingly, after in vitro fermentation, the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was increased, the lipase inhibitory activity and cholesterol adsorption activity was decreased. Correlation analysis showed that the relative abundance of some bacteria was significantly correlated with the bioactivities. These results provide a basis for the development of Mori folium polysaccharides as functional probiotic products.

In Vitro evaluation of probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from juçara fruit native to the Atlantic Forest

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the microorganisms most commonly used as probiotics. Since probiotic benefits are strain-dependent, there is a continuous need for research into new cultures with probiotic properties. Fruits such as juçara (Euterpe edulis Martius), a palm species from the Atlantic Forest threatened with extinction, are rich niches for microorganisms, including LAB. This study investigated the probiotic properties of Lactococcus lactis J7 and Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides JF17 strains isolated from juçara fruits native to the Atlantic Forest. Probiotic characteristics, such as tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal fluids or juices, hydrophobicity, autoaggregation, coaggregation properties, inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms, and technological properties were evaluated. The survival rate of L. lactis J7 and L. pseudomesenteroides JF17 decreased after exposure to simulated gastrointestinal conditions; however, L. lactis J7 was more resistant, maintaining viability at the end of the enteric phase of 6.07 ± 0.16 log CFU mL-1. The J7 strain also exhibited the highest values in hydrophobicity (12.55 ± 0.52%), autoaggregation (25.63 ± 0.75%), and coaggregation capacity with E. coli ATCC 25922 (21.52 ± 0.98%) and S. Enteritidis ATCC 13076 (22.68 ± 1.01%). Both J7 and JF17 strains demonstrated antimicrobial activity, confirmed by the multilayer agar plate system. Additionally, the growth of the strains was temperature-dependent, and they were able to thrive in high concentrations of sodium chloride (6%). Thus, L. lactis J7 is a promising probiotic candidate for the development of functional products. Nevertheless, further studies using animal models are necessary to explore the properties of these probiotic bacteria. Novel strains isolated from fruits should be studied to broaden the application of probiotic microorganisms in the development of foods and medicines.

Novel microbial fermentation for the preparation of iron-chelating scallop skirts peptides-its profile, identification, and possible binding mode

Iron chelating peptides have been widely utilized as iron supplements due to their excellent absorption capacity, However, the high cost and cumbersome manufacturing process of these peptides significantly limit their industrial application. In this study, fermentation was used for the first time to prepare iron chelating peptides. Bacillus altitudinis 3*1–3 was selected as the most suitable strain from 50 strains. The hydrolysates of fermented scallop skirts showed excellent iron-chelating capacity (9.39 mg/g). Aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and histidine are crucial for the binding of peptides to ferrous ions. The heptapeptide (FEDPEFE) forms six binding bonds with ferrous irons. Compared with ferrous sulfate, peptide-ferrous chelate showed more stability in salt solution and simulated gastrointestinal juice (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the fermentation method could save >50% of the cost compared with the enzymatic method. The results can provide a theoretical basis for the preparation of ferrous-chelated peptides using the fermentation method.

Isolation and Probiotic Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria from &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Kindirmou&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Pendidam&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; in Adamawa Region (Cameroon)

The microorganisms intended for use as probiotics in food formulation should exert health benefit effects and be regarded as safe for animals and humans uses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;pendidam&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;kindirmou&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;, two traditional fermented milks (TFM) produced in the Adamawa region (Cameroon). Twenty-five samples (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;pendidam&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: 13 and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;kindirmou&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: 12) were randomly collected in five markets of Ngaoundere (n = 17 samples) and Meiganga (n = 8 samples). These samples were screened for their antimicrobial activity, and nine TFMs were retained. Lactic acid bacteria were isolated from these samples and their antimicrobial activity was already evaluated. Based on the inhibition zone, twenty-two LABs were retained and examined &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;in vitro&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; for potential probiotic properties based on their low pH tolerance, resistance to bile salts, tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal juices, hydrophobicity, autoaggregation, gelatinase and hemolytic activities. The outcome of these parameters studied was used as input data for a principal component analysis (PCA) to select the most promising isolate, and the six potential probiotic isolates were characterized through a biochemical profile. The characterized isolates have been identified as &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus casei,&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Lactococcus lactis&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. Traditional fermented milks contain LAB with important properties that can be utilized in the formulation of functional foods.

ACID-RESISTANT LIMOSILACTOBACILLUS FERMENTUM ISOLATES RECOVERED FROM FERMENTED TURKISH SUCUK: SCREENING OF PROBIOTIC CHARACTERIZATION AND PHYLOGENY

The present study was conducted to identify acid-resistant lactic acid bacteria from fermented Turkish sucuk, detect phylogenetic affinities, and probiotic/biotechnological profiles. Samples were collected from popular fermented meat retail stores in Kayseri (n:20). The selected lactobacilli were exposed to different pH. Isolates resistant to pH2 were identified by sequencing following the 16s rRNA gene amplification and recorded in GenBank. The pH2 is distinctive for lactobacilli, as most (61.9%) of lactobacilli were inhibited (P &amp;lt;0.05). Isolates surviving at pH2 were determined to be Limosilactobacillus fermentum. The survival rates in bile salt, simulated gastrointestinal juices (between 97.13-106.60%), and autoaggregation, hydrophobicity, and coaggregation of isolates were statistically significant (P &amp;lt;0.05). L. fermentum S19 was the only isolate capable of producing exopolysaccharide; S19 had a high autoaggregation and hydrophobicity over 70%. Traditional Turkish fermented sucuk is a product with enormous potential, containing the newly isolated wild-type L. fermentum, which stands out for biotechnological/probiotic properties.

The SlpX protein plays a crucial role in the intestinal juice tolerance of Lactobacillus acidophilus CICC6074

The survival ability of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the gastrointestinal tract is low, and the mechanism of LAB resistance to the gastrointestinal tract's harsh environment is unclear. Therefore, this study used simulated gastrointestinal juices in vitro and transcriptomics approaches to identify proteins in Lactobacillus acidophilus CICC6074 that can enhance the strain's tolerance to gastrointestinal juices and verify the function of the target proteins. The results showed that the survival rate of Lactobacillus acidophilus CICC6074 was 79.24% after 6 h of in vitro intestinal juice treatment, and there were 10 genes coding proteins with significant changes in expression, among which S-layer protein gene slpX was significantly up-regulated. After overexpression of the slpX gene, the survival rate of Lactobacillus acidophilus CICC6074 was 94.35% after 6 h of in vitro intestinal juice tolerance. In conclusion, the SlpX protein plays a crucial role under the simulated intestinal juice condition of Lactobacillus acidophilus CICC6074. This study provides a basis for a deeper understanding of the survival mechanisms of Lactobacillus acidophilus in the gastrointestinal tract.

Evaluation of probiotic bifidobacteria strains from Iranian traditional dairy products for their anti-hyperlipidemic potential.

This study investigated the therapeutic potential of probiotic bifidobacteria, isolated from Iranian fermented dairy products, in a hyperlipidemic animal model. Bifidobacterium strains were extracted from traditional dairy samples and screened using physiological and phenotypic examinations, 16S rRNA analysis, and probiotic properties such as tolerance to gastrointestinal juice, antimicrobial activity, and antibiotic susceptibility. The ability of the screened bifidobacteria to reduce serum and liver lipids in vivo was tested using male Wistar rats. Six strains of bifidobacteria were isolated from traditional Iranian fermented dairy. These strains showed promising in vitro activity in lowering triglyceride and cholesterol, tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal juice, the ability to adhere to Caco-2 cells, acceptable antibiotic susceptibility, and a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. The diet supplemented with isolated bifidobacteria significantly reduced serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), liver tissue lipid levels, and hepatic enzymes in animals when compared to a high-fat diet without strains (p < 0.01). Additionally, the potential probiotic-supplemented diet significantly increased bile acid excretion in the feces and upregulated hepatic CYP7A1 expression levels (p < 0.05), while NPC1L1, ACAT2, and MTP gene expressions in small intestinal cells were downregulated (p < 0.05). Bifidobacteria isolated from Iranian traditional dairy showed potential for use in the production of fermented foods that have hypolipemic activity in the host.

Contributions of probiotic L. acidophilus 291 as biotechnological tool in therapeutic applications

The present study was carried out to evaluate the hypoglycemic ability and antioxidant activities of lactic acid bacterial strain L. acidophilus NCDC 291 and to investigate the probiotic characteristics of the strain as well as its suitability as an alternative antimutagenic agent. The antidiabetic activity was examined by evaluating the α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities. Strain L. acidophilus NCDC 291 exhibited hypoglycemic ability by α-glucosidase (41.67 %) and α-amylase (61.79 %). Strain L. acidophilus NCDC 291 showed antioxidant activities by DPPH (53.58 % and IC50 67.87 μL) and ABTS (50.61 % and IC50 45.17 μL). Further the bacterial strain was resistant to simulated gastrointestinal juice and showed potential for health promotion based on adhesion, antibiotic susceptibility and antimicrobial activities. L. acidophilus NCDC 291 appears as potential probiotic with beneficial health effects.

Development of a microencapsulated probiotic delivery system with whey, xanthan, and pectin.

Pediococcus pentosaceus is a lactic acid bacterium that has probiotic potential proven by studies. However, its viability can be affected by adverse conditions such as storage, heat stress, and even gastrointestinal passage. Thus, the aim of the present study was to microencapsulate and characterize microcapsules obtained by spray drying and produced only with whey powder (W) or whey powder combined with pectin (WP) or xanthan (WX) in the protection of P. pentosaceus P107. In the storage test at temperatures of - 20°C and 4°C, the most viable microcapsule was WP (whey powder and pectin), although WX (whey powder and xanthan) presented better stability at 25°C. In addition, WX did not show stability to ensure probiotic potential (< 6 Log CFUmL-1) for 110days and the microcapsule W (whey powder) maintained probiotic viability at the three temperatures (- 20°C, 4°C, and 25°C) for 180days. In the exposition to simulated gastrointestinal juice, the WX microcapsule showed the best results in all tested conditions, presenting high cellular viability. For the thermal resistance test, WP microcapsule was shown to be efficient in the protection of P. pentosaceus P107 cells. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results showed that there was no chemical interaction between microcapsules of whey powder combined with xanthan or pectin. The three microcapsules produced were able to protect the cell viability of the microorganism, as well as the drying parameters were adequate for the microcapsules produced in this study.

Screening for potential novel probiotic Levilactobacillus brevis RAMULAB52 with antihyperglycemic property from fermented Carica papaya L.

Probiotics are live microorganisms with various health benefits when consumed in appropriate amounts. Fermented foods are a rich source of these beneficial organisms. This study aimed to investigate the probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from fermented papaya (Carica papaya L.) through in vitro methods. The LAB strains were thoroughly characterized, considering their morphological, physiological, fermentative, biochemical, and molecular properties. The LAB strain's adherence and resistance to gastrointestinal conditions, as well as its antibacterial and antioxidant capabilities, were examined. Moreover, the strains were tested for susceptibility against specific antibiotics, and safety evaluations encompassed the hemolytic assay and DNase activity. The supernatant of the LAB isolate underwent organic acid profiling (LCMS). The primary objective of this study was to assess the inhibitory activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, both in vitro and in silico. Gram-positive strains that were catalase-negative and carbohydrate fermenting were selected for further analysis. The LAB isolate exhibited resistance to acid bile (0.3% and 1%), phenol (0.1% and 0.4%), and simulated gastrointestinal juice (pH 3-8). It demonstrated potent antibacterial and antioxidant abilities and resistance to kanamycin, vancomycin, and methicillin. The LAB strain showed autoaggregation (83%) and adhesion to chicken crop epithelial cells, buccal epithelial cells, and HT-29 cells. Safety assessments indicated no evidence of hemolysis or DNA degradation, confirming the safety of the LAB isolates. The isolate's identity was confirmed using the 16S rRNA sequence. The LAB strain Levilactobacillus brevis RAMULAB52, derived from fermented papaya, exhibited promising probiotic properties. Moreover, the isolate demonstrated significant inhibition of α-amylase (86.97%) and α-glucosidase (75.87%) enzymes. In silico studies uncovered that hydroxycitric acid, one of the organic acids derived from the isolate, interacted with crucial amino acid residues of the target enzymes. Specifically, hydroxycitric acid formed hydrogen bonds with key amino acid residues, such as GLU233 and ASP197 in α-amylase, and ASN241, ARG312, GLU304, SER308, HIS279, PRO309, and PHE311 in α-glucosidase. In conclusion, Levilactobacillus brevis RAMULAB52, isolated from fermented papaya, possesses promising probiotic properties and exhibits potential as an effective remedy for diabetes. Its resistance to gastrointestinal conditions, antibacterial and antioxidant abilities, adhesion to different cell types, and significant inhibition of target enzymes make it a valuable candidate for further research and potential application in the field of probiotics and diabetes management.

Novel hydroxyectoines based formulations are suitable for preserving viability of Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Levilactobacillus brevis SP-48 and Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 during freeze-drying and storage, and in simulated gastrointestinal fluids

This study aimed at evaluating the influence of compatible solutes such as ectoine and hydroxyectoine (HOE), on bacterial cell viability during freeze-drying and storage (at 4 °C and 25 °C), in comparison to the well-established use of trehalose. Three strains, namely Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Levilactobacillus brevis SP-48, and Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 were used as models demonstrating that the highest survival rate during freeze drying was observed for cells protected with HOE. Although trehalose was more effective during lyophilization, interestingly the combination of trehalose and HOE most efficiently preserved long-term cell viability (viability loss < 0.5 log units after 6 months of storage). Finally, the ability of HOE to contribute to strain resistance in simulated gastrointestinal juices was evaluated and the latter protected all the strains tested more efficiently than all the other solutes, in particular the viability was improved from 58%, 87.5%, and 94% when cells were dried with saline solution to 88%, 98.3%, and 98% when lyophilized with HOE for L. fermentum, L. brevis, and B. lactis, respectively. In conclusion, the addition of HOE to trehalose improves the stability of probiotics during storage and enhances the survivability in simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Lac16 Attenuates Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 Infection by Inhibiting Virulence Traits and Improving Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Function.

Large-scale use of antimicrobials in agriculture and medicine contributes to antibiotic residues in raw foods, the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and drug pollution, which seriously threatens human health and imposes significant economic burdens on society, suggesting the need for novel therapeutic options that prevent or control zoonoses. In this study, four probiotics were selected to assess their capability to alleviate pathogen-induced damage. Results showed that a simulated gastrointestinal juice and bile tolerated L. plantarum Lac16 with high lactic acid secretion can significantly inhibit the growth of multiple zoonotic pathogens. Lac16 also significantly inhibited the biofilm formation and mRNA expression of virulence traits (genes related to virulence, toxins, flagella biogenesis and motility, antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation and AI-2 quorum sensing) of enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157:H7 (EHEC). Furthermore, Lac16 and Lac26 significantly protected C. elegans against zoonotic pathogen-induced (EHEC, S. typhimurium, C. perfringens) deaths. Moreover, Lac16 significantly promoted epithelial repair and ameliorated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal epithelial apoptosis and barrier dysfunction by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and markedly reduced LPS-induced inflammatory responses by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway. The present results indicate that Lac16 attenuates enterohemorrhagic E. coli infection-induced damage by inhibiting key virulence traits of E. coli, promoting epithelial repair and improving intestinal epithelial barrier function, which may be mediated by the activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and the inhibited TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway of the intestinal epithelium.

Microencapsulation of Bifidobacterium breve to Enhance Microbial Cell Viability in Green Soybean Yogurt

Bifidobacteria, a major bacterial group, have several beneficial impacts on health, such as enhancing the intestinal flora by limiting the colonization of pathogenic microorganisms and stimulating the immune system. As a result, bifidobacteria have been extensively included in various food products. In this study, Bifidobacterium breve TISTR 2130 was microencapsulated using an emulsion technique with sodium alginate and calcium lactate in green soybean milk as wall materials. This study found that microbeads prepared with 2.0% (w/v) sodium alginate and 2.0% (w/v) calcium lactate had the highest microencapsulation efficiency (MEE) of 99.8% ± 0.07%. In addition, the viability of microencapsulated B. breve TISTR 2130 and free cells was evaluated following a simulated gastrointestinal treatment. Microencapsulated B. breve TISTR 2130 showed higher cell viability than free cells under the simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The viability reduction of free cells dropped substantially to zero after 1 h of incubation in simulated gastrointestinal juice (SIJ), while the viable cell count of microencapsulated B. breve TISTR 2130 remained greater than 5 log CFU/mL and the survival rate was greater than 64% at the end of the sequential digestion. During refrigerated storage of green soybean yogurt (GSY) fortified with microencapsulated B. breve, the viability of B. breve TISTR 2130, syneresis, and acidity decreased, while the pH and viscosity increased. Microencapsulated B. breve TISTR 2130 has the potential to be used as a probiotic fortification in GSY since the viability remained above the recommended minimal limit of 6 log CFU/mL for 10 days during refrigerated storage. The present study demonstrated that the optimized microencapsulated B. breve TISTR 2130 sodium alginate matrix could survive the human gastrointestinal tract to provide health benefits and the possibility of incorporation into functional foods.

Construction of porous materials from Pickering high internal-phase emulsions stabilized by zein-Hohenbuehelia serotina polysaccharides nanoparticles and their adsortion performances

The present research was designed to fabricate the food-grade porous materials (PM) by Pickering emulsions template method. Firstly, two kinds of nanoparticles with small average sizes and negative zeta potentials were respectively prepared based on zein and Hohenbuehelia serotina polysaccharides (HSP) by physical interaction (ZHNPs) and Maillard reaction (MZHNPs). Then, the Pickering high-internal-phase emulsions (PHIPEs) were constructed with different concentration of ZHNPs or MZHNPs serving as stabilizer. Finally, PM-ZHNPs and PM-MZHNPs were respectively prepared based on ZHNPs-stabilized PHIPEs and MZHNPs-stabilized PHIPEs template. PM prepared by different condition possessed the semi-crystalline property and the porous reticular structure. Moreover, all the porous materials were hydrophilic. Adsorption capacity measurements showed that PM not only exhibited the excellent adsorption ability on water by active/passive mode but also presented the strong adsorption performances on oil and pigments. Furthermore, PM could effectively adsorb the Pb 2+ dissolved in simulated gastrointestinal digestive juice. This study provided a theoretical basis for construction of the biosafety porous materials applied in food industries. • ZHNPs and MZHNPs were respectively prepared by zein and HSP with or without Maillard reaction. • PM were fabricated by ZHNPs-stabilized or MZHNPs stabilized PHIPEs template method. • The structural properties and morphology of PM were characterized and observed. • PM presented the excellent adsorption performances on water, oil, pigments and Pb 2+ ion.

Improving the viability of Lactobacillus plantarum LP90 by carboxymethylated dextran-whey protein conjugates: The relationship with glass transition temperature

Microcapsules can provide better protection for probiotics during freeze-drying and gastrointestinal digestion. This study aims to investigate the effect of microencapsulation using the product of the Maillard reaction of whey protein and carboxymethylated dextran (CM. dex) on the viability of Lactobacillus plantarum LP90 ( L p ) as related to freeze-drying, gastrointestinal tolerability and storage stability. The results demonstrate that the glycosylation product was successfully obtained by the dry heating method, and the product was verified by SDS–PAGE, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy. The grafting degree of whey protein and CM. dex, as measured by the OPA method, was 53.87%, 57.60%, and 61.21% at 1, 3, and 5 days of the Maillard reaction, respectively. With increasing Maillard reaction time, the glass transition temperature ( T g ) of conjugates increased, and WP–CD 5d had the highest T g , which was 156.31 °C. At the same time, WP–CD 5d had the best protection effect under freeze-drying, and the survival rate was 87.37%. Microencapsulated L p had better tolerance over 5 h of simulated gastrointestinal juice treatment fluid. L p had the best storage stability protected by WP-CD 5d , for which k was 0.102. • Carboxymethylated dextran was applied on microencapsulation of probiotics. • WP-CD 5d had the highest glass transition temperature ( T g ), which was 156.31 °C. • Microencapsulated LP90 decreased slightly in gastrointestinal simulant. • L p had the best storage stability protected by WP-CD 5d , which k was 0.102.

Positive effect of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis VHProbi YB11 in improving gastrointestinal movement of mice having constipation.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis VHProbi® YB11 (YB11) on attenuating sucralfate-induced constipation in BALB/c mice. The strain of YB11 exhibited favorable tolerance of simulated gastrointestinal (GI) juice. Only 0.42 Log value declined when the live cells of YB11 were co-incubated with simulated GI juice. Meanwhile, this strain also displayed perfect ability to adhere the intestinal epithelium Caco-2 cells with adhesion index of 18.5. 24 of female mice were randomized into four groups. The normal group (NOR) was fed with a normal diet, whereas the placebo group (PLA), positive group (POS), and probiotic group (PRO) were fed with sucralfate to induce constipation. After first successfully establishing the constipation model, groups NOR and PLA received the oral administration of saline solutions. Meanwhile, the POS and PRO groups were orally administered phenolphthalein and YB11 suspensions, respectively. Several indices, including fecal water content, GI transit time, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), intestinal neuropeptides level, and histopathology of colonic tissues, were investigated. Compared with PLA, YB11 had a positive effect in increasing the fecal water content and intestinal peristalsis. Some positive trends, including the acetic and total acids level of fecal samples, and the colonic tissue histopathology, were also observed. Furthermore, YB11 had an ability to upregulate the levels of gut excitatory neuropeptides including motilin, gastrin, and substance P, whereas it downregulated the levels of inhibitory neuropeptides including endothelin-1, somatostatin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide. We conclude that the strain YB11 has a positive impact on improving gastrointestinal mobility and reducing the severity of constipation.

Characterization of chitosan/α-lactalbumin nanocomplex particle and its encapsulation for retinol

Chitosan (Ct) and α-lactalbumin (ALa) were applied as the carriers, their biopolymer nanoparticle was designed to encapsulate retinol (VA). Zeta potential and turbidity measurements, demonstrated that the most suitable pH value in the formation of Ct/ALa nanoparticle was 6.0, and its optimal Ct/ALa mass ratio was 1:4. At this ratio, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of Ct/ALa nanoparticle showed that Ct was coated on the surface of ALa/VA as a shell. Meanwhile, the encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading capacity (LC) of above nano-sized Ct/ALa particle for VA were 82.22 ± 1.78% and 3.13 ± 0.12%, respectively. Moreover, Ct/ALa nanoparticle not only improved the storage stability of VA, but also protected VA from the destruction of simulated gastrointestinal juice to a certain extent during in vitro digestion. Information from this study could supply the novel opinion for the protection and delivery of photosensitive bioactive substances (VA) in functional dairy-based product.

Soil inorganic amendments produce safe rice by reducing the transfer of Cd and increasing key amino acids in brown rice

The digestibility of cadmium (Cd) in brown rice is directly related to amino acid metabolism in rice and human health. In our field study, three kinds of alkaline calcium-rich soil inorganic amendments (SIAs) at three dosages were applied to produce safe rice and improve the quality of rice in Cd-contaminated paddy. With the increased application of SIA, Cd content in iron plaque on rice root significantly increased, the transfer of Cd from rice root to grain significantly decreased, and then Cd content in brown rice decreased synchronously. The vitro digestibility of Cd in brown rice was estimated by a physiologically based extraction test. Results showed that more than 70% of Cd in brown rice could be digested by simulated gastrointestinal juice. Based on the total and digestible Cd contents in brown rice to evaluate the health risk, the application of 2.25 ton SIA/ha could produce safe rice in acidic slightly Cd-contaminated paddy soils. The amino acids (AAs) in brown rice were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The contents of 5 key AAs (KAAs) that actively respond to environmental changes increased significantly with the increased application of SIA. The structural equation model indicated that KAAs could be affected by the Cd translocation capacity from rice root to grain, and consequently altered the ratio of indigestible Cd in brown rice. The formation of indigestible KAAs-Cd complexes by combining KAAs (phenylalanine, leucine, histidine, glutamine, and asparagine) with Cd in brown rice could be considered a potential mechanism for reducing the digestibility of Cd.

Functional Characteristics of Lactic Acid Bacteria In Vitro Isolated from Spontaneously Fermented Sour Porridge with Broomcorn Millet in Northwestern Shanxi Province of China.

Eighteen strains of lactic acid bacteria were isolated from spontaneously fermented sour porridge with broomcorn millet in Northwestern Shanxi Province of China, and their probiotic characteristics were investigated in vitro. Survival rates under gastrointestinal conditions, cholesterol reduction, antibacterial capabilities, antioxidant activities, and safety assessments were examined. Results showed that five strains were selected as probiotics and identified as Levilactobacillus brevis. Strain L10 exhibited excellent probiotic characteristics, with an 86% survival rate under pH 2.0 for 2 h, 80% survival rate in 0.3% bile salt for 6 h, the highest survival rate (78%) in simulated gastrointestinal juice for 3 h, the highest hydrophobicity (42% to xylene and 39% to hexadecane), the highest aggregation (39% auto-aggregation and 10.4–18.13% co-aggregation), relative higher cholesterol reduction rate (80%), the highest antibacterial activities, the highest antioxidant activity, sensitive to most antibiotics tested, without hemolytic and hydrolyze gelatinase activity and could not produce biogenic amine. Therefore, strain L10 could be applied to functional foods.

Naringenin Ultrafine Powder Was Prepared by a New Anti-Solvent Recrystallization Method.

Raw naringenin directly isolated from plants is significantly limited by its poor dissolution rate and low bioavailability for clinical and in vivo studies. This study reported a method for the preparation of naringenin ultrafine powder (NUP) using a novel anti-solvent recrystallization process; preliminary experiments were conducted using six single-factor experiments. The response surface Box–Behnken (BBD) design was used to optimize the level of factors. The optimal preparation conditions of the DMP were obtained as follows: the feed rate was 40.82 mL/min, the solution concentration was 20.63 mg/mL, and the surfactant ratio was 0.62%. The minimum average particle size was 305.58 ± 0.37 nm in the derived optimum conditions. A scanning electron microscope was used to compare and analyze the appearance and morphology of the powder before and after preparation. The characterization results of FTIR, TG and XRD showed that no chemical change occurred in the powder before and after preparation. Through the simulated gastrointestinal juice digestion experiment, it was confirmed that the absorption rate of NUP was 2.96 times and 4.05 times higher than raw naringenin, respectively. Therefore, the results showed that the reduction in the particle size through the use of low-speed recrystallization could improve the absorption rate and provided a feasible approach for the further applications.