Potential Probiotic Strains of Saccharomyces and Non-Saccharomyces: Functional and Biotechnological Characteristics

A Probiotic Amylase Blend Positively Impacts Gut Microbiota Modulation in a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study

The present study was performed to determine if ingesting a blend of probiotics plus amylase would alter the abundance and diversity of gut microbiota in subjects consuming the blend over a 6-week period. 16S and ITS ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing was performed on fecal samples provided by subjects who participated in a clinical study where they consumed either a probiotic amylase blend (Bifidobacterium breve 19bx, Lactobacillus acidophilus 16axg, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus 18fx, and Saccharomyces boulardii 16mxg, alpha amylase (500 SKB (Alpha-amylase-Dextrinizing Units)) or a placebo consisting of rice oligodextrin. The abundance and diversity of both bacterial and fungal organisms was assessed at baseline and following 6 weeks of probiotic amylase blend or placebo consumption. In the subjects consuming the probiotic blend, the abundance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae increased 200-fold, and its prevalence increased (~20% to ~60%) (p ≤ 0.05), whereas the potential pathogens Bacillus thuringiensis and Macrococcus caseolyticus decreased more than 150- and 175-fold, respectively, after probiotic-amylase blend consumption. We also evaluated the correlation between change in microbiota and clinical features reported following probiotic amylase consumption. Nine (9) species (seven bacterial and two fungal) were significantly (negatively or positively) associated with the change in 32 clinical features that were originally evaluated in the clinical study. Oral supplementation with the probiotic-amylase blend caused a marked increase in abundance of the beneficial yeast S. cerevisiae and concomitant modulation of gut-dwelling commensal bacterial organisms, providing the proof of concept that a beneficial commensal organism can re-align the gut microbiota.

Emerging relevance of cell wall components from non-conventional yeasts as functional ingredients for the food and feed industry

Non-conventional yeast species, or non-Saccharomyces yeasts, are increasingly recognized for their involvement in fermented foods. Many of them exhibit probiotic characteristics that are mainly due to direct contacts with other cell types through various molecular components of their cell wall. The biochemical composition and/or the molecular structure of the cell wall components are currently considered the primary determinant of their probiotic properties. Here we first present the techniques that are used to extract and analyze the cell wall components of food industry-related non-Saccharomyces yeasts. We then review the current understanding of the cell wall composition and structure of each polysaccharide from these yeasts. Finally, the data exploring the potential beneficial role of their cell wall components, which could be a source of innovative functional ingredients, are discussed. Such research would allow the development of high value-added products and provide the food industry with novel inputs beyond the well-established S. cerevisiae.

Exploring the Health Benefits of Yeast Isolated from Traditional Fermented Foods in Korea: Anti-Inflammatory and Functional Properties of Saccharomyces and Non-Saccharomyces Strains

Traditional yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been used for its benefits in various fermentation processes; the benefits of non-Saccharomyces yeast as a material for food, feed, and pharmaceuticals have been studied recently. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity and extracellular functional characteristics of wild-type yeasts isolated from traditional fermented foods (doenjang (common name: soybean paste) and nuruk) in Korea. The viability of the yeast and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAWBlue™ cells was improved, similar to unstimulated RAWBlue™ cells, and the isolates demonstrated NF-κB inhibitory activity. Yeast suppressed the nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated RAWBlue™ cells, which was attributed to the inhibition of iNOS or COX-2 mRNA expression depending on the strain. Although there were differences depending on the strain, the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines was reduced in the yeast and LPS-stimulated RAWBlue™ cells, some of which were demonstrated at the mRNA level. In addition, the isolates exhibited high antioxidant and antihypertensive activities (similar to the positive control), which varied depending on the strain. This suggests that yeast can be used for fermentation with enhanced antioxidant and antihypertensive activities. Furthermore, the isolates inhibited the growth of pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria, indicating that yeast can inhibit food spoilage and the growth of pathogenic bacteria during fermentation. Consequently, utilizing raw materials to cultivate yeast strains could be a promising avenue for developing functional foods to prevent and treat inflammatory reactions; such foods may exhibit antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antibacterial properties.

Use of probiotic yeasts with biocontrol activity for fermentation of ewe's milk

BACKGROUND

There are sufficient scienctific studies that support the benefit that fermented dairy products produce in those who consume them. Traditionally, cow's milk has been the most commonly used milk but there is a growing interest in the development of new dairy products, substituting cow's milk with milk from other sources, as well as in the use of microorganisms in fermentation to replace artificial preservatives or treatments that may affect the chemical and organoleptic characteristics of the product. For these reasons, the aim of the present work was to understand the behavior of five potential probiotic yeasts during the fermentation of ewe's milk and to consider their potential use as biocontrol agents.

RESULTS

Saccharomyces cerevisiae 3 and Hanseniaspora osmophila 1056 provided the most promising kinetic parameters in the different salt, temperature and pH conditions tested in their technological characterization. The profiles of organic acids and volatile compounds after the fermentation period was noteworthy for contributing to the final aroma of the dairy product. Sensory analysis revealed the sour taste of all samples, and S. cerevisiae 3, Lachancea thermotolerans 1039, and H. osmophila 1056 stood out for an accentuated cheese flavor. In addition, all strains showed biocontrol activity; they reduced the mycelium of the mycotoxigenic molds.

CONCLUSION

Saccharomyces cerevisiae 3 and H. osmophila 1056 could be inoculated along with bacterial starters to provide a functional fermented beverage with improved flavor. These strains also have an added value as they act as biocontrol agents. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Biocontrol and Probiotic Function of Non-Saccharomyces Yeasts: New Insights in Agri-Food Industry

Fermented food matrices, including beverages, can be defined as the result of the activity of complex microbial ecosystems where different microorganisms interact according to different biotic and abiotic factors. Certainly, in industrial production, the technological processes aim to control the fermentation to place safe foods on the market. Therefore, if food safety is the essential prerogative, consumers are increasingly oriented towards a healthy and conscious diet driving the production and consequently the applied research towards natural processes. In this regard, the aim to guarantee the safety, quality and diversity of products should be reached limiting or avoiding the addition of antimicrobials or synthetic additives using the biological approach. In this paper, the recent re-evaluation of non-Saccharomyces yeasts (NSYs) has been reviewed in terms of bio-protectant and biocontrol activity with a particular focus on their antimicrobial power using different application modalities including biopackaging, probiotic features and promoting functional aspects. In this review, the authors underline the contribution of NSYs in the food production chain and their role in the technological and fermentative features for their practical and useful use as a biocontrol agent in food preparations.

Promising Probiotic Properties of the Yeasts Isolated from Rabilé, a Traditionally Fermented Beer Produced in Burkina Faso

In recent years, research on yeasts as probiotics has gained more and more interest, which will allow the development of "new" products in the probiotics market. In this context, seventeen yeast strains isolated from Rabilé, a traditional beer produced in Burkina Faso, were assessed for their probiotic attributes. The yeast identification was performed by molecular methods, including PCR-RFLP and 5.8S-ITS region sequencing. Saccharomyces cerevisiae (14 strains) was the predominantly identified species, followed by Pichia kudriavzevii (2 strains) and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (1 strain). Except for R. mucilaginosa, all yeast strains grew well at human temperature. The yeast strains showed high resistance when they were exposed to simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Auto-aggregation ability was between 70.20 ± 10.53% and 91.82 ± 1.96%, while co-aggregation with E. coli ranged from 24.92 ± 3.96% to 80.68 ± 9.53% and with S. enterica serovar Typhimurium from 40.89 ± 8.18% to 74.06 ± 7.94%. Furthermore, the hydrophobicity of isolated strains toward n-hexane was in the range from 43.17 ± 5.07% to 70.73 ± 2.42%. All yeast strains displayed high antioxidant capabilities, and the strains did not show hemolysis halos, such that they can be considered safe. Additionally, S. cerevisiae strains strongly inhibited the growth of foodborne pathogens. This is the first preliminary study to identify and characterize the yeast strains isolated from Rabilé with interesting probiotic properties.

The emerging role of the gut mycobiome in liver diseases

In recent years, it has become clear that gut microbiota plays a major role in the human body, both in health and disease. Because of that, the gut microbiome and its impact on human well-being are getting wider and wider attention. Studies focused on the liver are not an exception. However, the majority of the analyses are concentrated on the bacterial part of the gut microbiota, while the fungi living in the human intestines are often omitted or underappreciated. This review is focused on the gut mycobiome as an important factor that should be taken into consideration regarding liver homeostasis and its perturbations. We have collected the findings in this field and we discuss their importance. We aim to emphasize the fungal compositional changes related to liver diseases and, by that, provide novel insights into the directions of liver research and gut microbiota as a therapeutic target for liver diseases.

Probiotic Debaryomyces hansenii CBS 8339 yeast enhanced immune responses in mice

This study aimed to examine the effect of Debaryomyces hansenii CBS 8339 on innate immune responses in mice. Thirty BALB/c mice were randomly treated with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (control) and two D. hansenii (Dh) doses: Dh 10ˆ6 CFU (colony forming units) and Dh 10ˆ8 CFU daily for 15 days. Spleen, blood, and gut samples were taken on days 7 and 15. Mouse splenocytes were isolated and challenged with Escherichia coli. Immunological assays and immune-related gene expressions were performed. Serum was obtained from blood for total IgA and IgG antibody titer determination. Gut samples were taken for yeast colonization assessment. Phagocytosis, respiratory burst activity, and nitric oxide production in mice were mainly enhanced (p < 0.05) upon 7 days of D. hansenii intake at a concentration of 10ˆ8 CFU before and after bacterial challenge. Moreover, oral D. hansenii in mice upregulated (p < 0.05) gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (INF-γ, IL-6 and IL-1β) before or after E. coli challenge on day 7 but downregulated (p < 0.05) on day 15. Furthermore, total serum IgG and IgA titers were higher (p < 0.05) in Dh 10ˆ8 CFU at days 7 and 15, and only at day 7, respectively, than that in the other dose and control groups. Finally, D. hansenii was detected in the gut of mice that received the treatments, suggesting that yeast survived gastrointestinal transit. Altogether, a short period (7 days) of D. hansenii CBS 8339 oral delivery improved immune innate response on mice.

In Vitro Assessment of Yeasts Strains with Probiotic Attributes for Aquaculture Use

This study aimed to investigate in vitro the probiotic potential of three yeasts strains (BB06, OBT05, and MT07) isolated from agro-food natural sources. Screening was performed, including several functional, technological, and safety aspects of the yeast strains, in comparison to a reference Saccharomyces boulardii, to identify the ones with suitable probiotic attributes in aquaculture. The yeast strains were identified by 5.8S rDNA-ITS region sequencing as Metschnikowia pulcherrima OBT05, Saccharomyces cerevisiae BB06, and Torulaspora delbrueckii MT07. All yeast strains were tolerant to different temperatures, sodium chloride concentrations, and wide pH ranges. S. cerevisiae BB06 showed a strong and broad antagonistic activity. Moreover, the S. cerevisiae strain exhibited a high auto-aggregation ability (92.08 ± 1.49%) and good surface hydrophobicity to hexane as a solvent (53.43%). All of the yeast strains have excellent antioxidant properties (>55%). The high survival rate in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) can promote yeast isolates as probiotics. All yeast strains presented a resistance pattern to the antibacterial antibiotics. Non-hemolytic activity was detected. Furthermore, freeze-drying with cryoprotective agents maintained a high survival rate of yeast strains, in the range of 74.95−97.85%. According to the results obtained, the S. cerevisiae BB06 strain was found to have valuable probiotic traits.

Analysis of Phenolic Compounds in Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) Sprouts Modified with Probiotic Yeast

Buckwheat sprouts are a source of various nutrients, e.g., antioxidant flavonoids, which have a positive effect on human health. This study analyzed the content of phenolic compounds and assessed their impact on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and dietary fiber in modified buckwheat sprouts. For this purpose, the buckwheat seeds were modified by adding Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii. The modified buckwheat sprouts showed a higher content of total phenol compounds (1526 µg/g d.w.) than the control sprouts (951 µg/g d.w.) and seeds (672 µg/g d.w.). As a consequence, a higher antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effect were noted. Probiotic-rich sprouts also had the highest content of total dietary fiber and its soluble fraction. A correlation between phenolic compounds and the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as dietary fiber, was shown. The interaction between dietary fiber and phenolic compounds affects the bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and bioactivity of phenolic compounds in food. The introduction of probiotic yeast into the sprouts had a positive effect on increasing their nutritional value, as well as their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. As a consequence, the nutraceutical potential of the raw material changed, opening a new direction for the use of buckwheat sprouts, e.g., in industry.

Exploring biotechnological and functional characteristics of probiotic yeasts: A review

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In this review, the probiotic attributes of yeasts other than Saccharomyces boulardii and the various applications of probiotic yeast in biotechnology have been explored.

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This review comprises of the probiotic attributes, antagonistic activity against pathogens, plant growth promoting attributes, industrial application and their biotherapeutic potentials.

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Advanced and additional studies on non-Saccharomyces yeasts are necessary prior to administer these yeasts as potential probiotics for health and wellbeing.

Probiotics are vital and beneficial organisms which offers the health benefits to the host organisms. The fungal probiotic field is one of the developing fields nowadays. Yeast has an enormous and diverse group of microorganisms that is attracting and expanding the attention from researchers and industries. Saccharomyces boulardii, the only patented strain belonging to yeast genera for the human use, has been broadly evaluated for its probiotic effect. Yeasts belonging to the genera Debaryomyces, Pichia, Yarrowia, Meyerozyma, Kluyveromyces etc.., have attained more interest because of their beneficial and probable probiotic features. These yeast probiotics produce VOCs (Volatile organic compounds), mycocins and antimicrobials which shows the antagonistic effect against pathogenic fungi and bacteria. Additionally, those yeasts have been recorded as good plant growth promoting microorganisms. Yeast has an important role in environmental applications such as bioremediation and removal of metals like chromium, mercury, lead etc., from waste water. Probiotic yeasts with their promising antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer properties, cholesterol assimilation and immunomodulatory effects can also be utilized as biotherapeutics. In this review article we have made an attempt to address important yeast probiotic attributes.

The Role of Gut Bacteria and Fungi in Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease

Cirrhosis and liver cancer caused by alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) are serious threats to people's health. In addition to hepatic cell apoptosis and liver inflammation caused by oxidative stress during alcohol metabolism, intestinal microbiota disorders are also involved in the onset and development of ALD. Ethanol and its' oxidative and non-oxidative metabolites, together with dysbiosis-caused-inflammation, destroys the intestinal barrier. Changes of several microbial metabolites, such as bile acids, short-chain fatty acids, and amino acid, are closely associated with gut dysbiosis in ALD. The alcohol-caused dysbiosis can further influence intestinal barrier-related proteins, such as mucin2, bile acid-related receptors, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and these abnormal changes also participate in the injury of the intestinal barrier and hepatic steatosis. Gut-derived bacteria, fungi, and their toxins, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and β-glucan translocate into the liver through the damaged intestinal barrier and promote the progression of inflammation and fibrosis of ALD. Thus, the prevention of alcohol-induced disruption of intestinal permeability has a beneficial effect on ALD. Currently, multiple therapeutic treatments have been applied to restore the gut microbiota of patients with ALD. Fecal microbial transplantation, probiotics, antibiotics, and many other elements has already shown their ability of restoring the gut microbiota. Targeted approaches, such as using bacteriophages to remove cytolytic Enterococcus faecalis, and supplement with Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, or boulardii are also powerful therapeutic options for ALD.

Non-conventional yeasts for food and additives production in a circular economy perspective

Yeast species have been spontaneously participating in food production for millennia, but the scope of applications was greatly expanded since their key role in beer and wine fermentations was clearly acknowledged. The workhorse for industry and scientific research has always been Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It occupies the largest share of the dynamic yeast market, that could further increase thanks to the better exploitation of other yeast species. Food-related 'non-conventional' yeasts (NCY) represent a treasure trove for bioprospecting, with their huge untapped potential related to a great diversity of metabolic capabilities linked to niche adaptations. They are at the crossroad of bioprocesses and biorefineries, characterized by low biosafety risk and produce food and additives, being also able to contribute to production of building blocks and energy recovered from the generated waste and by-products. Considering that the usual pattern for bioprocess development focuses on single strains or species, in this review we suggest that bioprospecting at the genus level could be very promising. Candida, Starmerella, Kluyveromyces and Lachancea were briefly reviewed as case studies, showing that a taxonomy- and genome-based rationale could open multiple possibilities to unlock the biotechnological potential of NCY bioresources.