Article
Microbiology
In Young Choi, Jee-Hwan Oh, Zhiying Wang, Jan-Peter van Pijkeren
Summary: Biotherapeutic strategies, such as using engineered microbes to deliver therapeutic molecules, have great potential. However, the lack of precise tools to detect these microbes and their products hinders our ability to monitor and adjust therapeutic delivery. In this study, a bioluminescent peptide tagging system was adapted for lactic acid bacteria, which are commonly used as delivery vehicles for therapeutics. This system allowed sensitive detection of recombinant therapeutic proteins and could be used in continuous-culture bioreactor systems. Furthermore, it enabled rapid detection of administered microbes in intestinal and fecal samples.
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Jiayi Wu, Yuheng Zhang, Ling Ye, Chenglin Wang
Summary: Probiotic lactic acid bacteria EPS have potential anticancer effects by modulating tumor development through various mechanisms, and the future challenge lies in elucidating the precise structure-function relationship.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Ruchi Sharma, Samira Mokhtari, Seid Mahdi Jafari, Somesh Sharma
Summary: Consumers worldwide are increasingly focusing on the link between nutrition and health, with probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics playing a key role in functional foods. Barley is highlighted as a potential substrate for probiotic products due to its nutrient content and ability to support Lactobacilli in the gastrointestinal tract.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Jagrani Minj, Priyanka Chandra, Catherine Paul, Rakesh Kumar Sharma
Summary: Lactic acid bacteria play crucial roles as starter cultures and probiotics in the fermentation and processing of dairy and food products, with various bio-functional properties that benefit human health. Their applications not only enhance the functionality of food products, but also have potential effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jianlong Li, Kaidi Hu, Lu Hu, Xiaoyan Hou, Qin Li, Aiping Liu, Shujuan Chen, Xiaolin Ao, Xinjie Hu, Li He, Huaqiao Tang, Daomei Huang, Yong Yang, Likou Zou, Shuliang Liu
Summary: 3-PBA, a major degradation intermediate of pyrethroids, poses a severe threat to the ecosystem and human health due to its widespread existence in the environment. This study evaluated the adsorption capacity of L. plantarum RS20 towards 3-PBA and found that strain RS20 could be employed as a biological detoxification agent for humans and animals by eliminating 3-PBA from foods, feeds, and the digestive tract.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Dharmendra Kumar, Milan Kumar Lal, Som Dutt, Pinky Raigond, Sushil Sudhakar Changan, Rahul Kumar Tiwari, Kumar Nishant Chourasia, Vikas Mangal, Brajesh Singh
Summary: The current trend of health-conscious consumers and healthy food habits has led researchers to explore the development of food products with synbiotic benefits. This review article explores the alternative sources of probiotics and highlights various methods for making non-dairy synbiotics based on dietary fibers.
MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Noeli Sirini, Paula Loyeau, Maria Ruiz, Maria Stegmayer, Lorena Soto, Maria Werning, Laureano Frizzo, Vanesa Ordonez, Juana Fernandez-Lopez, Marcelo Rosmini
Summary: The viability of microencapsulated and unencapsulated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BFL and their effects on the microbiological and physicochemical parameters of fermented sausages were studied in this research. The results showed that the inoculated sausages had lower pH values and potential pathogenic microorganism counts. Encapsulated L. plantarum BFL had better viability during storage compared to its unencapsulated state. In addition, L. plantarum BFL exhibited an antioxidant effect at 20 degrees C towards the end of storage. Overall, L. plantarum BFL could be used as a biocontroller in the meat industry due to its high viability rates.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Diogo Contente, Patricia Diaz-Rosales, Javier Feito, Lara Diaz-Formoso, Felix Docando, Rocio Simon, Juan Borrero, Pablo E. Hernandez, Patricia Poeta, Estefania Munoz-Atienza, Luis M. Cintas, Carolina Tafalla
Summary: Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) are frequently used as probiotics in aquaculture and have been shown to positively affect the growth, survival rate, and immunological status of fish. LAB produce antimicrobial peptides called bacteriocins, which have been well-studied for their antimicrobial properties. However, the direct immunomodulatory effects of bacteriocins in fish have not been extensively explored. In this study, the immunomodulatory effects of different bacteriocin-producing LAB strains were compared, and it was found that these strains had varying effects on immune functions, with nisin Z being the most potent immunomodulator.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seon-Joo Park, Anshul Sharma, Hae-Jeung Lee
Summary: Overweight and obesity are global public health concerns that are increasing rapidly. Probiotics have been shown to have benefits against obesity, and postbiotics, which are bacteria-free extracts and nonviable microorganisms, are being favored over regular probiotics. This review gathers comprehensive data on the ability of postbiotics to combat obesity and discusses their anti-obesity effects in cellular, animal, and clinical studies, suggesting that postbiotics could be a promising dietary intervention for obesity prevention and management.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Soyoung Park, Kandasamy Saravanakumar, Anbazhagan Sathiyaseelan, SeonJu Park, Xiaowen Hu, Myeong-Hyeon Wang
Summary: The present study isolated and identified five lactic acid bacteria from Korean kimchi, with Weissella cibaria producing a high level of exopolysaccharide (EPS) compared to other isolates. The EPS from W. cibaria was found to be composed of glucose and galactose, linked through specific monosaccharides. It exhibited strong antioxidant activity and biocompatibility, making it a promising candidate for biomedical applications.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ronaldo Rwubuzizi, Hamin Kim, Wilhelm Heinrich Holzapfel, Svetoslav Dimitrov Todorov
Summary: The role of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as probiotics in promoting human or veterinary health has attracted increasing interest. Screening approaches have been used to identify LAB strains that meet minimal requirements for safety and functionality, including natural antioxidant properties. In this study, several in vitro antioxidant assays were conducted to evaluate the antioxidant properties of different LAB strains, and some showed promising results that could potentially be applied as natural antioxidants in fermented food products.
Article
Agronomy
Mihaela Dumitru, Nicoleta Aurelia Lefter, Mihaela Habeanu, Georgeta Ciurescu, Dan C. Vodnar, Simon Elemer, Ionut Sorescu, Sergiu Emil Georgescu, Andreea Dudu
Summary: Fourteen lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains were isolated from the intestinal tract and feces of piglets, and only 12 strains were confirmed as Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. Two strains, L. acidophilus IBNA 76 and L. plantarum IBNA 84, showed high survival rates under low pH and bile salts conditions. They also exhibited resistance to multiple antibiotics. After encapsulation using the spray-drying technique, the probiotic viability decreased but still remained promising. These findings suggest that L. acidophilus IBNA 76 and L. plantarum IBNA 84 could be considered as probiotic candidates for piglet nutrition.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Buket Kunduhoglu, Seda Hacioglu
Summary: This study explored the gluten hydrolysis ability and probiotic potential of Lact. brevis KT16-2, which showed promising results in terms of surviving in adverse conditions, producing antimicrobial peptides, and exhibiting high antioxidant activity.
PROBIOTICS AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROTEINS
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Huiyu Zhang, Qiwen Zhang, Yan Li, Zhenjiang Zech Xu, Xiaochang Huang
Summary: This study aimed to isolate potential probiotics from freshwater fish and evaluate their effects on the growth, immune response, and disease resistance of juvenile zebrafish. Three strains (Leuconostoc mesenteroides GL-5, Weissella hellenica GJ-1, and Pediococcus claussenii GJ-3) were identified with antagonistic activity against fish pathogens, high bile salt tolerance, and good hydrophobicity. Feeding zebrafish with these probiotics significantly promoted their growth and improved their immune response and disease resistance.
AQUACULTURE INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Katarzyna Garbacz
Summary: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), naturally occurring in fermented food products and used as probiotics, have bioactive compounds with potential anticancer activity. Research has shown that these compounds can inhibit tumor growth through various mechanisms and have immunomodulatory effects. LAB has promising clinical applications in anticancer therapy.
SEMINARS IN CANCER BIOLOGY
(2022)
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
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
Nutrition & Dietetics
Quang Vo Nguyen, Li Chuin Chong, Yan-Yan Hor, Lee-Ching Lew, Irfan A. Rather, Sy-Bing Choi
Summary: This article discusses the possibility of using probiotics and their metabolites as adjunctive treatment for COVID-19. By regulating the gut microbiota, probiotics can restore a stable gut environment and combat the adverse effects of COVID-19. Clinical trials have shown the efficacy of probiotics and their metabolites in treating SARS-CoV-2, but their molecular mechanism has not been fully understood.
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)
