Search Results (144)

Background/Objectives: Three distinct strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), isolated from naturally fermented bread sourdough and representing the local autochthonous microflora, were selected to evaluate their potential probiotic properties. In addition, we evaluated whether these strains could be used in topical formulations. Methods: We evaluated probiotic properties such as the ability to co-aggregate with pathogens, antimicrobial activity, inhibition of pathogenic biofilms, and ability to adhere to human keratinocyte cells. Further, bacteria were encapsulated in calcium alginate microspheres using the emulsification/external gelation method, and their viability in topical formulations was assessed. Results: LAB significantly inhibited biofilm formation by the tested pathogens with complete inhibition observed in certain cases. The strength and specificity of these probiotic effects varied depending on the LAB strain and the target pathogen. Furthermore, among the tested strains, L. reuteri 182 exhibited the highest adhesion rates, reaching 77.94 ± 1.84%. In the context of potential topical applications, the preservative present in the formulation completely inactivated the planktonic cells of L. reuteri 182. In contrast, encapsulation within a biopolymeric system conferred protection against the preservative’s bactericidal effect. After 35 days of storage at room temperature, viable cell counts reached 5.94 ± 0.06 lg CFU/g. Conclusions: Our findings confirm that local LAB strains, specifically L. reuteri 182 and L. plantarum F1, possess essential probiotic characteristics and can be effectively incorporated into preservative-containing topical formulations via efficient encapsulation strategies. This underscores the potential of these topical probiotics for skin health and highlights the need for clear regulatory guidance to ensure their safe and effective application. Full article

Pomegranate peel, a rich agro-industrial by-product, contains abundant phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. However, the low stability and bioavailability of these compounds limit their efficacy in animal nutrition. This study investigated the effects of pomegranate peel phenolic extract (PE), either in raw form (PE300) or nano-encapsulated using gum–gelatin nano-capsules (NPE300), on health and growth parameters in newly weaned rabbits. Fifty-four male rabbits (40 days old) were assigned to three treatment groups: PE0 (control), PE300 (300 mg PE/L drinking water), and NPE300 (300 mg nano-encapsulated PE/L drinking water). Over six weeks, growth performance, hematological and immunological profiles, antioxidant status, microbial populations, and carcass traits were evaluated. NPE300 treatment demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity in vitro, with larger inhibition zones against all tested pathogens compared to PE300. In vivo, NPE300 significantly improved body weight gain (945.8 g) and feed efficiency, while also enhancing immune function, evidenced by higher white and red blood cell counts, phagocytic activity, and increased plasma IgG and IgM levels. Antioxidant markers showed that NPE300 significantly reduced malondialdehyde levels and tended to improve total antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, intestinal Clostridia counts were reduced, and beneficial microflora significantly increased in the NPE300 group. Carcass weight with edible parts, fur weight, kidney weight, and cecum length were also elevated under NPE300 treatment. In conclusion, nanoencapsulation of PE using gum–gelatin carriers enhanced its bio-efficacy, supporting better redox balance, immunity, gut health, and growth performance in rabbits. These findings support the application of nano-encapsulated PE as a promising natural growth promoter in rabbit production. Full article

This research successfully developed novel hydrogels composed of methacrylated dextran and inulin for targeted drug delivery in colorectal cancer therapy. The formulation exploits the natural degradation of both biopolymers by the large intestine’s microflora. A key achievement was the development of a room-temperature free radical polymerization synthesis method. The study thoroughly investigated how varying inulin content (10 and 20 wt%) influenced the hydrogels’ properties. The formulation with 20 wt% inulin exhibited the highest swelling ability at both pH 3 and pH 6, and consequently the lowest elastic modulus, measured by a newly established technique for granulated hydrogels. Using uracil as a model drug, in situ incorporated, confirmed that the greatest drug release occurs in the colorectal region for the neat dextran-based hydrogel, triggered by specific microbial enzymes. Notably, the addition of inulin did not enhance biodegradation-driven drug release in combination with dextran; instead, inulin primarily acted as a protective component against premature hydrolysis in the gastric medium. These findings strongly confirm that the targeted action is predominantly governed by the dextran component. The synthesized hydrogels, particularly the dextran-only formulation, therefore show strong potential as effective carriers for colon-targeted drug delivery. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of modified and unmodified dextran and inulin as biodegradable carriers for enzyme-triggered, colon-targeted drug delivery. Full article

Heavy metal (HM) toxicity is one of the growing concerns, posing a significant threat to food security. Its trace presence in the food is one of the major reasons for considering it as a threat, which makes it potentially dangerous and a widespread concern. Post-Green Revolution, production and, thereafter, nutrition were given attention, but in the present decade, HM toxicity, its uptake, physiological impact, and mitigation are the major research interests. Cereals are potent food materials that hold a huge consumer market. The presence of these HMs in cereals in higher concentrations than the standard makes them toxic to consume and has caused a global crisis. This toxicity is silently impacting the genetic homeostasis of the ecosystem and, most importantly, the human body. Frequent occurrence of carcinoma, genetic disorders, and phenotypic deformities is the major outcome of this contamination. Its presence in the soil threatens the microflora and fauna of the ecosystem, thus interrupting the complete natural process of energy exchange between the system and the surroundings. It is therefore of the utmost importance to understand the uptake and physiological mobilization of these HMs and their mitigation strategies for a sustainable & green ecosystem. The present review comprehensively analyzes the biological and ecological losses due to these HMs and their mitigation in plants with special reference to cereals. Full article

This work involved the laboratory modeling of biogenic and biogenically mediated corrosion of AISI 304 stainless steel under geochemical conditions representative of the geological disposal of radioactive waste at the Yeniseisky site (Russia). Experiments with a single glucose stimulation of a microbial community sampled from a depth of 450 m established that the initial dominance of organotrophic microflora (primarily genera such as Xanthobacterium, Novosphingobium, Hydrogenophaga, and Pseudomonas) during the first stage (up to 30 days) led to the formation of a microbial biofilm. This biofilm resulted in uniform surface corrosion at a rate of up to 16 µm/year, which is more than 30 times higher than the corrosion rate in the abiotic control. This acceleration is attributed to the accumulation of microbial metabolites, including acetate, ethanol, formate, succinate, n-butyrate, and lactate. The subsequent development of chemotrophic iron- and sulfur-cycling microflora (dominated by genera such as Sideroxydans, Pseudomonas, Geobacter, Desulfuromonas, Desulfovibrio, and Desulfomicrobium) during the second stage of microbial succession (days 60–120) led to the formation of a pit density 10 times greater than that in the abiotic control. It is important to note that the maximum corrosion rates and pit densities were observed upon the addition of a mixture of glucose and sulfate. An assessment of the role of various microbial metabolites and medium components using the potentiodynamic method demonstrated that the combined presence of hydrocarbonate, sulfide, and microbial metabolites in the solution caused a more than fivefold increase in the corrosion current. Thus, the results demonstrate the complex nature of corrosion processes under conditions modeling the geological disposal of radioactive waste, where biological and abiotic factors interact, creating a synergistic effect that significantly enhances corrosion. Full article

The honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) is a eusocial insect widely known for its role in pollination and plant biodiversity. Diverse microorganisms, including both beneficial and pathogenic, colonize bees and play important roles in the overall hive health. Microorganisms with biocontrol properties are natural modulators of honey bee microflora. Since most studies have focused on the characterization of worker bee-associated microbes, there is a lack of information about the drones’ microbial environment. In this study, we identified cultivable yeasts from different stages of honey bee drones collected in Lithuania. Sealed larvae hosted the widest variety of yeasts. Metschnikowia species were detected across all developmental stages of drones. The assessment of functionality revealed that M. pulcherrima and M. fructicola exhibited the most pronounced biocontrol properties, accompanied by high levels of autoaggregation and hydrophobicity. Starmerella apis and M. reukaufii were distinguished by the highest autoaggregation capacity, exceeding 60%, and strong adherence to hydrocarbons. Starmerella genus yeasts demonstrated strong biofilm-forming ability. The novel information on the functionality of honey bee drone-inhabiting yeasts suggests their importance in maintaining the healthy microbiological environment of the hive. The isolated yeasts with beneficial traits may serve as candidates for future studies aimed at supporting honey bee health. Full article

Culinary herbs and spices are highly valued for their contribution to aroma, color, and overall flavor in traditional foods. Microbial inactivation in fresh herbs and spices is challenging due to their complex surface structures and dense natural microflora, which limit the effectiveness of conventional methods. Atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) is an innovative non-thermal technology with potential applications in the fresh spice industry. This study investigates the efficacy of ACP, generated using a practical, simple, and original system that allows uniform treatment without complex equipment, on microbial inactivation and quality attributes of fresh spices. Treatments of 1 and 3 min were applied, and their effects on natural microflora, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas syringae spp. were evaluated on the first day and after 7 days of storage. Results showed that 3 min treatments achieved higher reductions in natural microflora (2.91 log CFU g⁻¹), E. coli (2.76 log CFU g⁻¹), and P. syringae spp. (2.24 log CFU g⁻¹) compared to 1 min treatments (1.87, 1.93, and 1.65 log CFU g⁻¹, respectively). Different herbs exhibited varying responses to ACP, reflecting differences in leaf structure and chemical composition, which highlights the need for tailored treatment strategies. ACP treatment did not significantly affect water activity, color, or moisture content (except for rosemary, bay leaf, and thyme), nor total anthocyanin content (TAA), total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), or total flavonoid content (TFC). However, total chlorophyll content (TCC) and pH increased significantly in most samples (except rosemary and dill). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the tissue integrity of rosemary and mint was affected by ACP, although more than 50% of carvone in mint was preserved, and its concentration increased. The observed microbial reductions and 3–8-day shelf-life extension suggest meaningful improvements in safety and storage stability for industrial applications. Overall, ACP demonstrates promise as a safe, efficient, and scalable alternative to conventional decontamination methods, with broad potential for enhancing the quality and shelf life of fresh spices. Full article

Introduction: The study aimed to provide a systematic review and analysis of previously reported studies investigating the association between the bacterial microbiome and the incidence of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Material and Methods: A comprehensive literature search across many databases via 01 March 2023, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Results: A total of 20 studies were reviewed, all of which provided a comprehensive analysis of the microbial makeup in pregnant women. The findings suggest that disturbances in the bacterial microflora correlate with a heightened risk of PPROM. Conclusions: There was a significant reduction of naturally prevalent vaginal species (in the vaginal flora of women with PPROM such as Lactobacillus spp., Weissella spp., and Rickettsiales spp. This was accompanied by the dominance of other bacterial species such as Sneathia spp., Prevotella spp., Prevotella bivia, Prevotella timonensis, Peptniphilus, Streptococcus spp., Dialister spp., Lactobacillus iners, Gardnerella vaginalis, Ochrobactrum spp. Megasphaera spp., Faecalibacterium spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Xanthomonadales spp., Gammaproteobacteria spp., Alphaproteobacteria spp., Bacteroides spp., Sphingomonas spp., Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum or Group B Streptococcus begin to dominate, leading to PPROM. Recognising the microbial patterns could lead to the development of risk-based microbiological interventions and probiotic treatment, potentially improving the management and outcomes of patients with PPROM. Full article

Sauerkraut (SK) is a fermented food of plant origin recognised for its nutritional properties and health benefits. It is traditionally produced through spontaneous fermentation, carried out by the native microflora of fresh cabbage, which includes Gram-negative bacteria, moulds, yeasts and finally lactic acid bacteria (LAB), responsible for transforming natural sugars into lactic acid. However, spontaneous fermentation can also promote the growth of undesirable microorganisms, leading to risks of sensory or food safety alterations, such as the production of biogenic amines. To prevent these limitations, the use of LAB starter cultures is presented as a promising alternative. This study evaluated the fermentation of cabbage at 18 °C and 25 °C, comparing spontaneous fermentation with controlled fermentations using probiotic cultures (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 229v and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG). Due to its nutritional importance, the folate content of different types of SK has been studied. Spontaneous fermentation showed positive results in all studied parameters; however, L. plantarum 229v was the inoculum with the highest and fastest acidifying efficacy, reducing the pH to below 4.0 after 7 days at both temperatures. At 25 °C, L. plantarum 229v achieved LAB counts higher than those of L. rhamnosus GG (7.02 vs. 6.00 log CFU·g⁻¹) and exerted the most effective control over enterobacteria and moulds/yeasts, reaching undetectable values (0 log CFU·g⁻¹) on day 7 under both conditions. Antioxidant activity after 42 days of fermentation was higher at 18 °C with L. rhamnosus GG, which showed the highest values (up to 3.50 mg CE·g⁻¹ FW), followed by L. plantarum 229v and spontaneous fermentation. In terms of total folate content (TFC) retention, spontaneous fermentation was particularly effective at both temperatures after 42 days of fermentation (794.741 µg/100 g TFC at 18 °C and 586.542 µg/100 g TFC at 25 °C). In sensory analysis, spontaneous fermentation, in general acceptance, was rated highest (6.2), followed by L. plantarum 229v (5.5) and L. rhamnosus GG (5.3). Considering all the factors studied, SK fermentation with the probiotic strain L. plantarum 229v has proven to be the most suitable. Full article

Mycotoxin contamination in animal feed can cause acute or chronic adverse effects on growth, productivity, and immune function in livestock. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of difructose anhydride III (DFA III) supplementation on serum biochemical parameters and intestinal environment in Japanese Black (JB) breeding cows under low-level chronic dietary exposure to zearalenone (ZEN). Using urinary ZEN concentration as an indicator of exposure, 25 JB cows were selected from a breeding farm with confirmed natural feed contamination. Blood samples were collected before DFA III supplementation (day 0), and on days 20 and 40 post-supplementation. Serum biochemical parameters and short-chain fatty acid concentrations were measured. During the studies, dietary ZEN concentration increased, yet improvements were observed in liver function, nutritional status, immune response, and inflammatory markers. Notably, serum butyrate concentration significantly increased following DFA III administration. These findings suggest that DFA III may positively influence intestinal microflora and enhance intestinal barrier function, which could contribute to improved health and nutritional status in cattle exposed to low-level chronic dietary ZEN contamination. DFA III supplementation may represent a promising strategy for mitigating the effects of low-level mycotoxin exposure in livestock production systems. Full article

The use of biological agents in food preservation is considered a sustainable, modern, and promising approach, in which the use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is a potential solution. Additionally, Vietnamese fermented cocoa beans, a naturally diverse microflora, have not yet been assessed for the selection of antifungal LAB. Therefore, this study focused on evaluating the antifungal activities against Aspergillus flavus UBOCC-A-10866 of 19 LAB strains isolated from Vietnamese fermented cocoa beans from the Dak Lak and Dong Nai provinces. The results showed that lactic strains were all capable of inhibiting fungi growth (from 18–99% of the fungal colony diameter after 7 days), of which five LAB strains (L13E48, L7E96, L22E96, L41E96, and L2DN120) were selected due to their great fungi inhibition activities (inhibition rate > 75%). The strain L41E96 (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum) was chosen as the best antifungal species with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of 0.36 mg/mL. Full article

As traditional protein sources such as soybean and fish meal become increasingly limited, there is growing interest in alternative protein sources, such as rapeseed meal, in aquaculture. This review offers an updated overview of rapeseed meal in fish diets, highlighting its nutritional value and impact on growth and the digestive tract. It also examines the effect of rapeseed meal supplementation on intestinal microflora, taking into account the latest trends in animal breeding focused on microbiota composition. While challenges exist in incorporating rapeseed meal into fish diets, its inclusion holds potential for improving sustainability and efficiency in aquaculture. However, its effects may vary depending on fish species, rearing conditions, and the level of inclusion in the diet. Based on this analysis, further research is recommended to explore the practical use of rapeseed meal as a reliable protein source in fish nutrition. Future studies should prioritize fish welfare and health, with an emphasis on natural methods, such as fermentation, to enhance the nutritional value of rapeseed meal. Consideration should also be given to incorporating activities, such as phytase supplementation, to enhance the use of rapeseed meal in fish feed. Full article

Today’s consumer perception and expectations of personal care have gone beyond merely cleansing, moisturizing, and makeup products, focusing more on the reduction or elimination of signs of aging. Cosmeceuticals, developed to create a more youthful appearance, commonly contain substances with therapeutic and physiological effects. The development of cosmeceutical products containing peptides, biotic ingredients, and marine-based compounds has become a highly popular strategy to enhance anti-aging effects and better address consumer demands. Peptides are frequently used in anti-aging products due to their effects on enhancing fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis, contributing to the skin’s barrier function, and reducing skin pigmentation. Meanwhile, biotic components are extensively evaluated for their potential to improve barrier function by maintaining the balance of the skin microflora. On the other hand, the increasing interest of cosmetic consumers in natural and eco-friendly products, along with the rich biodiversity in the oceans and seas, has made marine-derived substances highly significant for the cosmetic industry. Marine polysaccharides are particularly valuable as biopolymers, offering useful properties for gel formation in cosmetic formulations. This review discusses scientific studies and commercially available products using peptides, biotic and marine-based compounds in cosmetic formulations, their cosmetic and cosmeceutical benefits, and the challenges in the formulation design of these products. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the renal protective effects of black rice anthocyanins (BRAs) against renal injury in mice induced by D-galactose (D-gal). Methods: The renal aging mouse model was established by thirteen consecutive weeks of subcutaneous injections of D-gal. The serum levels of urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CRE), uric acid (UA), antioxidant enzymes (e.g., GSH-Px and SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), as well as the contents of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in kidney tissues were evaluated. Additionally, the relative expression of the NQO1, HO-1, IKKβ, NF-kBp65, and TLR4 proteins was examined. Results: BRA treatment significantly reduced serum levels of BUN, and CRE increased the concentrations of antioxidant enzymes and total antioxidant capacity in renal tissues, and reduced the levels of inflammatory factors. Furthermore, BRAs restored the relative expression of the NQO1, HO-1, IKKβ, NF-kBp65, and TLR4 proteins to normal levels and promoted the recovery of the renal tissue architecture. Conclusions: It was demonstrated that BRAs could potentially prevent and protect against kidney injury by modulating the Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways, attenuating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, and modulating the gut microflora. These findings provide a scientific basis for the application of BRAs as a natural bioactive substance in the field of nephroprotection, especially against the renal degeneration that accompanies the aging process. Full article

Walnuts are prone to contamination by rotting fungi. However, the microflora present in walnuts across various regions of China has not been thoroughly investigated. Cinnamon essential oil (CEO) is commonly used in food preservation because of its natural safety and strong antimicrobial properties. Additionally, studies on the antifungal potential of CEO to prevent walnut spoilage are limited. Therefore, we investigated Aspergillus spp. contamination in moldy walnuts stored across different locations in Shanxi, China. A total of 100 moldy walnut samples underwent traditional mycological analysis to isolate Aspergillus spp. The antibacterial properties and the mechanisms by which CEO targets Aspergillus spp. were thoroughly investigated. Five representative morphospecies were subsequently classified to the species level using Internal Transcribed Spacer sequence analysis. The dominant species were Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus, with frequencies of 100% and 93%, respectively, followed by Aspergillus nigers, Aspergillus terreus, and Aspergillus tubingensis, with frequencies of 78%, 47%, and 40%, respectively. Overall, 358 fungal species belonging to the Aspergillus genus were recovered. The MIC of CEO against A. flavus in vitro was 0.78 g/L. Furthermore, CEO compromised the permeability and integrity of the cell membrane, causing the leakage of intracellular components and promoting the accumulation of malondialdehyde compounds and a decrease in superoxide dismutase activity. Overall, we isolated and identified Aspergillus spp. in moldy walnuts and confirmed the feasibility of using CEO as a green anti-Aspergillus spp. agent for the preservation of walnuts. Full article