Impact of Encapsulated Lactobacillus casei 01 Along with Pasteurized Purple-Rice Drinks on Modulating Colon Microbiome using a Digestive Model

The prospect of Lactobacillus casei 01 and pasteurized purple-rice drinks on modulating colon microbiome by using a simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem was investigated. Accordingly, L. casei 01 alone and with pasteurized purple-rice drink were administered into the proximal and distal colons. In consequence, some colon bacteria and their metabolic activities were examined. The results showed that upon modulating the colon microbiota by L. casei 01 alone with pasteurized germinated-purple-rice drink in the distal colon, acetate and propionate (short-chain fatty acids) were equivalently elevated but other treatments performed differently. Based on the profile of colon microbiota, most treatments stimulated the highest number of lactobacilli followed by bifidobacteria, while other undesirable bacteria were moderately diminished. In overall, larger gelatinized starch in the rice drinks enabled by pasteurization triggered off better modulating impact than by pressurization.

Activities of free and encapsulated Lactobacillus acidophilus LA5 or Lactobacillus casei 01 in processed longan juices on exposure to simulated gastrointestinal tract

BACKGROUND

Fruit drinks containing probiotics are gaining interest in the global marketplace. For example, longan juice, containing carbohydrate and various bioactive components, is a potentially health-promoting beverage as well as probiotic carrier for human consumption. In this study, high-pressure and thermal processes were applied to eliminate competitive micro-organisms in longan juice prior to the addition of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA5 or Lactobacillus casei 01. The activities of these probiotics in a simulated gastrointestinal tract were also investigated.

RESULTS

Encapsulated probiotics could survive in the acidic environment of the stomach and small intestine, while the free cells were completely eliminated. In the colon experiment, the influence of encapsulated L. casei 01 on colon lactobacilli was significantly greater than that of encapsulated L. acidophilus LA5. Both encapsulated probiotics suspended in processed longan juices led to extensive increases in the formation of lactic acid and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Acetate was the major SCFA produced by colon bacteria, followed by propionate and butyrate. The discernible clear zone suggested that L. casei 01 provided greater antibacterial activity than L. acidophilus LA5.

CONCLUSION

Both encapsulated probiotics along with processed longan juice led to significant increases in colon lactobacilli, lactic acid and SCFA formation.