Production Of Valeric Acid Research Articles

Weizmannia coagulans BC99 affects valeric acid production via regulating gut microbiota to ameliorate inflammation and oxidative stress responses in Helicobacter pylori mice.

Helicobacter pylori is a highly prevalent pathogen in human gastric mucosa epithelial cells with strong colonization ability. Weizmannia coagulans is a kind of active microorganism that is beneficial to the improvement of host gut microbiota balance and can prevent and treat intestinal diseases. We investigated the beneficial effects of W. coagulans BC99 in H. pylori infected mice and measured inflammation response, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota. Results showed that BC99 could alleviate the gastric inflammation, inhibit the increasing of inflammation parameters endotoxin, interleukin-10, transforming growth factor-β, and interferon-γ and oxidative stress myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde, promote the levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis revealed that BC99 reversed the change of gut microbiota by reducing the abundance of Olsenella, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, Monoglobus, and increasing the abundance of Tyzzerella. Meanwhile, BC99 caused elevated levels of Ligilactobacillus and Lactobacillus. In view of the beneficial effect of BC99 on the content of short-chain fatty acid, valeric acid with sodium valerate interfered with H. pylori infection in mice found that valeric acid had a good restorative effect of H. pylori infection relating inflammation and oxidative stress responses. These results suggest that W. coagulans BC99 can be used as a potential probiotic to prevent and treat H. pylori infection by regulating the inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota.

Integrative microbiomics, proteomics and lipidomics studies unraveled the preventive mechanism of Shouhui Tongbian Capsules on cerebral ischemic stroke injury

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCerebral ischemic stroke (CIS) is one of the most important factors leading to death and disability, which seriously threaten the survival and health of patients. The intentional flora and its derived metabolites are demonstrated to play vital roles in the physiology and onset of CIS. Shouhui Tongbian Capsules (SHTB), a Traditional Chinese Medicine, could regulate gut microbiota and metabolites. Study has found that SHTB has protective effect on CIS, but the mechanism is still unclear. Aim of studyThis study was designed to evaluate the preventive effects and the mechanism of SHTB on CIS injury. Materials and methodsThe rats were pretreated with SHTB for 5 days, then the middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) was established. Neurological deficit score, TTC staining, brain water content, H&E and Nissl staining were preformed to evaluate the preventive effects of SHTB on CIS. The Occludin and ZO-1 were analyzed to evaluate the blood-brain barrier (BBB). 16S rDNA sequencing and LC-ESI-MS/MS-based metabolomics profiling were performed to analyze the gut microbiota composition and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) profile in gut. Serum lipopolysaccharide specific IgA antibody (LPS-SIgA) and diamine oxidase (DAO), as well as colon Claudin 5 and ZO-1 were analyzed to evaluate the intestinal barrier. Proteomics was used to evaluated the proteins profile in brain. Lipidomics were used to evaluate the brain SCFAs as well as medium and long chain fatty acids (MCFAs and LCFAs). Malondialdehyde (MDA), Total Superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), Glutathione (GSH), Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), Catalase (CAT) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assayed to evaluate the oxidative stress in brain. Western blot was performed to evaluate the expression of PPARγ, Nrf2, SLC3A2, SCL7A11, GPX4, ACSL4 and LOX. ResultsSHTB prevented rats from MCAO/R injury, which was confirmed by lower cerebral infarct rate, brain water content, neurological deficit score and nissl body loss, and improved brain pathology. Meanwhile, SHTB upregulated the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin to maintain the integrity of BBB. 16S rDNA sequencing and LC-ESI-MS/MS-based targeted metabolomics found that SHTB increased the abundance of gut microbiota, regulated the numbers of intestinal bacteria to increase the production of Acetic acid, Propionic acid, and Butyric acid, as well as decrease the production of Valeric acid and Hexanoic acid in the gut. Meanwhile, SHTB improved the intestinal barrier by upregulating the protein levels of Claudin 5 and ZO-1, which was confirmed by low concentrations of LPS-SIgA and DAO in serum. Multi omics and spearman correlation analysis indicated that SHTB regulated the abundance of Escherichia-Shigella and Lactobacillus to increase Acetic acid, Propionic acid, and Butyric acid to induce the expression of PPARγ, thereby regulating fatty acid metabolism and degradation, improving lipid metabolism disorders, downregulating lipid oxidative stress, inhibiting ferroptosis, and alleviating brain injury. ConclusionThis study confirmed that SHTB improved the disturbance of fatty acid metabolism in brain tissue by regulating gut microbiota and the production of fecal SCFAs to inhibit ferroptosis caused by lipid oxidative stress and prevent CIS injury, which provided a potential candidate drug for the prevention of CIS.

Iron zero valent nanoparticles applied in the biorefinery concept: Functional genes in continuous bioreactor fermenting vinasse

Increased production of biogas and volatile acids was evaluated by the addition of Fe0 Nanoparticles (NP) on Anaerobic Fluidized Bed Reactor (AFBR-NP) with expanded clay as support material (45.1 mg Fe0 g−1 expanded clay), fermenting vinasse, and operated at 37 °C and 3h Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT). Higher H2 percentage in the biogas composition was observed in AFBR-NP (50–65%) when compared to AFBR without NP, AFBR-Control (24–43%). A 1.2-fold higher valeric acid production was also observed as a result of NPs supplementation. Genes related to the first steps of vinasse anaerobic degradation in AFBR-NP (beta-glucosidase, glucokinase and pyruvate-ferredoxin oxidoreductase) and the genes related to volatile acids production (L- and d-lactate dehydrogenase, 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase, acetate kinase, pyruvate kinase and fumarate reductase flavoprotein) were observed by metagenome sequencing. A 4.2-fold higher relative abundance of Secundilactobacillus genus in AFBR-NP was evidenced. The genetic and microbial community differences observed with the addition of NP resulted in improved biorefinery products of anaerobic digestion.

A high-starch vs. high-fibre diet: effects on the gut environment of the different intestinal compartments of the horse digestive tract

BackgroundHorses are often fed high amounts of starch in their diets despite the well-established benefits of a fibre-based diet to promote gut health and animal welfare. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of two different diets – one based on high amounts of starch (HS) vs. one base on high amounts of fibre (HF) – on specific parameters of the gut environment across different intestinal compartments of the horse digestive tract. To this end differences in the gastrointestinal environment between HS vs. HF fed horses were assessed in terms of dry matter, organic matter and ash content; the particle size distribution and volatile fatty acid composition were also investigated.ResultsNineteen Bardigiano horses of 14.3 ± 0.7 months of age and destined to slaughter were divided into two group pens – one fed with high amounts of starch (HS; n = 9; 43% hay plus 57% starch-rich pelleted feed); vs. fed with high amounts of fibre (HF; n = 10; 70% hay plus 30% fibre-rich pelleted feed). Horses fed HS diet presented a higher dry matter content in the right dorsal colon. Moreover, they showed a higher organic matter and ash content in the sternal flexure, pelvic flexure, right dorsal colon and rectum. In these latter intestinal compartments, horses fed a HS diet also showed a higher proportion of particles retained on an 8 mm sieve and a higher proportion of particles that washed through the finest sieve (< 1 mm). Moreover, the total amounts of volatile fatty acids as well as valeric acid were found to be significantly higher in horses fed the HS vs. HF diet.ConclusionsA high-starch diet causes significant changes in the horse gut environment. We observed an increase in the dry matter content in the right dorsal colon, as well as reduced particle sizes and an increase in the production of valeric acid in all the gut compartments studied. High-starch diets should be avoided in favour of fibre-based diets with the goal of safeguarding gut health in horses.

Pomegranate peel polyphenols interaction with intestinal flora and its metabolic transformation

1. Pomegranate peel polyphenols (PPPs) have anti-oxidation, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-obesity effect, and so on. However, few studies have been conducted on the absorption and transformation of pomegranate polyphenols in the gut and the biologically active forms that ultimately work in the body. 2. In this study, PPPs (300 mg/kg/day) were given to normal rats and relatively sterile rats by gavage respectively. The relatively sterile rats were obtained by neomycin sulfate (250 mg/kg/day) gavage to rats. The purpose of this study is to elaborate the relationship between intestinal flora and polyphenol metabolism of pomegranate peel, and to quantitatively analyze the transformation process of its metabolite urolithin in rats. 3. The results showed that decreased bacterial diversity could significantly reduce the abundance of PPPs metabolites in feces and urine in relatively sterile rats. PPPs can regulate intestinal flora structure, significantly enhance the content of Clostrida Firmicutes (P < 0.05), and effectively promote acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, iso-butyric acid and valeric acid production in rat (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01 or P< 0.001). PPPs can significantly elevate the relative proportion of Ruminococcaceae (P < 0.05). Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 can promote the metabolic transformation of PPPs and make the utilization of Urolithin A more effective.

Towards Electrochemical Process Design for the Production of Valeric Acid

In order to achieve considerable CO2 reductions there is an urgent need to develop alternative sustainable processes based on bio-based feedstock and renewable energy. The energy sector is currently in a transition towards cost competitive energy generation from renewable sources. Where the availability of cheap electricity presents an opportunity to electrify the chemical industry, as it can benefit from the progressive decarbonisation of the energy sector.1 Furthermore, the shift towards bio-based feedstock represents the largest abatement potential for CO2 emissions.2 Valeric acid (pentanoic acid) is currently produced via hydroformylation (oxo-process) of 1-butene followed by oxidation of valeraldehyde to the valeric acid. Levulinic acid, or 4-oxopentanoic acid, is one of the renewable platform chemicals and can be derived from lignocellulosic biomass via acid catalysed hydrolysis. Typically, levulinic acid is reduced in one step to valeric acid utilizing lead electrodes, with γ-valerolactone (gVL) being a minor by-product.3 Recently, we have demonstrated the viability of other cathode materials (indium, cadmium and zinc). Where indium exhibited superior selectivity, as no formation of the side product gVL has been detected.4 Although the electrochemical ketone reduction to the methylene functionality of levulinic acid and similar compounds is known for more than 100 years, no study on the influence of reaction conditions is reported to the best of our knowledge. Therefore, to come towards an optimal electrochemical process design, it is vital to understand the influence of reaction parameters. We therefore focused in our study on the influence of reaction conditions next to the applicability of other cathode materials. Typical high overpotential electrodes (In, Pb, Cd and Hg) exhibited the highest selectivity and activity towards VA, whereas Pt/C showed the highest selectivity and activity towards gVL. The influence of acidity and temperature on conversion and selectivity was studied for In, Pb and Cd together with the influence of anode material on the design of the electrochemical reactor. Interestingly we found that the selectivity is highly dependent of the acidity (pH) and the nature of the cathode material (see Figure). The increasing selectivity towards VA at decreasing pH is remarkable considering that lactonization of 4-hydroxy-pentanoic acid to gVL is catalyzed under acidic conditions. Another interesting aspect is the increasing conversion of LA at decreasing pH and thus increasing suppression of the electrochemical evolution of hydrogen.We tentatively explain these observed phenomena by an increased coverage of the electrode surface by protonated levulinic acid which in turn influences the activity and selectivity of the process.[1] DECHEMA, Low carbon energy and feedstock for the European chemical industry (2017).[2] Stork M., de Beer J., Lintmeijer N., den Ouden B., Chemistry for Climate: Acting on the need for speed Roadmap for the Dutch Chemical Industry towards 2050, February 2018.[3] Tafel J., Emmert B., Zeitschrift für Elektrochemie 17 (1911), 569-572; Chum H. L., Electrochemistry Applied to Biomass, October 1980 – September 1981, SERI, 1982; Nilges P., dos Santos T.R., Harnisch F., Schröder U, Energy Environ. Sci. 5 (2012), 5231-5235; Xin L., Zhang Z., Qi J., Chadderdon D.J., Qiu Y., Warsko K.M. Li W., ChemSusChem 6 (2013), 674- 686; Dos Santos T.R., Nilges P., Sauter W., Harnisch F., Schröder U., RSC Adv. 5 (2015), 26634-26643.[4] Bisselink R.J.M., Crockatt M., Zijlstra M., Bakker I.J., Goetheer E., Slaghek T.M., van Es D.S., ChemElectroChem 6 (2019), 3285-3280. Figure 1

Type of Dietary Fiber Is Associated with Changes in Ileal and Hindgut Microbial Communities in Growing Pigs and Influences In Vitro Ileal and Hindgut Fermentation

BackgroundThe degree of ileal organic matter (OM) fermentation appears to be comparable to hindgut fermentation in growing pigs. ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine if dietary fiber sources with known different total gastrointestinal tract (GIT) fermentability in humans affect ileal and hindgut microbial communities and ileal fermentation in growing pigs used as an animal model for human adults. MethodsMale pigs (21 kg bodyweight; 9 wk old; PIC Camborough 46 × PIC boar 356L; n = 8/diet) were fed for 42 d a diet containing cellulose (CEL, low fermentability) as the sole fiber source (4.5%) or diets in which half of the CEL was replaced by moderately fermentable fiber, psyllium (PSY), or kiwifruit (KF) fiber. For each diet, terminal jejunal (substrate) and ileal (inoculum) digesta were collected from euthanized animals for in vitro ileal fermentation (2 h). Terminal ileal (substrate) and cecal (inoculum) digesta were used for in vitro hindgut fermentation (24 h). After in vitro fermentations, OM fermentation and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production were determined. Ileal digesta and feces were collected for microbial analysis. Data were analyzed by 2-factor ANOVA (diet × GIT region). ResultsIn vitro ileal OM fermentation was on average 22% and comparable to hindgut OM fermentation. Ileal and hindgut OM fermentation, SCFA production, and microbial community composition changed (P < 0.05) when CEL was partially replaced by KF or PSY. For instance, pigs fed the PSY diet had 3-fold higher (P ≤ 0.05) number of ileal and fecal bacteria than pigs fed the CEL and KF diets. Pigs fed the CEL diet had 4-fold higher (P ≤ 0.05) hindgut valeric acid production than pigs fed the other diets. ConclusionsIleal fermentation is quantitatively significant. Partial substitution of CEL with more fermentable fibers influences both ileal and hindgut microbial communities and the fermentation in growing pigs.

Effect of ethanol or lactic acid on volatile fatty acid profile and microbial community in short-term sequentially transfers by ruminal fermented with wheat straw in vitro

At present, anaerobic fermentation with waste has become a new utilization direction for the production of VFA, and it has advantages for chemical platforms in replacing non-renewable resources that use petrochemicals as raw materials. In this experiment, the pH value, gas production, VFA production, bacterial and fungal community structure of rumen fermented wheat straw with ethanol or lactic acid in vitro within 8 transfers (3-day interval) were investigated. Ethanol significantly increased the pH value (P < 0.05), while ethanol and lactic acid significantly decreased the gas production (P < 0.05). Ethanol and lactic acid addition increased the production of valeric acid and caproic acid (P < 0.01). The fermentation of ethanol and lactic acid addition showed marked differences in bacterial composition. Clostridium and Ruminococcus genera were the main bacteria producing caporic acid in ethanol culture, while Megasphaera genus was the main bacteria producing valeric acid in lactic acid culture. The relative abundance of Wallemia genus was positively correlated with valeric acid yield (P < 0.05). This result provides reference data that wheat straw co-cultured with ethanol or lactic acid in vitro increases valeric acid and caproic acid production, and bacteria plays more important role than fungi.

Liquid–Liquid Equilibrium Data and Continuous Process Concept for the Electrosynthesis of Valeric Acid from Levulinic Acid

Aiming toward a scalable continuous electrochemical production of valeric acid, the mutual insolubility of valeric acid with the aqueous reaction medium of levulinic acid and the aqueous electrolyte are investigated in order to assess the possibility for an integrated product separation based on the liquid–liquid equilibrium of the system. The influence of the electrolyte concentration in the mixture and the mixture temperature on the liquid–liquid equilibrium is studied. Based on these results, the possibility for a batch and a continuous product separation process is developed and discussed.

Enhancement of Clostridium butyricum hydrogen production by iron and nickel nanoparticles: Effects on hydA expression

In this study, an optimized medium for Clostridium butyricum (CCT7470) was obtained from a Plackett-Burman assay. It was evidenced that glucose (5 g/L), starch (1 g/L) and three nitrogen and vitamin sources (5 g meat extract/L; 5 g peptone/L and 1.5 g yeast extract/L) improved hydrogen (H2) production. The addition of nanoparticles (NPs) improved the fermentation process, and maximum H2 production (434 ± 13 mL) was achieved with 30 mg Fe0/L and 20 mg Ni0/L. The metabolic pathway shifted from acetic and butyric to valeric acid production with the addition of NPs. In reactors with NPs, a longer permanence of hydrogenase was observed with hydA quantification by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). However, the expression of new enzymes, assessed by reverse transcription followed by qPCR (RT-qPCR), was higher in control assay than that in the NPs one.

Riboflavin boosts fermentative valeric acid generation from waste activated sludge

Fermentative valeric acid production is a promising way to recycle valuable resources from waste activated sludge (WAS). This study investigated the feasibility of using riboflavin (RF) to enhance volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production, especially valeric acid production from WAS coupled with solid reduction. The results indicated that RF (0.5 mM) promoted the VFAs production by up to 41.0%. Valeric acid accounted for the most abundance within the VFAs components. When RF dosages were 0.05 to 5.0 mM in the WAS fermentation systems, the chemical oxygen demand fractions of valeric acid to the total VFAs were 41.0% to 62.8%, which were much higher than those using other chemical supplements. Moreover, RF enhanced the reduction of mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS). When RF dosage was 0.2 mM, MLVSS reduction achieved a maximum at 47.4%, compared to that in the RF-free control (33.9% reduction). Riboflavin in this study was considered as a feasible chemical to enhance the fermentative valeric acid generation coupled to MLVSS reduction, realizing the reduction of solids and the reutilization of valuable resources from WAS.

Effects of polysaccharides from wild morels on immune response and gut microbiota composition in non-treated and cyclophosphamide-treated mice.

Polysaccharides isolated from mushrooms have been identified as potential prebiotics that could impact gut microbiota. In this study, a water-soluble polysaccharide (MP) extracted from wild morels was evaluated for its effects on the gut microbiota of non-treated and cyclophosphamide (CP)-treated mice. The results showed that MP restored the spleen weight and increased the counts of white blood cells and lymphocytes in the peripheral blood and spleen of the CP-treated mice. Mice treated with MP exhibited increased levels of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria, especially Lachnospiraceae, compared to normal mice, and increased levels of Bacteroidetes and SCFA-producing bacteria, especially Ruminococcaceae, compared to the CP-treated mice. Moreover, MP treatment increased the production of valeric acid and decreased the production of acetic acid in the non-treated mice and increased the production of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and valeric acid in the CP-treated mice. These results show that MP is potentially good for health.

Correction to: Anaerobic production of valeric acid from crude glycerol via chain elongation

Correction to: Anaerobic production of valeric acid from crude glycerol via chain elongation

Anaerobic production of valeric acid from crude glycerol via chain elongation

Glycerol from biodiesel production was used as a substrate for valerate production in a 13.1-L anaerobic filter with an open microbiome. Ethanol at 15% of the influent chemical oxygen demand was supplemented as an additional electron donor source. The 114-day experimental period was divided in three phases which included initial adaptation phase, external sludge addition from a caproic acid producing reactor and valerate extraction using a pertraction system. Propionate (0.63–1.75 g COD L−1 day−1) and valerate (0.86–1.81 g COD L−1 day−1) were the main carboxylates formed throughout all operational phases. An increase in production rates of butyrate (0.26–0.31 g COD L−1 day−1), caproate (0.01–0.08 g COD L−1 day−1), and 1,3-propanediol (0.43–0.52 g COD L−1 day−1) was observed with addition of external caproic acid producing sludge rich in Clostridium members. In the operational phase with pertraction, a sudden decrease in 1,3-propanediol and concomitant increase in acid production were verified. Propionate and valerate reached higher production rates compared with the other two phases, suggesting that the pertraction system favored the oxidative pathway of glycerol fermentation. Valerate extraction reached a maximum of 30 g COD m−2 day−1. The filter microbiome was highly diverse with Simpson index values close to 0.1 for the four sludge samples collected, and a concomitant increase in Megasphaera elsdenii and an increase in valerate production rates were observed. Hence, high valerate production and extraction rates through the carboxylate platform are a feasible alternative for crude glycerol valorization with a great potential for improvement in future research.

Identification of More Benign Cathode Materials for the Electrochemical Reduction of Levulinic Acid to Valeric Acid

AbstractThe electrochemical production of valeric acid from the renewable bio‐based feedstock levulinic acid has the potential to replace the oxo‐process, which uses fossil‐based feedstock 1‐butylene. The electrochemical reduction of the ketone functionality in levulinic acid using lead or mercury cathodes has already been known for over 100 years. However, large‐scale electrochemical production of valeric acid might be limited, owing to the toxicity of these materials. In this study, we identified three additional cathode materials, cadmium, indium, and zinc, which selectively and efficiently produce valeric acid. Of these materials, indium and zinc are considered more benign. More specifically, at indium there is no formation of the side product γ‐valerolactone, thus resulting in the highest selectivity towards valeric acid. For the electrochemical reduction, a reaction mechanism involving the formation of an organometallic compound is proposed. Furthermore, a possible processing strategy is outlined to enable the continuous electrochemical production of valeric acid on a large scale.

Modified anaerobic digestion model No.1 (ADM1) for modeling anaerobic digestion process at different ammonium concentrations.

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is an established method for sustainable energy production. Anaerobic digestion model No.1 (ADM1) was used to simulate methane production (MP) and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations at different ammonium concentrations. In accordance with the incomplete description of several biochemical reactions and the omission of several reaction processes, ADM1 was modified with the consideration of acetic acid inhibition and valeric acid existence. ADM1_ac (ADM1 added acetic acid inhibition) could obtain better simulation accuracy of MP (goodness-of-fit value=0.945), and VFA concentrations (goodness-of-fit values>0.39) were all higher than ADM1_original, but cannot explain the valeric acid production. ADM1_va (ADM1 added valeric acid existence) could achieve better simulation of valeric acid (achieving a breakthrough of zero), nevertheless the accuracy of propionic and butyric acids was poorer than ADM1_ac with differences between experimental and simulation values were 5%-10% lower. With both factors coordinated, MP and VFA concentrations could be simulated accurately by ADM1_ac_va (ADM1 added acetic acid inhibition and valeric acid existence), with the highest goodness-of-fit values (>0.85). The results of a verification experiment with ADM1_ac_va simulation further indicated that acetic acid inhibition and valeric acid as new component were both important in ADM1. PRACTITIONER POINTS: ADM1_ac could simulate MP and acetate, propionate and butyrate concentrations better. ADM1_va could explain the valerate production during AD of glucose. ADM1_ac_va could simulate AD process quite accurately, with the highest goodness-of-fit values (>0.85). Acetate inhibition and valerate existence were both important and should be considered in ADM1.

Adaptation of intestinal fermentation over time in the growing pig is influenced by the amount of kiwi fruit consumed.

The effect of kiwi fruit at two dietary levels on the adaptation of intestinal fermentation over time in the growing pig was studied. A semi-synthetic fibre-free diet and two semi-synthetic diets containing kiwi fruit as a model fibre source (133 or 266 g/kg (DM basis); 28 or 48 g fibre/kg) were formulated and the diets contained titanium dioxide as an indigestible marker. A total of fourteen ileal cannulated pigs (41 kg body weight) were fed the fibre-free diet for 7 d followed by either the low or high kiwi fruit-containing diets (n 7/diet) for a further 44 d. Ileal digesta and faeces were collected at five times throughout the study. Ileal digesta were fermented (in vitro) with a standard pooled human faecal inoculum, while fresh pig faeces were used as inocula to ferment in vitro a standard purified fibre. Observations were normalised for diet DM intake using the marker. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene copy number of ileal and total faecal bacteria were high for the high-kiwi fruit level diet (P<0·05). The ileal bacteria tended to decrease over time (P<0·1), while the faecal bacteria increased (P<0·05), at the same rate for both diets. The amounts of crude protein and insoluble dietary fibre entering the hindgut changed over time similarly for both diets, whereas for starch it changed only for the low kiwi fruit-containing diet (P<0·05). Changes over time were also observed for the predicted hindgut valeric acid production and butyric acid absorption (P<0·05). In conclusion, adaptational changes over time of some characteristics of intestinal fermentation depended on the dietary level of kiwi fruit.

Organic acids grow on the farm

With antibiotics increasingly being shunned as growth promoters, chemical makers are investing in short-chain organic acids as a new way to help farmers increase meat production without contributing to antibiotic resistance. The specialty chemical company Oxea just completed an expansion of its plant in Oberhausen, Germany, that boosts output of short-chain organic acids such as propionic acid, butyric acid, and isobutyric acid. Last month, Sweden’s Perstorp launched production of valeric acid, which it says is the first new organic acid for animal nutrition in decades. Also last month, the French industrial biotech firm Metabolic Explorer said it plans to invest in a facility that makes butyric acid via fermentation. All three companies are responding to rising farmer interest in organic acids and their derivatives as components of animal feed free of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs). Europe, the largest market for the organic acids, banned AGPs in 2006. The U.S. FDA

Lactobacillus plantarum IFPL935 Favors the Initial Metabolism of Red Wine Polyphenols When Added to a Colonic Microbiota

This work aimed to unravel the role of Lactobacillus plantarum IFPL935 strain in the colonic metabolism of a polyphenolic red wine extract, when added to a complex human colonic microbiota from the dynamic simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem (SHIME). The concentration of microbial-derived phenolic metabolites and microbial community changes along with fermentative and proteolytic activities were monitored. The results showed that L. plantarum IFPL935 significantly increased the concentration of the initial microbial ring-fission catabolite of catechins and procyanidins, diphenylpropanol, and, similarly, 4-hydroxy-5-(3'-hydroxyphenyl)valeric acid production. Overall, the addition of L. plantarum IFPL935 did not have an impact on the total concentration of phenolic metabolites, except for batches inoculated with colonic microbiota from the effluent compartment (EC), where the figures were significantly higher when L. plantarum IFPL935 was added (24 h). In summary, the data highlighted that L. plantarum IFPL935 may have an impact on the bioavailability of these dietary polyphenols. Some of the microbial-derived metabolites may play a key role in the protective effects that have been linked to a polyphenol-rich diet.

Effect of arabinose concentration on dark fermentation hydrogen production using different mixed cultures

Dark fermentation hydrogen production from arabinose at concentrations ranging between 0 and 100 g/L was examined in batch assays for three different mixed anaerobic cultures, two suspended sludges (S1, S2) obtained from two different sludge digesters and one granular sludge (G) obtained from a brewery wastewater treatment plant. After elimination of the methanogenic activity by heat treatment, all mixed cultures produced hydrogen, and optimal hydrogen rates and yields were generally observed for concentrations between 10 and 40 g/L of substrate. Higher concentrations of arabinose up to 100 g/L inhibited hydrogen production, although the effect was different from inoculum to inoculum. It was evident that the granular biomass was less affected by increased initial arabinose concentrations when calculating the rate of decrease in hydrogen yields versus arabinose concentrations, compared against the two suspended sludges. The largest amount of soluble microbial product produced for all three inocula was for n-butyrate. Also, valeric acid production was observed in some samples.