Entrapment of Lactobacillus casei ATCC393 in the viscus matrix of Pistacia terebinthus resin for functional myzithra cheese manufacture

Novel immobilization method of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in grains for dry food products

This study aimed to assess the potential use of grains (amaranth, millet, and quinoa) as immobilizing matrices on the metabolic activity of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and evaluate the viability of the probiotic immobilized in millet during simulated oro-gastrointestinal digestion (OGI) and storage. Firstly, different grains, sterilization and immobilization times were assessed. Secondly, Lp. plantarum was immobilized in millet and its viability and metabolic activity were assessed during non-refrigerated long-term storage and OGI. Metabolic activity was higher with 15 min. of grain sterilization and 72 h of immobilization. Lp. plantarum in millet showed the highest count. Millet grains were able to maintain the high population (>7 log CFU/g) and the metabolic activity of Lp. plantarum during up to 150 d of storage and conferred a protective effect on entrapped probiotic cells during OGI. Millet is a promising immobilizing matrix for the addition of probiotics in dry food products.

Descriptive Characteristics and Cheesemaking Technology of Greek Cheeses Not Listed in the EU Geographical Indications Registers

Greece has a variety of cheeses that are registered as protected designation of origin and protected geographical indications, and many others that are produced in a traditional way, without such registration. This article aims to describe the characteristics of these cheeses, which do not bear a certification of geographical indication, in order to increase their significance. Therefore, in this work, the scientific data published about the history, production, composition, and other specific properties of some milk cheeses (Kariki, hard Xinotyri, soft Xinotyri, Kefalotyri, Kashkaval Pindos, Graviera, Manoura Sifnos, Teleme, Tsalafouti, Tyraki Tinou, Ladotyri Zakynthou, Touloumotyri, and Melichloro) and whey cheeses (Anthotyros, Myzithra, and Urda) are presented. This information may contribute to their better promotion and recognition, protecting their heritage, and supporting the local economy.

Lacticaseibacillus paracasei KC39 Immobilized on Prebiotic Wheat Bran to Manufacture Functional Soft White Cheese

In the current study, probiotic Lacticaseibacillus paracasei KC39 was immobilized on wheat bran as a carrier. The immobilized synbiotic biocatalyst was freeze-dried and used as an adjunct during the production of functional soft white cheese. Free freeze-dried Lc. paracasei cells as an adjunct and a control cheese with a commercial starter were used for comparison. In addition to a fiber content of 1.12%, the functional cheese made using the synbiotic biocatalyst showed higher cell viabilities in the gastric and intestinal phases as well as an enhanced microstructure and favorable sensory characteristics. The presented immobilization method could be applied to the production of soft cheese and other functional food products for the stabilized delivery of both probiotics and dietary fibers.

Clinical Potential of Microbial Strains, Used in Fermentation for Probiotic Food, Beverages and in Synbiotic Supplements, as Psychobiotics for Cognitive Treatment through Gut–Brain Signaling

Pure and viable strains of microorganisms identified and characterized as probiotic strains are used in the fermentation process to prepare probiotic food and beverages. These products are sources of nutrition and help in the maintenance of gut microflora. The intake of food products prepared with the use of probiotic microorganisms and containing their metabolites and whole microbial cells can be considered as a natural formulation of synbiotic products with prebiotic substrates and culture. Other than through the intake of fermented food and beverages, probiotic microorganisms can be taken through a supplement, which is a complementary form prepared by combining separate sources of prebiotic substrates and specific probiotic cultures. Whether a fermented solid food or beverage, both the components in the product are in a synergistic relationship and contribute to several health benefits at a lower cost. The aim of this article is to review the relevant literature and present the outcomes of recent studies which have been conducted to explore the clinical potential of probiotic strains and their effect on psychological conditions. Studies have shown the relationship between gut microbiota and the brain, and their interaction through signaling. The studies have concluded that the gut–brain axis can be manipulated with the intake of probiotic foods or synbiotic supplements containing specific probiotic strains accompanied with their complementary prebiotics for the enhanced sustainability of healthy GIT microflora.

Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics, and Fermented Foods as Potential Biotics in Nutrition Improving Health via Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis

Biological, social, and psychological practices greatly affect the dietary intake of people; as a result, health-related complexities occur. Functional food and supplements have become popular due to their nutraceutical benefits, which make different choices of fermented food and beverages available to people. This review describes the characteristics of probiotics, prebiotics, post- and paraprobiotics, and their role in nutrition and in the sustainability of health. Currently, several synbiotic supplements have attracted consumers in the nutraceutical market to offer a number of health benefits, which are complementary mixtures of selected characterized probiotic cultures and prebiotic substrates. Traditional fermented foods consumed in different cultures are different than probiotics and symbiotic preparations, though these could be considered potential biotics in nutrition. Fermented foods are part of a staple diet in several countries and are cost-effective due to their preparation using seasonal raw materials available from local agriculture practices. Intake of all biotics discussed in this article is intended to improve the population of beneficial microbiota in the gut, which has proved important for the microbiome–gut–brain axis, influencing the activity of vagus nerve.

The Gut Microbiota Influenced by the Intake of Probiotics and Functional Foods with Prebiotics Can Sustain Wellness and Alleviate Certain Ailments like Gut-inflammation and Colon-Cancer

The gut microbiota is composed of several microbial strains, with diverse and variable combinations in healthy and sick persons, changing at different stages of life. A healthy balance between host and gut microorganisms must be maintained in order to perform the normal physiological, metabolic, and immune functions and prevent disease development. Disturbances in the balance of the gut microbiota by diverse reasons initiate several health issues and promote the progression of certain diseases. This review is based on published research and reports that describe the role of probiotic microorganisms in the sustainability of health and the alleviation of certain diseases. Information is presented on the GRAS strains that are used as probiotics in the food industry for the production of fermented milk, yogurt, fermented food, functional foods, and probiotic drinks. To maintain a healthy microbiota, probiotic supplements in the form of freeze-dried live cells of probiotic strains are also available in different forms to consumers. The health benefits of lactic acid bacteria and other microorganisms and their role in the control of certain diseases such as gut inflammation, diabetes, and bowel cancer and in the safeguarding of the gut epithelial permeability from the invasion of pathogens are discussed.

White Brined Cheese Production by Incorporation of a Traditional Milk-Cereal Prebiotic Matrix with a Candidate Probiotic Bacterial Strain

The aim of the present study is the evaluation of a novel potentially probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei SP5, previously isolated from dairy products, as a starter culture of white brined cheese production, either free or immobilized on a traditional food, “trahanas”, in order to provide protection to the starter culture and a prebiotic effect. All produced cheeses were compared with cheese manufactured by renin enzyme. Several parameters that affect the acceptability, quality, and shelf life of white brined cheese were investigated, including microbial populations, physicochemical characteristics, and cheese volatiles through 70 days of ripening and storage. White brined cheese production by free or immobilized L. paracasei SP5 resulted in significantly higher acidity (over 0.8 g of lactic acid/100 g of cheese at the 70th day of ripening) and significantly reduced counts (around 50%) of coliforms, yeasts, and fungi compared to cheese produced with no starter culture. The use of the freeze-dried novel starter culture, either free or immobilized, improved the aromatic profile of cheeses as was proven through a GC-MS analysis. In addition, it should be underlined that the application of the novel strain led to white brined cheese with improved overall quality and sensory characteristics. The results indicate the potential industrial use of freeze-dried L. paracasei SP5 as a starter culture for the production of good-quality functional white brined cheeses.

Co-encapsulation of probiotics with prebiotics and their application in functional/synbiotic dairy products

Oral administration of live probiotics along with prebiotics has been suggested with numerous beneficial effects for several conditions including certain infectious disorders, diarrheal illnesses, some inflammatory bowel diseases, and most recently, irritable bowel syndrome. Though, delivery of such viable bacteria to the host intestine is a major challenge, due to the poor survival of the ingested probiotic bacteria during the gastric transit, especially within the stomach where the pH is highly acidic. Although microencapsulation has been known as a promising approach for improving the viability of probiotics in the human digestive tract, the success rate is not satisfactory. For this reason, co-encapsulation of probiotics with probiotics has been practised as a novel alternative approach for further improvement of the oral delivery of viable probiotics toward their targeted release in the host intestine. This paper discusses the co-encapsulation technologies used for delivery of probiotics toward better stability and viability, as well the incorporation of co-encapsulated probiotics and prebiotics in functional/synbiotic dairy foods. The common encapsulation technologies (and the materials) used for this purpose, the stability and survival of co-encapsulated probiotics in the food, and the release behavior of the co-encapsulated probiotics in the gastrointestinal tract have also been explained. Most studies reported a significant improvement particularly in the viability of bacteria associated with the presence of prebiotics. Nevertheless, the previous research has mostly been carried out in the simulated digestion, meaning that future systematic research is to be carried out to investigate the efficacy of the co-encapsulation on the survival of the bacteria in the gut in vivo.

Entrapped Psychrotolerant Yeast Cells within Pine Sawdust for Low Temperature Wine Making: Impact on Wine Quality

An alternative methodology is proposed for low temperature winemaking using freeze-dried raw materials. Pine sawdust was delignified and the received porous cellulosic material was applied as immobilization carrier of the psychrotolerant yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae AXAZ-1. The immobilization of yeast cells was examined and verified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The immobilized biocatalyst and high-gravity grape must were separately freeze-dried without cryoprotectants and stored at room temperature (20–22 °C) for 3 months. The effect of storage on the fermentation efficiency of the immobilized biocatalyst at low temperatures (1–10 °C), as well as on the aromatic characteristics of the produced wines was evaluated. Storage time had no significant effect on the fermentation efficiency of the biocatalyst resulting in most cases in high ethanol production 13.8–14.8% v/v. The volatile fraction of the produced wines was examined using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) followed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). GC-MS/SPME analysis along with the organoleptic evaluation revealed in all produced wines a plethora of fresh and fruit aromatic notes. To conclude, fermentation kinetics and aromatic profile evaluation encourages the production of high-quality sweet wines at low temperatures using pine sawdust (Pinus halepensis) entrapped yeast cells as a promoter.

The Inoculation of Probiotics In Vivo Is a Challenge: Strategies to Improve Their Survival, to Avoid Unpleasant Changes, or to Enhance Their Performances in Beverages

The inoculation of probiotics in beverages (probiotication) requires special technologies, as probiotic microorganisms can experience stress during food processing (acid, cold, drying, starvation, oxidative, and osmotic stresses) and gastrointestinal transit. Survival to harsh conditions is an essential prerequisite for probiotic bacteria before reaching the target site where they can exert their health promoting effects, but several probiotics show a poor resistance to technological processes, limiting their use to a restricted number of food products. Therefore, this paper offers a short overview of the ways to improve bacterial resistance: by inducing a phenotypic modification (adaptation) or by surrounding bacteria through a physical protection (microencapsulation). A second topic briefly addressed is genetic manipulation, while the last section addresses the control of metabolism by attenuation through physical treatments to design new kinds of food.

Assessment of Pomegranate Juice as an Alternative “Substrate” for Probiotic Delivery. Recent Advances and Prospects

The probiotic products in the market are mostly milk-based products, such as yoghurts, cheese and fermented milk. However, lately, there has been an increasing demand for non-dairy probiotic products due to various reasons such as allergies, lactose intolerance, high cholesterol content and consumers turning to more natural foods. Fruit juices are considered as an appropriate new substrate for probiotic delivery. From these, pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is gaining more attention in recent years. Pomegranate is a fruit known since ancient times for its therapeutic qualities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antitumor properties, among others. Pomegranate juice contains a range of bioactive compounds such as phytochemicals, like polyphenols, ellagitannins, anthocyanins and punicalagins. The fermentation of the juice with probiotic strains seems to provide beverages of high nutritional values and accepted organoleptic quality. Therefore, the aim of this comprehensive review is to present an overview of the innovative in vitro and in vivo assays that have taken place regarding fermentation of pomegranate juice by probiotic bacteria. In addition, various drawbacks are underlined and solutions are proposed and discussed regarding the feasibility of pomegranate juice as an alternative substrate for probiotic delivery.

Cheese as a Potential Food Carrier to Deliver Probiotic Microorganisms into the Human Gut: A Review

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This review presents the industrial manufacture and applications of cheese for the delivery of probiotic microorganisms into the human gut. Initially, important benefits of probiotics and advantageous characteristics of cheese for the delivery of probiotic microorganisms into the human gut in comparison with the other fermented milk products are discussed. Fresh and ripened cheeses are also separately argued followed by discussing queries respecting the viability of probiotic bacteria into these cheeses. Since fresh cheese has been demonstrated as more suitable carriers for probiotic microorganisms, factories are recommended producing it in large quantities.

Enhanced Aromatic Profile and Functionality of Cheese Whey Beverages by Incorporation of Probiotic Cells Immobilized on Pistacia terebinthus Resin

: In the present study, cheese whey was utilized for the development of a novel functional beverage, using Lactobacillus casei ATCC 393 probiotic cells immobilized on Pistacia terebinthus resin (pissa Paphos). Evaluation of shelf life of the produced beverages showed that spoilage microorganisms were not observed in beverages containing P. terebinthus resin. Terpenes' rich content might have contributed to the antimicrobial activity of the produced beverages; however, no significant effect on the viability of the immobilized probiotic cells was obtained. Whey beverages containing the immobilized biocatalyst retained a high viability (>1 × 106 CFU/g) of probiotic cells during a storage period of 30 days at 4 °C. The superiority of whey beverages containing the immobilized biocatalyst was also highlighted by GC-MS analysis, while the enhanced aromatic profile, which was mostly attributed to the higher concentration of terpenes, was also detected during the sensory evaluation performed. Conclusively, this study indicated the high commercialization potential of these novel functional whey beverages, within the frame of a sustainable dairy waste valorization approach. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first food-oriented approach within the guidelines of the circular economy reported in the literature, using the autochthonous Pistacia terebinthus resin for the production of functional whey beverages.

Probiotics in Food Systems: Significance and Emerging Strategies Towards Improved Viability and Delivery of Enhanced Beneficial Value

Preserving the efficacy of probiotic bacteria exhibits paramount challenges that need to be addressed during the development of functional food products. Several factors have been claimed to be responsible for reducing the viability of probiotics including matrix acidity, level of oxygen in products, presence of other lactic acid bacteria, and sensitivity to metabolites produced by other competing bacteria. Several approaches are undertaken to improve and sustain microbial cell viability, like strain selection, immobilization technologies, synbiotics development etc. Among them, cell immobilization in various carriers, including composite carrier matrix systems has recently attracted interest targeting to protect probiotics from different types of environmental stress (e.g., pH and heat treatments). Likewise, to successfully deliver the probiotics in the large intestine, cells must survive food processing and storage, and withstand the stress conditions encountered in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Hence, the appropriate selection of probiotics and their effective delivery remains a technological challenge with special focus on sustaining the viability of the probiotic culture in the formulated product. Development of synbiotic combinations exhibits another approach of functional food to stimulate the growth of probiotics. The aim of the current review is to summarize the strategies and the novel techniques adopted to enhance the viability of probiotics.

Pistacia terebinthus Resin as Yeast Immobilization Support for Alcoholic Fermentation

A natural resin retrieved from Pistacia terebinthus tree was evaluated as an immobilization carrier of Saccharomyces cerevisiae AXAZ-1 cells targeting successive fermentation batches of sugar synthetic mediums. Fermentation times below 54 h were recorded at temperatures 28–14 °C. In total, 147 compounds were detected using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, including alcohols, esters, ketones, aldehydes, acids, and terpenes. Principal component analysis indicated that the state of cells (free/immobilized) and the fermentation temperature primarily affected terpenes’ composition. Importantly, no spoilage of the fermented beverages was noted during 90 days of storage at room temperature, most likely due to the high content of extracted terpenoids and phenols (up to 579.01 mg L⁻¹ and 171.8 mg gallic acid equivalent L⁻¹, respectively). Likewise, the developed novel biocatalyst (yeast cells immobilized within Pistacia terebinthus resin) was suitable for the production of low alcohol beverages with an enhanced aromatic profile. The obtained results revealed that the proposed bioprocess shows great commercialization potential in the new fast-growing low-alcohol beverages sector.

Production of a Potentially Synbiotic Pomegranate Beverage by Fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 14917 Adsorbed on a Prebiotic Carrier

A probiotic biocatalyst was prepared through Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 14917 immobilization on a prebiotic carrier (delignified wheat bran) and was used for fermentations of pomegranate juice. Initially, pomegranate juice was fermented for 24 h and then was stored for 28 days at 4 °C. The obtained results regarding sugar and organic acid analysis revealed that the probiotic biocatalyst was effective. Ethanol was produced in small amounts (0.4-1% v/v). Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity was greater in the fermented pomegranate juice than in unfermented juice after 24 h of fermentation and over the time span of 28 days. Viability of probiotic cells was well maintained (above 8.65 log cfu/mL) after 24 h of fermentation and during 4 weeks of storage at 4 °C, and it is noteworthy that no pathogens were observed. The strength of viability of probiotic cells can be attributed to the immobilization carrier (delignified wheat bran) that exhibits prebiotic properties providing a protective effect to the cells. Finally, the proposed bioprocess of employing the proposed synbiotic biocatalyst for pomegranate juice fermentation shows great potential for commercialization while sensory evaluation highlights the degree of quality of the produced functional pomegranate beverages.

Employment of L. paracasei K5 as a Novel Potentially Probiotic Freeze-Dried Starter for Feta-Type Cheese Production

In the present study, a novel potentially probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei strain, previously isolated from dairy products, was evaluated as a starter culture of Feta-type cheese production. Targeting industrial applications, the starter culture was applied as a ready-to-use freeze-dried culture that was either free or immobilized. The immobilized biocatalyst composed of Lactobacillus paracasei K5 cells absorbed within delignified wheat bran prebiotic carrier. All produced cheeses were compared with cheese manufactured by renin enzyme. Several parameters that affect acceptability, quality and shelf-life of Feta-type cheese were investigated, including microbial populations, physicochemical characteristics and cheese volatiles through 90 days of ripening and storage. Survival of L. paracasei K5 remained in high levels (≥6.0 log cfu/g) after the 90th day of cheese production, as recorded by combining microbiological enumeration and strain-specific multiplex PCR analysis. The use of the freeze-dried novel starter culture (free or immobilized) enhanced the aromatic profile of Feta-type cheeses. Finally, the use of the potentially synbiotic immobilized biocatalyst further improved aromatic characteristics of produced cheese and decrease of possible spoilage or pathogenic microorganisms. These findings indicate the potential industrial use of freeze-dried L. paracasei K5 as starter culture for the production of good-quality functional Feta-type cheese.

Application of A Novel Potential Probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei Strain Isolated from Kefir Grains in the Production of Feta-Type Cheese

In the present study 38 lactic acid bacteria strains were isolated from kefir grains and were monitored regarding probiotic properties in a series of established in vitro tests, including resistance to low pH, resistance to pepsin and pancreatin, and tolerance to bile salts, as well as susceptibility against common antibiotics. Among them, the strain SP3 displayed potential probiotic properties. Multiplex PCR analysis indicated that the novel strain belongs to the paracasei species. Likewise, the novel strain (Lactobacillus paracasei SP3) was applied as a starter culture for Feta-type cheese production. Feta-type cheese production resulted in significantly higher acidity; lower pH; reduced counts of coliforms, yeasts and fungi; and improved quality characteristics compared with cheese samples produced with no starter culture. Finally, it is highlighted that the application of the novel strain led to Feta-type cheese production with improved overall quality and sensory characteristics.

Assessment of Volatile Compounds Evolution, Antioxidant Activity, and Total Phenolics Content during Cold Storage of Pomegranate Beverage Fermented by Lactobacillus paracasei K5

A recently isolate from feta type cheese, potential probiotic strain Lactobacillus paracasei K5, was applied for pomegranate juice (Punica granutum L.) fermentation. Fermentations were carried out for 24 h followed by the storage of pomegranate juices at 4 °C for 4 weeks. The parameters examined were a composition of volatile compounds, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and consumers’ acceptance. The results were encouraging showing that lactic acid fermentation enhanced the composition of volatile compounds even at the fourth week of storage. Increased antioxidant activity (151.44 mg TE/100 mL at the second week) and total phenolics content (285 mg GAE/100 mL at the third week) were observed for all the storage times compared to the initial pomegranate beverage. The fermented pomegranate beverage received better scores for the last 3 weeks of cold storage compared to the non-fermented one. Likewise, L. paracasei K5 was proved to be suitable for the production of functional pomegranate beverages with enhanced aromatic characteristics and high nutritional value.

Production of a Novel Functional Fruit Beverage Consisting of Cornelian Cherry Juice and Probiotic Bacteria

The present study describes the development of a novel functional beverage through the application of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC (American Type Culture Collection) 14917 in Cornelian cherry juice fermentation. The probiotic was employed in free and immobilized in a delignified wheat bran carrier (DWB) form. Cornelian cherry juice was fermented for 24 h and then it was stored at 4 °C for 4 weeks. Several parameters were evaluated such as residual sugar, organic acid and alcohol levels, total phenolics content, and cell viability as well as consumers acceptance. Regarding sugar and organic acids analyses, it was proved that the probiotic free or immobilized biocatalyst was effective. The concentration of ethanol was maintained at low levels (0.3⁻0.9% v/v). The total phenolic content of fermented Cornelian cherry juice with immobilized cells was recorded in higher levels (214⁻264 mg GAE/100 mL) for all the cold storage time compared to fermented juice with free cells (165⁻199 mg GAE/100 mL) and non-fermented juice (135⁻169 mg GAE/100 mL). Immobilized cells retained their viability in higher levels (9.95 log cfu/mL at the 4th week) compared to free cells (7.36 log cfu/mL at the 4th week). No significant sensory differences were observed among the fermented and the non-fermented samples.