Research

Jump to: Review

11 pages, 601 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preliminary Investigations into the Use of Amylases and Lactic Acid Bacteria to Obtain Fermented Vegetable Products

by Ina Vasilean, Iuliana Aprodu, Maria Garnai, Valeriu Munteanu and Livia Patrașcu

Foods 2021, 10(7), 1530; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10071530 - 02 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2423

Legumes are valuable sources of proteins and other functional components. However, the high starch content can be an impediment in developing new vegan food formulations. Enzyme-assisted hydrolysis was used to hydrolyze the starch from chickpea and broad bean vegetable milk to further develop [...] Read more.

Legumes are valuable sources of proteins and other functional components. However, the high starch content can be an impediment in developing new vegan food formulations. Enzyme-assisted hydrolysis was used to hydrolyze the starch from chickpea and broad bean vegetable milk to further develop vegetable lactic acid-fermented products. The antioxidant activity of legumes was tested, and it was observed that the overall antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging ability) significantly increased after enzyme-assisted hydrolysis while total phenols content decreased. The obtained vegetable milk was then fermented using exopolysaccharides-producing lactic acid bacteria. A significant decolorization was observed after fermentation in the case of broad bean-based products. Rheological behavior of the fermented products was determined using small amplitude oscillatory measurements and the three-interval thixotropy test. Results showed higher complex viscosity values for broad bean-based products, which displayed a weak gel-like structure. The starter cultures used for vegetable milk samples fermentation influenced the resistance to flow. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Fermented Foods: Functional and Nutraceutical Properties)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1886 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant, Anti-Obesity, and Anti-Aging Activities of Jeju Citrus Blended Vinegar

by Ye-Rang Yun, Bo-Yeon Park, Sung-Hyun Kim and Ji-Hye Jung

Foods 2021, 10(7), 1441; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10071441 - 22 Jun 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2380

Abstract

Various types of vinegars have been developed as interest in their health benefits has increased. In this study, we prepared Jeju citrus blended vinegars (CBVs) by mixing premature mandarin vinegar and mandarin vinegar, with mandarin vinegar used as a control. The physicochemical properties [...] Read more.

Various types of vinegars have been developed as interest in their health benefits has increased. In this study, we prepared Jeju citrus blended vinegars (CBVs) by mixing premature mandarin vinegar and mandarin vinegar, with mandarin vinegar used as a control. The physicochemical properties of the vinegars, including pH, total acidity, and sugar content was determined. Moreover, antioxidant, anti-obesity, and anti-aging activities of the vinegars were investigated. Physicochemical analysis revealed that the CBVs had a pH similar to that of mandarin vinegar, whereas CBVs with relatively high premature mandarin vinegar content showed higher acidity and lower sugar content (p < 0.05). Moreover, the antioxidant activities and phenol contents of CBVs were significantly higher than those of mandarin vinegar (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, CBVs showed significantly decreased intracellular triglyceride, lipid accumulation, and anti-obesity related gene levels (p < 0.05), thereby highlighting their anti-obesity activity. In addition, CBVs showed anti-aging activity by increasing cell viability and cell lifespan, while decreasing the expression of senescence-related genes under H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress. Therefore, CBVs may be useful as a functional food with antioxidant, anti-obesity, and anti-aging effects in various food fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Fermented Foods: Functional and Nutraceutical Properties)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 798 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Fermentation of Pasteurised Papaya Puree with Different Lactic Acid Bacterial Strains on Quality and Bioaccessibility of Phenolic Compounds during In Vitro Digestion

by Florence M. Mashitoa, Stephen A. Akinola, Vimbainashe E. Manhevi, Cyrielle Garcia, Fabienne Remize, Retha. M. Slabbert and Dharini Sivakumar

Foods 2021, 10(5), 962; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10050962 - 28 Apr 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 2958

Abstract

This study describes the impact of utilising different strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for the fermentation of papaya puree and their effect on the quality parameters and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds during simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Papaya was processed into puree; [...] Read more.

This study describes the impact of utilising different strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for the fermentation of papaya puree and their effect on the quality parameters and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds during simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Papaya was processed into puree; pasteurised and fermented at 37 °C for 2 days; and stored for 7 days at 4 °C using LAB strains Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 75 (L75*D2; L75*D7), Weissella cibaria64 (W64*D2; W64*D7) and Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides 56 (L56*D2; L56*D7), respectively. Non-fermented samples at 0 (PPD0), 2 (PPD2) and 7 days (PPD7) served as controls. pH was reduced with fermentation and was lowest in L56*D2 (3.03) and L75*D2 (3.16) after storage. The colour change (ΔE) increased with the fermentation and storage of purees; L75*D7 showed the highest ΔE (13.8), and its sourness reduced with storage. The fermentation by W64*D7 and L75*D7 increased the % recovery of chlorogenic, vanillic, syringic, ellagic, ferulic acids, catechin, epicatechin and quercetin in the intestinal fraction compared to the L56*D7 and PPD7. Fermentation by W64*D7 and L75*D7 significantly improved the antioxidant capacity of the dialysed fraction compared to the L56*D7 or PPD7. L56*D7-fermented papaya puree showed the highest inhibitory effect of α-glucosidase activity followed by L75*D7. L75*D7 had a significantly higher survival rate. LAB fermentation affected the bioacessibilities of phenolics and was strain dependent. This study recommends the use of Lpb. plantarum 75 for fermenting papaya puree. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Fermented Foods: Functional and Nutraceutical Properties)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2102 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vivo Evaluation of Immune-Enhancing Activity of Red Gamju Fermented by Probiotic Levilactobacillus brevis KU15154 in Mice

by Eunju Park, Kee-Tae Kim, Mijoo Choi, Yunjung Lee and Hyun-Dong Paik

Foods 2021, 10(2), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10020253 - 26 Jan 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2518

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immune-enhancing effect of red gamju fermented with Levilactobacillus brevis KU15154, isolated from kimchi, as a biofunctional beverage using mice. Thirty-two mice were used, and after a 2-week feeding, the growth, cytokine and immunoglobulin production, [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immune-enhancing effect of red gamju fermented with Levilactobacillus brevis KU15154, isolated from kimchi, as a biofunctional beverage using mice. Thirty-two mice were used, and after a 2-week feeding, the growth, cytokine and immunoglobulin production, and immune-related cell activation (phagocytes and natural killer [NK] cells) of the mice were evaluated. The red gamju- (SR) and fermented red gamju- (FSR) treated groups had 3.5–4.0-fold greater T-cell proliferation ability than the negative control group. IFN-γ production in the FSR group (15.5 ± 1.2 mg/mL) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in the SR group (12.5 ± 1.8 mg/mL). The FSR group (502.6 ± 25.8 μg/mL) also showed higher IgG production levels than the SR group (412.2 ± 44.8 μg/mL). The activity of NK cells treated with FSR was also greater than that of cells treated with SR but it was not significant (p ≤ 0.05). Further, the phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages was higher in both SR and FSR groups than in the control group but was not significantly different (p < 0.05) between the SR and FSR groups. In conclusion, L. brevis KU15154 may be applied in the fermentation of bioactive food products, such as beverages or pharmaceutical industries, to potentially improve immunity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Fermented Foods: Functional and Nutraceutical Properties)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

11 pages, 1044 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Buckwheat Beverages Fermented with Lactic Acid Bacterial Cultures and Bifidobacteria

by Ewa Kowalska and Małgorzata Ziarno

Foods 2020, 9(12), 1771; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9121771 - 29 Nov 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2793

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effect of four different industrial starter cultures containing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bifidobacteria on selected characteristics of beverages prepared from buckwheat and stored at 4 °C for 28 days. This study included the determination of pH [...] Read more.

This study aimed to examine the effect of four different industrial starter cultures containing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bifidobacteria on selected characteristics of beverages prepared from buckwheat and stored at 4 °C for 28 days. This study included the determination of pH during fermentation and during refrigerated storage, determination of the number of LAB and bifidobacteria, and chromatographic analysis of carbohydrates. This study showed that the tested starter cultures effectively fermented the buckwheat beverage. There was a sufficient number of viable cells in the starter microflora for the obtained beverages to exhibit potential health-promoting properties. Beverages had stable pH values during refrigerated storage. The stored beverages showed changes in the content of selected carbohydrates, which indicates the constant biochemical activity of the present starter microflora. This study provides useful references on the metabolism of LAB in plant-based beverages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Fermented Foods: Functional and Nutraceutical Properties)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2731 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Microbial Diversity and Characteristics of Fermented Blueberry Beverages from Different Regions

by Nan Hu, Ming Lei, Xiuli Zhao, Zhen Zhang, Ying Gu, Yan Zhang and Shuo Wang

Foods 2020, 9(11), 1656; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9111656 - 12 Nov 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2387

Abstract

In this study, high-throughput sequencing methods were used to analyze the composition and diversity of the microbial communities of three different traditional fermented blueberry beverages (Jiaosu A, Jiaosu B, and Jiaosu C) produced in three different regions. Lactic acid bacteria and yeast counts, [...] Read more.

In this study, high-throughput sequencing methods were used to analyze the composition and diversity of the microbial communities of three different traditional fermented blueberry beverages (Jiaosu A, Jiaosu B, and Jiaosu C) produced in three different regions. Lactic acid bacteria and yeast counts, total soluble solids, total titration acid, total phenols, total flavonoids, total anthocyanin, superoxide dismutase, and antioxidant activity were analyzed in all samples. The results showed that at the phylum level, the bacteria in all samples were predominantly Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, while the majority of fungus belonged to Ascomycota. At the genus level, Lactobacillus, Gluconobacter, and Acetobacter were the dominant bacteria, and Dekkera and Issatchenkia were the dominant fungi. Our data show that the lactic acid bacteria counts in Jiaosu A were the lowest of the three products, in the range of 4.31–10.9 log CFU/mL, while yeast counts ranged from 6.71 to 7.35 log CFU/mL. The antioxidant activities of Jiaosu C were greater than those of Jiaosu A and Jiaosu B, and Spearman correlation analysis showed that the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Dekkera was significantly positively correlated with total phenolics, total anthocyanin, total flavonoids, and antioxidant index. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Fermented Foods: Functional and Nutraceutical Properties)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 261 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Spontaneously Fermented Fruiting Bodies of Agaricus bisporus as a Valuable Source of New Isolates of Lactic Acid Bacteria with Functional Potential

by Katarzyna Skrzypczak, Klaudia Gustaw, Ewa Jabłońska-Ryś, Aneta Sławińska, Waldemar Gustaw and Stanisław Winiarczyk

Foods 2020, 9(11), 1631; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9111631 - 08 Nov 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2173

Abstract

The aim of the investigation was the identification and initial study of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from spontaneously fermented (at 28 °C for 5 days) fruiting bodies of white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus). The isolated LAB were preliminarily characterized applying [...] Read more.

The aim of the investigation was the identification and initial study of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from spontaneously fermented (at 28 °C for 5 days) fruiting bodies of white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus). The isolated LAB were preliminarily characterized applying the MALDI-TOF Biotyper. Moreover, further phenotypical, genotypical characteristics as well as some functional and technological properties of the selected microorganisms (including the ability to produce exopolysaccharides, cell hydrophobicity, resistance to low pH, and bile salt) were also analyzed. Among autochthonous LAB (isolated from the tested mushroom raw material), Leuconostoc mesenteroides predominated in spontaneously fermented A. bisporus, while Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and Lactococcus lactis were less abundant. The highest dynamics of acidification of the mushroom material were exhibited by isolates EK55 and EK4 that, after 24 h of incubation, were able to decrease the pH of the raw material up to 5.06 ± 0.021 and 5.17 ± 0.015, respectively. Furthermore, the analysis of bacterial cell hydrophobicity indicated that the highest values of this parameter were noted for L. plantarum isolates EK12 (29.59 ± 0.7%), EK55 (28.75 ± 0.551%), and EK5 (27.33 ± 1.516%). It was revealed some of the analyzed LAB (especially isolates L. plantarum EK55 and L. paraplantarum EK4) exhibited functional and technological potential that might be used in the formulation of novel starter cultures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Fermented Foods: Functional and Nutraceutical Properties)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

22 pages, 1190 KiB

Open AccessReview

New Insight into Bacterial Interaction with the Matrix of Plant-Based Fermented Foods

by Klaudia Gustaw, Iwona Niedźwiedź, Kamila Rachwał and Magdalena Polak-Berecka

Foods 2021, 10(7), 1603; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10071603 - 10 Jul 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4707

Abstract

Microorganisms have been harnessed to process raw plants into fermented foods. The adaptation to a variety of plant environments has resulted in a nearly inseparable association between the bacterial species and the plant with a characteristic chemical profile. Lactic acid bacteria, which are [...] Read more.

Microorganisms have been harnessed to process raw plants into fermented foods. The adaptation to a variety of plant environments has resulted in a nearly inseparable association between the bacterial species and the plant with a characteristic chemical profile. Lactic acid bacteria, which are known for their ability to adapt to nutrient-rich niches, have altered their genomes to dominate specific habitats through gene loss or gain. Molecular biology approaches provide a deep insight into the evolutionary process in many bacteria and their adaptation to colonize the plant matrix. Knowledge of the adaptive characteristics of microorganisms facilitates an efficient use thereof in fermentation to achieve desired final product properties. With their ability to acidify the environment and degrade plant compounds enzymatically, bacteria can modify the textural and organoleptic properties of the product and increase the bioavailability of plant matrix components. This article describes selected microorganisms and their competitive survival and adaptation in fermented fruit and vegetable environments. Beneficial changes in the plant matrix caused by microbial activity and their beneficial potential for human health are discussed as well. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Fermented Foods: Functional and Nutraceutical Properties)

► Show Figures