Article
Food Science & Technology
Muzaffar Hasan, S. R. Arpitha, Chandrika Das, Rosalin Laishram, Minnu Sasi, Sandeep Kumar, Chirag Maheshwari, Veda Krishnan, Sweta Kumari, Jose M. Lorenzo, Manoj Kumar, Archana Sachdev, Anil Dahuja
Summary: The increased interest in plant-based formulations and ethical concerns has led to higher consumption of soymilk. This review discusses research trends in enhancing the nutritional value of soymilk through fermentation and other methods. The use of probiotics and other strategies result in functional soymilk enriched with bioactives, which show improved health benefits and medicinal potential for treating various diseases. Innovative probiotics offer the opportunity to produce functional soymilk that caters to consumer needs and provides positive health properties.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesco Letizia, Alessandra Fratianni, Martina Cofelice, Bruno Testa, Gianluca Albanese, Catello Di Martino, Gianfranco Panfili, Francesco Lopez, Massimo Iorizzo
Summary: In recent times, there has been a growing consumer interest in replacing animal foods with alternative plant-based products. In this study, soymilk was fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP95, resulting in a significant increase in aglycone isoflavones and antioxidant activity. The use of Lp. plantarum LP95 as a starter for fermented soymilk production shows promise.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
S. Sharif, P. T. Heath, S. J. Oddie, W. McGuire
Summary: The study aims to evaluate the effect of enteral supplementation with synbiotics versus placebo or no treatment, or versus probiotics or prebiotics alone on the risk of necrotising enterocolitis and associated morbidity and mortality in very preterm or very low birth weight infants.
COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Gabriela Alves Macedo, Cintia Rabelo e Paiva Caria, Paula de Paula Menezes Barbosa, Marina Rodrigues Mazine, Alessandra Gambero
Summary: This study evaluated the potential of enzymatic and microbial fermentation processes in improving the absorbability and antioxidant capacity of soy isoflavones. The results showed that enzymatic treatment followed by microbial fermentation effectively converted glycosylated isoflavones into aglycones, and increased the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, after in vitro digestion, the treated samples showed higher levels of isoflavones, total phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Joana Charlot Pohlentz, Nicole Gallala, Konrad Kosciow, Marcel Hoevels
Summary: This study investigates the prebiotic properties of inulin- and levan-based fructans and their effects on the gut microbiota. The results showed that the majority of strains isolated from probiotic products or yogurts responded positively to prebiotic treatment. Additionally, the consumption rate of fructans was influenced by their degree of polymerization and specific components.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Florinda Fratianni, Beatrice De Giulio, Antonio d'Acierno, Giuseppe Amato, Vincenzo De Feo, Raffaele Coppola, Filomena Nazzaro
Summary: Honey has beneficial effects on gut health and the immune system. Different types of honey have varying effects on the growth and adhesion of probiotics, as well as the inhibition of pathogenic biofilms.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Parisa Janmohammadi, Zeinab Nourmohammadi, Siavash Fazelian, Atieh Mirzababaei, Shahab Alizadeh, Mahtab Zarei, Elnaz Daneshzad, Kurosh Djafarian
Summary: Several studies have suggested that formulas containing synbiotics (composed of prebiotics and probiotics) may have a positive effect on anthropometric indices. However, the results of these studies are inconsistent. This meta-analysis found that the consumption of formulas containing synbiotics did not significantly affect the growth of healthy infants.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
J. I. Ramirez-Perez, M. Abud-Archila, S. L. Ovando-Chacon, R. E. Soria-Guerra, M. A. Ruiz-Cabrera, C. I. Godinez-Hernandez, A. Grajales-Lagunes
Summary: A completely randomized experimental design was conducted to evaluate the effect of coadministration of Lpb. fabifermentans and inulin/agave fructans mixtures on gut microbiota. The results showed that the combination of fructan mixtures and Lpb. fabifermentans significantly decreased glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides levels, and improved short-chain fatty acids concentration throughout the gastrointestinal tract. It also promoted an increase in the abundance of beneficial intestinal microbiota. Therefore, the inclusion of fructan mixtures in combination with Lpb. fabifermentans could be a good alternative for the development of functional foods that enhance consumer health.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Neeraj K. Singh, Jeffrey M. Beckett, Krishnakumar Kalpurath, Muhammad Ishaq, Tauseef Ahmad, Rajaraman D. Eri
Summary: Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for cancer patients, but it often leads to complications. Restoring the gut microbiota through the use of probiotics is a potential approach to reduce chemotherapy-associated complications.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ana K. F. Leite, Brenda N. Santos, Thatyane V. Fonteles, Sueli Rodrigues
Summary: Prebiotic cashew apple juice produced by enzyme synthesis contains oligosaccharides, dextran, and tagatose, which have a promoting effect on the growth of probiotics. Different microorganisms consume different carbohydrates, and when metabolized by beneficial microorganisms in the gut, the prebiotic juice promotes the growth of these probiotics.
Article
Microbiology
Niloofar Akhavan, Katarzyna Hrynkiewicz, Dominika Thiem, Cinzia Randazzo, Ann M. Walsh, Kieran J. Guinan, John T. O'Sullivan, Katarzyna Stadnicka
Summary: The use of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in poultry diets can promote the health and welfare of the animals by stimulating the growth of gut microbiome. This study analyzed different probiotics and prebiotics to identify the most promising candidates for synbiotic combinations. The results showed that certain prebiotics significantly stimulated the growth of probiotics, with astragalus polysaccharide and vegetable protein hydrolysate being the most effective ones. The strains belonging to L. plantarum (B4), L. rhamnosus (B3), and B. lactis (B2) are considered the best candidates for synbiotic combinations. These findings have implications for future in vivo trials on poultry microbiome modulation.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Ellen Wilms, Ran An, Agnieszka Smolinska, Yala Stevens, Antje R. Weseler, Montserrat Elizalde, Marie-Jose Drittij, Athanasia Ioannou, Frederik J. van Schooten, Hauke Smidt, Ad A. M. Masclee, Erwin G. Zoetendal, Daisy M. A. E. Jonkers
Summary: The study compared the fecal microbiota composition, metabolite production, immune and oxidative stress markers in prefrail elderly and younger adults, and investigated the effects of GOS supplementation in both groups. Results showed differences in microbial composition between the two age groups, with lower bifidobacteria in elderly at baseline. GOS intake increased bifidobacteria in both groups, but did not significantly impact fecal and breath metabolites, immune function, or oxidative stress markers.
CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Carlos Blazquez-Bondia, Mariona Parera, Francesc Catala-Moll, Maria Casadella, Aleix Elizalde-Torrent, Meritxell Aguilo, Jordi Espadaler-Mazo, Jose Ramon Santos, Roger Paredes, Marc Noguera-Julian
Summary: In a clinical trial, a synbiotic intervention was found to have a slight positive effect on immune reconstitution in HIV-1 infected immuno-discordant patients, with a small increase in CD4/CD8 ratio and minor reductions in sCD14. However, a probiotic intervention alone did not show any impact on immune parameters or faecal microbiome composition.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Loret Keulers, Ali Dehghani, Leon Knippels, Johan Garssen, Nikolaos Papadopoulos, Gert Folkerts, Saskia Braber, Jeroen van Bergenhenegouwen
Summary: Air pollution is a major public health issue, causing an estimated seven million deaths worldwide each year. The exposure to air pollutants, both outdoor and indoor, can lead to gastrointestinal and respiratory impairments and diseases. The gut and lung have a crosstalk called the gut-lung axis, which can be influenced by probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, ultimately affecting gut and lung health.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Agnieszka Chlebicz-Wojcik, Katarzyna Slizewska
Summary: Irritable bowel syndrome is not life-threatening but significantly impacts quality of life and economic loss. Research focuses on the role of intestinal microbiota in disease development, with an emphasis on therapies modulating the microbiota such as probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics. Most studies have focused on probiotics, but there are also promising results from studies on prebiotics and synbiotics.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
G. Liu, F. H. -P. Tan, S. -Y. A. Lau, M. H. Jaafar, F. Y. -L. Chung, G. Azzam, M. -T. Liong, Y. Li
Summary: Transgenic GMR-A beta 42 Drosophila were used to investigate the effects of LAB strains on AD reversal, showing that Lactobacillus sakei Probio65 and Lactobacillus paracasei 0291 were particularly effective in reversing eye malformation and altering gut microbiota profiles.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Y. -Y. Hor, C. -H. Ooi, L. -C. Lew, M. H. Jaafar, A. S. -Y. Lau, B. -K. Lee, A. Azlan, S. -B. Choi, G. Azzam, M. -T. Liong
Summary: The study evaluated the molecular mechanisms of Lactobacillus strains in improving ageing of the musculoskeletal system, with L. fermentum DR9 showing the strongest modulation effect. The protective effects of the bacteria on muscle and bone through antioxidative and anti-inflammatory actions were demonstrated, suggesting L. fermentum DR9 as a promising targeted anti-ageing therapy.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Tatiana Altadill, Jordi Espadaler-Mazo, Min-Tze Liong
Summary: The study re-analyzed the effects of Lactoplantibacillus plantarum DR7 probiotic on URTI symptoms and found a significant reduction in the duration of URTI and fever. The recent history of URTI appeared to modulate the efficacy of the probiotic. Additionally, the probiotic group showed a significantly lower average number of months with reported use of URTI-related medication compared to the placebo group.
Article
Neurosciences
Teng Ma, Hao Jin, Lai-Yu Kwok, Zhihong Sun, Min-Tze Liong, Heping Zhang
Summary: The study indicates that probiotic supplementation can alleviate stress and anxiety by modulating gut microbiota, increasing microbial diversity, and influencing the levels of beneficial and harmful bacterial species in the gut. Additionally, probiotics also enhance the production of neurotransmitter-synthesizing/consuming species and neuroactive metabolites, supporting the involvement of the gut-brain axis in relieving stress-related symptoms.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF STRESS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
X. -Y. Ang, F. -Y. -L. Chung, B. -K. Lee, S. N. A. Azhar, S. Sany, N. S. Roslan, N. Ahmad, S. M. Yusof, N. Abdullah, N. N. Nik Ab Rahman, N. Abdul Wahid, Z. Z. Deris, C. -E. Oon, W. F. Wan Adnan, M. -T. Liong
Summary: This study revealed that lactobacilli probiotics are beneficial for pregnant women, especially in reducing vulvovaginal symptoms and recurrences of vaginal candidiasis. Additionally, lactobacilli can improve emotional and social distress caused by vaginal candidiasis.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Correction
Nutrition & Dietetics
Mageswaran Uma Mageswary, Xin-Yee Ang, Boon-Kiat Lee, Yi-Li Fiona Chung, Siti Nur Afiqah Azhar, Intan Juliana Abd Hamid, Mohammad Hafizi Abu Bakar, Nurhanis Syazni Roslan, Xiaojun Liu, Xiaohong Kang, Lu Dai, Sasidharan Sreenivasan, Fahisham Taib, Heping Zhang, Min-Tze Liong
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Mageswaran Uma Mageswary, Xin-Yee Ang, Boon-Kiat Lee, Yi-Li Fiona Chung, Siti Nur Afiqah Azhar, Intan Juliana Abd Hamid, Hafizi Abu Bakar, Nurhanis Syazni Roslan, Xiaojun Liu, Xiaohong Kang, Lu Dai, Sasidharan Sreenivasan, Fahisham Taib, Heping Zhang, Min-Tze Liong
Summary: The development of probiotics has shown significant growth with health benefits expanding from gut health to respiratory functions. In this study, Bifidobacterium lactis Probio-M8 was found to reduce symptoms of respiratory tract infections, decrease antibiotic use, shorten hospitalization period, and modulate inflammatory cytokines in hospitalized young children, making it a potential natural and non-drug strategy for managing RTIs in a safe manner.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Xin Yee Ang, Uma Mageswary Mageswaran, Yi Li Fiona Chung, Boon Kiat Lee, Siti Nur Afiqah Azhar, Nurhanis Syazni Roslan, Ili Farhana Binti Saufian, Nor Sheila Mustaffa, Ermadina Mohamad Kalam, Aini Farhah Ibrahim, Normala Abdul Wahid, Zakuan Zainy Deris, Chern-Ein Oon, Wan Fadhlina Wan Adnan, Salina Sany, Min-Tze Liong
Summary: This study found that probiotics have beneficial effects on pregnant women with vaginal candidiasis, including improving symptoms, reducing the abundance of Candida species, increasing the abundance of Lactobacillus species, and shortening the inflammation period.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Azka Ainun Nisaa, Chern-Ein Oon, Sasidharan Sreenivasan, Venugopal Balakrishnan, Jun Jie Tan, Cindy Shuan-Ju Teh, Salina Sany, Svetoslav Dimitrov Todorov, Guoxia Liu, Yong-Ha Park, Min-Tze Liong
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the immunological and antimicrobial properties of breast milk in pregnant women with or without vaginal yeast infections. The study found that concentrations of IL-10, IgA, IgM, IgG, EGF, and TGF-alpha were similar in both groups. However, breast milk from women in the W-group who were below 31 years old had a higher concentration of EGF compared to the WO-group. Additionally, breast milk from the WO-group exhibited higher anti-Candida properties. Correlation analysis showed that the concentration of TGF-alpha in breast milk positively correlated with the concentrations of IL-10 and IgA in the W-group. These findings suggest that while breast milk from women with vaginal infections during pregnancy may not hinder Candida growth, other immuno-modulatory bioactives may compensate for this protective effect.
FOOD SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Jia-Sin Ong, Lee-Ching Lew, Yan-Yan Hor, Min-Tze Liong
Summary: Due to their long history of safe use, probiotic microorganisms, particularly from the genus Lactobacillus, have been widely recognized in the food industry. The importance of probiotics in improving gut health, immunity, and alleviating metabolic diseases has been increasingly acknowledged. Probiotics influence gut microbiota profiles, inflammation, and disorders, and also directly impact brain neurotransmitter pathways. Therefore, the potential benefits of probiotics for the aging brain have gained significant attention.
PREVENTIVE NUTRITION AND FOOD SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Svetoslav Dimitrov Todorov, Clarizza May Dioso, Min-Tze Liong, Luis Augusto Nero, Kianoush Khosravi-Darani, Iskra Vitanova Ivanova
Summary: Pediococci, a type of lactic acid bacteria, have been used in traditional fermented foods for centuries. They can act as starter cultures, produce antimicrobial metabolites, and be evaluated as potential probiotics in various fields. This article presents their taxonomic characteristics, roles as starter cultures, bio-preservatives, and probiotic candidates.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Joanna Ivy Irorita Fugaban, Clarizza May Dioso, Gee Hyeun Choi, Jorge Enrique Vazquez Bucheli, Min-Tze Liong, Wilhelm Heinrich Holzapfel, Svetoslav Dimitrov Todorov
Summary: The aim of this project was to identify bacteriocinogenic Bacillus strains with activity against Staphylococcus spp., which could be used in the formulation of pharmaceutical antimicrobial preparations. The selected strains were evaluated for their safety, beneficial properties, and potential production of antimicrobials. The results suggest that the expressed antimicrobials from these strains could be realistically used in the treatment of Staphylococcus-associated infections. Biotechnological approaches need to be developed for cost-effective production, isolation, and purification of the expressed antimicrobials by these Bacillus strains.
PROBIOTICS AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROTEINS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
L. Favaro, S. Campanaro, J. I. I. Fugaban, L. Treu, E. S. Jung, L. D'Ovidio, D. P. de Oliveira, M-T Liong, I. Ivanova, S. D. Todorov
Summary: This study evaluated the bacteriocinogenic potential of Pediococcus pentosaceus strain ST58 isolated from the oral cavity of a healthy volunteer. The strain showed bactericidal or bacteriostatic activity against genetically related bacteria. Additionally, it exhibited antifungal activity and produced key metabolites potentially involved in these properties. This strain has potential biotechnological importance for the development of bio-preservation cultures and health-promoting microbes.
BENEFICIAL MICROBES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Azka Ainun Nisaa, Chern-Ein Oon, Sasidharan Sreenivasan, Venugopal Balakrishnan, Deepa Rajendran, Jun-Jie Tan, Fatin Fazrina Roslan, Svetoslav Dimitrov Todorov, Woo-Sik Jeong, Feiyan Zhao, Nur Syafiqah Mohamad Nasir, Zakuan Zainy Deris, Heping Zhang, Yong-Ha Park, Guoxia Liu, Min-Tze Liong
Summary: We compared the microbiota profiles of breast milk from women with and without vaginal yeast infection during pregnancy. Breast milk from women with vaginal yeast infection exhibited higher alpha diversity across different taxonomic levels. The composition of breast milk from the two groups showed marginal differences at certain taxonomic levels. Our findings suggest that vaginal infection during pregnancy may affect breast milk composition, but it may not pose a threat to infant growth and development.
PREVENTIVE NUTRITION AND FOOD SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Svetoslav Dimitrov Todorov, Clarizza May Dioso, Min-Tze Liong, Tonka Vasileva, Penka Moncheva, Iskra Vitanova Ivanova, Ilia Iliev
Summary: Fermentation, smoking and salting are important steps in the production of final products in south European countries. Lukanka, a Bulgarian semi-dried fermented meat product, contains lactic acid bacteria with nutritional and health benefits, making it a functional food product.
APPLIED FOOD BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
