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Fulltext Effects of a Lactobacilli Probiotic on Reducing Duration of URTI and Fever, and Use of URTI-Associated Medicine: A Re-Analysis of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

Altadill T, Espadaler-Mazo J, Liong MT

Microorganisms, 2021 Mar 04;9(3).
PMID: 33806508 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030528

We previously reported on the effects of Lactoplantibacillus plantarum DR7 on reducing Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI) symptoms' score and frequency in 109 adults upon a 12-week consumption at 109 colony-forming units (CFU)/day, but several limitations were detected in the publication. Thus, the present study re-analyzed some data with the aim to address some of these weaknesses, and presents new data on duration of URTI and consumption of URTI-associated medication, as compared to the placebo. Our re-analyses found probiotic administration significantly reduced the proportion of patient days of URTI and of fever (all p < 0.05). Recent history of URTI was a prevalent co-factor in affecting duration of URTI symptoms and fever, while other demographic and clinical factors had no influence. Exploratory analyses suggested probiotic had an earlier benefit in patients without a recent history of URTI compared to those with a recent history of URTI. Therefore, recent history of infections could have a modulatory effect on probiotic efficacy. Average number of months with reported use of URTI-related medication was 3.4-times lower in the probiotic group as compared to placebo (p = 0.016) during the intervention. Taken together, our present new data further support previous findings that DR7 probiotic had a beneficial effect on URTI.
Lactobacilli reduce recurrences of vaginal candidiasis in pregnant women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Ang XY, Chung FY, Lee BK, Azhar SNA, Sany S, Roslan NS, et al.

J Appl Microbiol, 2021 May 22.
PMID: 34022103 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15158

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of lactobacilli strains in preventing the recurrences of vaginal candidiasis (VC) in 78 pregnant women with VC (lactobacilli, n = 39; placebo, n = 39) and the potential benefits on quality of life.
METHODS AND RESULTS: The lactobacilli putative probiotic (SynForU-HerCare; two capsules/day of 9·5 log CFU per capsule) or placebo was administered for 8-weeks in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Subjects were assessed for vaginal and gut health conditions at baseline, week-4 and week-8 via questionnaires. The vulvovaginal symptom questionnaire not only covered aspects pertaining to vulvovaginal symptoms but also the quality of life impacts such as emotional, social and sexual. The administration of lactobacilli reduced symptoms of irritation (P = 0·023) and discharge (P = 0·011) starting week-4 and continued after week-8 (P
Lactobacillus probiotics restore vaginal and gut microbiota of pregnant women with vaginal candidiasis

Ang XY, Roslan NS, Ahmad N, Yusof SM, Abdullah N, Nik Ab Rahman NN, et al.

Benef Microbes, 2023 Nov 23;14(5):421-431.
PMID: 38350486 DOI: 10.1163/18762891-20220103

The development of probiotics has now included the areas along the gut-vaginal axis. We thus aimed to investigate the effects of lactobacilli probiotic to modulate and restore vaginal and gut microbiota of pregnant women with vaginal candidiasis (VC). A randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled study was performed in 78 pregnant women with VC. Patients were randomised to either the probiotic (SynForU-HerCare) or placebo which were administered at baseline and continued for 8-weeks (two capsules/day of 9.5 log cfu/capsule). Microbiota profiles were assessed at time points of weeks-0, 4 and 8 for high vaginal swab and faecal samples. Shannon diversity index showed that after 8-weeks amid VC, a shift in microbial community compositional changes occurred in the high vaginal region at both genus (P=0.025) and species (P=0.044) levels, where the administration of probiotic prevented such a shift. These changes were mainly attributed to a decreased in abundance of Lactobacillus (P=0.042) accompanied by increased abundance of Prevotella (P=0.002) and Atopobium (P=0.002) in the placebo group while the probiotic group remained unchanged over time. The administration of probiotics also prevented a reduced abundance of faecal phylum Firmicutes after 8-weeks as seen in the placebo group (P<0.0001), which also showed reduction at subsequent taxonomic levels of class, family, genera and species. VC has not only altered the microbiota of vagina regions but also gut microbiota profiles, causing lessening of gut microbiota that are crucial for gut nutrient availability, protection and immunity. The administration of lactobacilli probiotics has prevented such a shift, leading to better modulated gut and vaginal microenvironment amid VC. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: identifier number NCT03940612.
Fe2+ and Cu2+ increase the production of hyaluronic acid by lactobacilli via affecting different stages of the pentose phosphate pathway

Choi SB, Lew LC, Hor KC, Liong MT

Appl Biochem Biotechnol, 2014 May;173(1):129-42.
PMID: 24648139 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-014-0822-5

This study aimed at optimizing the production of hyaluronic acid by Lactobacillus acidophilus FTDC 1231 using response surface methodology and evaluating the effects of divalent metal ions along the production pathway using molecular docking. Among different divalent metal ions that were screened, only iron (II) sulphate and copper (II) sulphate significantly (P
Probiotics and the BSH-related cholesterol lowering mechanism: a Jekyll and Hyde scenario

Choi SB, Lew LC, Yeo SK, Nair Parvathy S, Liong MT

Crit Rev Biotechnol, 2015;35(3):392-401.
PMID: 24575869 DOI: 10.3109/07388551.2014.889077

Probiotic microorganisms have been documented over the past two decades to play a role in cholesterol-lowering properties via various clinical trials. Several mechanisms have also been proposed and the ability of these microorganisms to deconjugate bile via production of bile salt hydrolase (BSH) has been widely associated with their cholesterol lowering potentials in prevention of hypercholesterolemia. Deconjugated bile salts are more hydrophobic than their conjugated counterparts, thus are less reabsorbed through the intestines resulting in higher excretion into the feces. Replacement of new bile salts from cholesterol as a precursor subsequently leads to decreased serum cholesterol levels. However, some controversies have risen attributed to the activities of deconjugated bile acids that repress the synthesis of bile acids from cholesterol. Deconjugated bile acids have higher binding affinity towards some orphan nuclear receptors namely the farsenoid X receptor (FXR), leading to a suppressed transcription of the enzyme cholesterol 7-alpha hydroxylase (7AH), which is responsible in bile acid synthesis from cholesterol. This notion was further corroborated by our current docking data, which indicated that deconjugated bile acids have higher propensities to bind with the FXR receptor as compared to conjugated bile acids. Bile acids-activated FXR also induces transcription of the IBABP gene, leading to enhanced recycling of bile acids from the intestine back to the liver, which subsequently reduces the need for new bile formation from cholesterol. Possible detrimental effects due to increased deconjugation of bile salts such as malabsorption of lipids, colon carcinogenesis, gallstones formation and altered gut microbial populations, which contribute to other varying gut diseases, were also included in this review. Our current findings and review substantiate the need to look beyond BSH deconjugation as a single factor/mechanism in strain selection for hypercholesterolemia, and/or as a sole mean to justify a cholesterol-lowering property of probiotic strains.
Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 alleviates stress and anxiety in adults: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Chong HX, Yusoff NAA, Hor YY, Lew LC, Jaafar MH, Choi SB, et al.

Benef Microbes, 2019 Apr 19;10(4):355-373.
PMID: 30882244 DOI: 10.3920/BM2018.0135

Probiotics have been reported to exert beneficial effects along the gut-brain axis. This randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled human study aimed to evaluate such properties of Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 and its accompanying mechanisms in stressed adults. One hundred and eleven (n=111; DR7 n=56, placebo n=55) stressed adults were recruited based on moderate stress levels using the PSS-10 questionnaire. The consumption of DR7 (1×109 cfu/day) for 12 weeks reduced symptoms of stress (P=0.024), anxiety (P=0.001), and total psychological scores (P=0.022) as early as 8 weeks among stressed adults compared to the placebo group as assessed by the DASS-42 questionnaire. Plasma cortisol level was reduced among DR7 subjects as compared to the placebo, accompanied by reduced plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interferon-γ and transforming growth factor-α and increased plasma anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 10 (P<0.05). DR7 better improved cognitive and memory functions in normal adults (>30 years old), such as basic attention, emotional cognition, and associate learning (P<0.05), as compared to the placebo and young adults (<30 years old). The administration of DR7 enhanced the serotonin pathway, as observed by lowered expressions of plasma dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase accompanied by increased expressions of tryptophan hydroxylase-2 and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor-6, while stabilising the dopamine pathway as observed via stabilised expressions of TH and DBH over 12 weeks as compared to the placebo (P<0.05). Our results indicated that DR7 fulfil the requirement of a probiotic strain as per recommendation of FAO/WHO and could be applicable as a natural strategy to improve psychological functions, cognitive health and memory in stressed adults.
Fulltext Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 improved upper respiratory tract infections via enhancing immune and inflammatory parameters: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Chong HX, Yusoff NAA, Hor YY, Lew LC, Jaafar MH, Choi SB, et al.

J Dairy Sci, 2019 Jun;102(6):4783-4797.
PMID: 30954261 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-16103

The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 isolated from bovine milk against upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and elucidate the possible mechanisms underlying immunomodulatory properties. The DR7 strain (9 log cfu/d) was administered for 12 wk in a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled human study involving 109 adults (DR7, n = 56; placebo, n = 53). Subjects were assessed for health conditions monthly via questionnaires, and blood samples were evaluated for cytokine concentrations, peroxidation and oxidative stress, and gene expression in T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. The administration of DR7 reduced the duration of nasal symptoms (mean difference 5.09 d; 95% CI: 0.42-9.75) and the frequency of URTI (mean difference 0.32; 95% CI: 0.01-0.63) after 12 and 4 wk, respectively, compared with the placebo. The DR7 treatment suppressed plasma proinflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α) in middle-aged adults (30 to 60 yr old), while enhancing anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) in young adults (<30 yr old), accompanied by reduced plasma peroxidation and oxidative stress levels compared with the placebo. Young adults who received DR7 showed higher expression of plasma CD44 and CD117 by 4.50- and 2.22-fold, respectively, compared with the placebo. Meanwhile, middle-aged adults showed lower expression of plasma CD4 and CD8 by 11.26- and 1.80-fold, respectively, compared with the placebo, indicating less T-cell activation. In contrast, both young and middle-aged adults who received DR7 showed enhanced presence of nonresting and mature NK cells compared with those who received the placebo. We postulate that DR7 alleviated the symptoms of URTI by improving inflammatory parameters and enhancing immunomodulatory properties.
Floricoccus tropicus gen. nov., sp. nov. and Floricoccus penangensis sp. nov. isolated from fresh flowers of durian tree and hibiscus

Chuah LO, Yap KP, Shamila-Syuhada AK, Thong KL, Ahmad R, Liong MT, et al.

Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2017 Dec;67(12):4979-4985.
PMID: 29034853 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002386

Three strains of Gram-staining-positive, coccus-shaped, lactic acid bacteria, designated as HibF3T, HibF2 and HibF5 were isolated from fresh flowers of hibiscus, and a fourth, DF1T, was isolated from fresh flowers of durian tree, in Penang, Malaysia. Taxonomic characterisation was performed by polyphasic analysis. Sequence similarities of the 16S rRNA gene and the housekeeping rpoA and pheS genes of these strains with their closely-related lactococcal and streptococcal relatives were 92-94, 78 and 81 %, respectively. The results of phylogenetic analysis indicated that strains DF1T, HibF2, HibF5 and HibF3T were clustered together but were clearly separated from species of the genera Streptococcus and Lactococcus, indicating that they represent members of a novel genus of the family Streptococcaceae. Calculation of average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between the genomes of DF1T and HibF3T yielded values of 92.50-92.93 %. ANI values below the cut-off value and distinctive chemotaxonomic characteristics supported the hypothesis that these strains represented two novel species. Major cellular fatty acids in DF1T, HibF2 and HibF5 were C18 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0, while C12 : 0 and C14 : 0 were also dominant, in addition to C18 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0, in HibF3T. A novel genus is proposed with the name Floricoccus gen. nov. which consists of two species, Floricoccus tropicus sp. nov as the type species, and Floricoccus penangensis sp. nov. The respective type strains are DF1T (=LMG 29833T=JCM 31733T) and HibF3T (=LMG 29831T=DSM 31735T).
Corrigendum: Floricoccus tropicus gen. nov., sp. nov. and Floricoccus penangensis sp. nov. isolated from fresh flowers of durian tree and hibiscus

Chuah LO, Yap KP, Shamila-Syuhada AK, Thong KL, Ahmad R, Liong MT, et al.

Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2018 03;68(3):974.
PMID: 29493487 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002582
Physio-chemical, microbiological properties of tempoyak and molecular characterisation of lactic acid bacteria isolated from tempoyak

Chuah LO, Shamila-Syuhada AK, Liong MT, Rosma A, Thong KL, Rusul G

Food Microbiol, 2016 Sep;58:95-104.
PMID: 27217364 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2016.04.002

This study aims to determine physio-chemical properties of tempoyak, characterise the various indigenous species of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) present at different stages of fermentation and also to determine the survival of selected foodborne pathogens in tempoyak. The predominant microorganisms present in tempoyak were LAB (8.88-10.42 log CFU/g). Fructobacillus durionis and Lactobacillus plantarum were the dominant members of LAB. Other LAB species detected for the first time in tempoyak were a fructophilic strain of Lactobacillus fructivorans, Leuconostoc dextranicum, Lactobacillus collinoides and Lactobacillus paracasei. Heterofermentative Leuconostoc mesenteroides and F. durionis were predominant in the initial stage of fermentation, and as fermentation proceeded, F. durionis remained predominant, but towards the end of fermentation, homofermentative Lb. plantarum became the predominant species. Lactic, acetic and propionic acids were present in concentrations ranging from 0.30 to 9.65, 0.51 to 7.14 and 3.90 to 7.31 mg/g, respectively. Genotyping showed a high degree of diversity among F. durionis and Lb. plantarum isolates, suggesting different sources of LAB. All tested Lb. plantarum and F. durionis (except for one isolate) isolates were multidrug resistant. Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus were not detected. However, survival study showed that these pathogens could survive up to 8-12 days. The results aiming at improving the quality and safety of tempoyak.
Effects of ultrasound on growth, bioconversion of isoflavones and probiotic properties of parent and subsequent passages of Lactobacillus fermentum BT 8633 in biotin-supplemented soymilk

Ewe JA, Wan-Abdullah WN, Alias AK, Liong MT

Ultrason Sonochem, 2012 Jul;19(4):890-900.
PMID: 22305107 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2012.01.003

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ultrasound on Lactobacillus fermentum BT 8633 in parent and subsequent passages based on their growth and isoflavone bioconversion activities in biotin-supplemented soymilk. The treated cells were also assessed for impact of ultrasound on probiotic properties. The growth of ultrasonicated parent cells increased (P<0.05) by 3.23-9.14% compared to that of the control during fermentation in biotin-soymilk. This was also associated with enhanced intracellular and extracellular (8.4-17.0% and 16.7-49.2%, respectively; P<0.05) β-glucosidase specific activity, leading to increased bioconversion of isoflavones glucosides to aglycones during fermentation in biotin-soymilk compared to that of the control (P<0.05). Such traits may be credited to the reversible permeabilized membrane of ultrasonicated parent cells that have facilitated the transport of molecules across the membrane. The growing characteristics of first, second and third passage of treated cells in biotin-soymilk were similar (P>0.05) to that of the control, where their growth, enzyme and isoflavone bioconversion activities (P>0.05) were comparable. This may be attributed to the temporary permeabilization in the membrane of treated cells. Ultrasound affected probiotic properties of parent L. fermentum, by reducing tolerance ability towards acid (pH 2) and bile; lowering inhibitory activities against selected pathogens and reducing adhesion ability compared to that of the control (P<0.05). The first, second and third passage of treated cells did not exhibit such traits, with the exception of their bile tolerance ability which was inherited to the first passage (P<0.05). Our results suggested that ultrasound could be used to increase bioactivity of biotin-soymilk via fermentation by probiotic L. fermentum FTDC 8633 for the development of functional food.
Bioconversion of isoflavones and the probiotic properties of the electroporated parent and subsequent three subcultures of Lactobacillus fermentum BT 8219 in biotin-soymilk

Ewe JA, Wan-Abdullah WN, Alias AK, Liong MT

J Microbiol Biotechnol, 2012 Jul;22(7):947-59.
PMID: 22580314

This study was aimed at an evaluation of the potential inheritance of electroporation effects on Lactobacillus fermentum BT 8219 through to three subsequent subcultures, based on their growth, isoflavone bioconversion activities, and probiotic properties, in biotin-supplemented soymilk. Electroporation was seen to cause cell death immediately after treatment, followed by higher growth than the control during fermentation in biotin-soymilk (P<0.05). This was associated with enhanced intracellular and extracellular beta-glucosidase specific activity, leading to increased bioconversion of isoflavone glucosides to aglycones (P<0.05). The growing characteristics, enzyme, and isoflavone bioconversion activities of the first, second, and third subcultures of treated cells in biotin-soymilk were similar to the control (P>0.05). Electroporation affected the probiotic properties of parent L. fermentum BT 8219, by reducing its tolerance towards acid (pH 2) and bile, lowering its inhibitory activities against selected pathogens, and reducing its ability for adhesion, when compared with the control (P<0.05). The first, second, and third subcultures of the treated cells showed comparable traits with that of the control (P>0.05), with the exception of their bile tolerance ability, which was inherited to the treated cells of the first and second subcultures (P<0.05). Our results suggest that electroporation could be used to increase the bioactivity of biotin-soymilk via fermentation with probiotic L. fermentum BT 8219, with a view towards the development of functional foods.
Enhanced growth of lactobacilli and bioconversion of isoflavones in biotin-supplemented soymilk by electroporation

Ewe JA, Wan-Abdullah WN, Alias AK, Liong MT

Int J Food Sci Nutr, 2012 Aug;63(5):580-96.
PMID: 22149599 DOI: 10.3109/09637486.2011.641940

This study aimed at utilizing electroporation to further enhance the growth of lactobacilli and their isoflavone bioconversion activities in biotin-supplemented soymilk. Strains of lactobacilli were treated with different pulsed electric field strength (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 kV/cm) for 3, 3.5 and 4 ms prior to inoculation and fermentation in biotin-soymilk at 37°C for 24 h. Electroporation triggered structural changes within the cellular membrane of lactobacilli that caused lipid peroxidation (p 9 log CFU/ml after fermentation in biotin-soymilk (p
Enhanced growth of lactobacilli and bioconversion of isoflavones in biotin-supplemented soymilk upon ultrasound-treatment

Ewe JA, Wan Abdullah WN, Bhat R, Karim AA, Liong MT

Ultrason Sonochem, 2012 Jan;19(1):160-73.
PMID: 21775184 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2011.06.013

This study aimed at utilizing ultrasound treatment to further enhance the growth of lactobacilli and their isoflavone bioconversion activities in biotin-supplemented soymilk. Strains of lactobacilli (Lactobacillus acidophilus BT 1088, L. fermentum BT 8219, L. acidophilus FTDC 8633, L. gasseri FTDC 8131) were treated with ultrasound (30 kHz, 100 W) at different amplitudes (20%, 60% and 100%) for 60, 120 and 180 s prior to inoculation and fermentation in biotin-soymilk. The treatment affected the fatty acids chain of the cellular membrane lipid bilayer, as shown by an increased lipid peroxidation (P<0.05). This led to increased membrane fluidity and subsequently, membrane permeability (P<0.05). The permeabilized cellular membranes had facilitated nutrient internalization and subsequent growth enhancement (P<0.05). Higher amplitudes and longer durations of the treatment promoted growth of lactobacilli in soymilk, with viable counts exceeding 9 log CFU/mL. The intracellular and extracellular β-glucosidase specific activities of lactobacilli were also enhanced (P<0.05) upon ultrasound treatment, leading to increased bioconversion of isoflavones in soymilk, particularly genistin and malonyl genistin to genistein. Results from this study show that ultrasound treatment on lactobacilli cells promotes (P<0.05) the β-glucosidase activity of cells for the benefit of enhanced (P<0.05) isoflavone glucosides bioconversion to bioactive aglycones in soymilk.
Viability and growth characteristics of Lactobacillus in soymilk supplemented with B-vitamins

Ewe JA, Wan-Abdullah WN, Liong MT

Int J Food Sci Nutr, 2010 Feb;61(1):87-107.
PMID: 19961357 DOI: 10.3109/09637480903334163

Ten strains of Lactobacillus were evaluated for their viability in soymilk. Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 314, L. acidophilus FTDC 8833, L. acidophilus FTDC 8633 and L. gasseri FTDC 8131 displayed higher viability in soymilk and were thus selected to be evaluated for viability and growth characteristics in soymilk supplemented with B-vitamins. Pour plate analyses showed that the supplementation of all B-vitamins studied promoted the growth of lactobacilli to a viable count exceeding 7 log CFU/ml. alpha-Galactosidase specific activity of lactobacilli as determined spectrophotometrically showed an increase upon supplementation of B-vitamins. High-performance liquid chromatography analyses revealed that this led to increased hydrolysis of soy oligosaccharides and subsequently higher utilization of simple sugars. Production of organic acids as determined via high-performance liquid chromatography also showed an increase, accompanied by a decrease in pH of soymilk. Additionally, the supplementation of B-vitamins also promoted the synthesis of riboflavin and folic acid by lactobacilli in soymilk. Our results indicated that B-vitamin-supplemented soymilk is a good proliferation medium for strains of lactobacilli.
Genomic, metabolomic, and functional characterisation of beneficial properties of Pediococcus pentosaceus ST58, isolated from human oral cavity

Favaro L, Campanaro S, Fugaban JII, Treu L, Jung ES, d'Ovidio L, et al.

Benef Microbes, 2023 Mar 14;14(1):57-72.
PMID: 36815495 DOI: 10.3920/BM2022.0067

Bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria are proteinaceous antibacterial metabolites that normally exhibit bactericidal or bacteriostatic activity against genetically closely related bacteria. In this work, the bacteriocinogenic potential of Pediococcus pentosaceus strain ST58, isolated from oral cavity of a healthy volunteer was evaluated. To better understand the biological role of this strain, its technological and safety traits were deeply investigated through a combined approach considering physiological, metabolomic and genomic properties. Three out of 14 colonies generating inhibition zones were confirmed to be bacteriocin producers and, according to repPCR and RAPD-PCR, differentiation assays, and 16S rRNA sequencing it was confirmed to be replicates of the same strain, identified as P. pentosaceus, named ST58. Based on multiple isolation of the same strain (P. pentosaceus ST58) over the 26 weeks in screening process for the potential bacteriocinogenic strains from the oral cavity of the same volunteer, strain ST58 can be considered a persistent component of oral cavity microbiota. Genomic analysis of P. pentosaceus ST58 revealed the presence of operons encoding for bacteriocins pediocin PA-1 and penocin A. The produced bacteriocin(s) inhibited the growth of Listeria monocytogenes, Enterococcus spp. and some Lactobacillus spp. used to determine the activity spectrum. The highest levels of production (6400 AU/ml) were recorded against L. monocytogenes strains after 24 h of incubation and the antimicrobial activity was inhibited after treatment of the cell-free supernatants with proteolytic enzymes. Noteworthy, P. pentosaceus ST58 also presented antifungal activity and key metabolites potentially involved in these properties were identified. Overall, this strain can be of great biotechnological interest towards the development of effective bio-preservation cultures as well as potential health promoting microbes.
The Evaluation of Different Bacteriocinogenic Bacillus spp. with Activity Against Staphylococcus spp. and Their Beneficial and/or Hazardous Properties

Fugaban JII, Dioso CM, Choi GH, Bucheli JEV, Liong MT, Holzapfel WH, et al.

Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins, 2024 Feb;16(1):35-52.
PMID: 36445687 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-022-10017-7

The aim of this project was to screen for bacteriocinogenic Bacillus strains with activity versus Staphylococcus spp. with future application in formulation of pharmaceutical antimicrobial preparations. Putative bacteriocinogenic strains, isolated and pre-identified as Bacillus spp. were selected for future study and differentiated based on repPCR and identified as Bacillus subtilis for strains ST826CD and ST829CD, Bacillus subtilis subsp. stercoris for strain ST794CD, Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii for strain ST824CD, Bacillus velezensis for strain ST796CD, and Bacillus tequilensis for strain ST790CD. Selected strains were evaluated regarding their safety/virulence, beneficial properties, and potential production of antimicrobials based on biomolecular and physiological approves. Expressed bacteriocins were characterized regarding their proteinaceous nature, stability at different levels of pH, temperatures, and the presence of common chemicals applied in bacterial cultivation and bacteriocin purification. Dynamic of bacterial growth, acidification, and cumulation of produced bacteriocins and some aspects of the bacteriocins mode of action were evaluated. Based on obtained results, isolation and application of expressed antimicrobials can be realistic scenario for treatment of some staphylococcal associated infections. Appropriate biotechnological approaches need to be developed for cost effective production, isolation, and purification of expressed antimicrobials by studied Bacillus strains.
Agrowaste-based nanofibers as a probiotic encapsulant: fabrication and characterization

Fung WY, Yuen KH, Liong MT

J Agric Food Chem, 2011 Aug 10;59(15):8140-7.
PMID: 21711050 DOI: 10.1021/jf2009342

This study explored the potential of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from agrowastes, okara (soybean solid waste), oil palm trunk (OPT), and oil palm frond (OPF) obtained via alkali treatment, in the nanoencapsulation of Lactobacillus acidophilus . SDF solutions were amended with 8% poly(vinyl alcohol) to produce nanofibers using electrospinning technology. The spinning solution made from okara had a higher pH value at 5.39 ± 0.01 and a higher viscosity at 578.00 ± 11.02 mPa·s (P < 0.05), which resulted in finer fibers. FTIR spectra of nanofibers showed the presence of hemicellulose material in the SDF. Thermal behavior of nanofibers suggested possible thermal protection of probiotics in heat-processed foods. L. acidophilus was incorporated into the spinning solution to produce nanofiber-encapsulated probiotic, measuring 229-703 nm, visible under fluorescence microscopy. Viability studies showed good bacterial survivability of 78.6-90% under electrospinning conditions and retained viability at refrigeration temperature during the 21 day storage study.
Characterization of fibrous residues from agrowastes and the production of nanofibers

Fung WY, Yuen KH, Liong MT

J Agric Food Chem, 2010 Jul 14;58(13):8077-84.
PMID: 20568772 DOI: 10.1021/jf1012506

Oil palm trunk (OPT), oil palm frond (OPF), and okara are agrowastes generated abundantly by the palm oil and soy industries. There are vast potentials for these fibrous biomass rather than disposal at landfills or incineration. Fibrous materials (FM) and alkali-treated fibrous residues (FR) were produced from the selected wastes and subsequently characterized. Functional properties such as emulsifying properties, mineral-binding capacity, and free radical scavenging activity were also evaluated for possible development of functional products. Supernatants (FS) generated from the alkaline treatment contained soluble fractions of fibers and were also characterized and used for the production of nanofibers. Okara FM had the highest (P < 0.05) protein (31.5%) and fat (12.2%) contents, which were significantly reduced following alkali treatment. The treatment also increased total dietary fiber (TDF) in okara by 107.9%, in OPT by 67.2%, and in OPF by 25.1%. The increased fiber fractions in FR enhanced functional properties such as water-holding capacities and oil-holding capacities. Okara displayed the highest (P < 0.05) emulsifying properties compared to OPT and OPF. High IDF content of OPT and OPF contributed to high antioxidant activities (377.2 and 367.8% higher than that of okara, respectively; P < 0.05). The soluble fraction from alkali treatment of fibers was successfully electrospun into nanofibers, which can be further developed into nanoencapsulants for bioactive compound or drug delivery.
Optimization of growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus FTCC 0291 and evaluation of growth characteristics in soy whey medium: a response surface methodology approach

Fung WY, Woo YP, Liong MT

J Agric Food Chem, 2008 Sep 10;56(17):7910-8.
PMID: 18686970 DOI: 10.1021/jf801567j

Four strains of probiotics were evaluated for their alpha-galactosidase activity. Lactobacillus acidophilus FTCC 0291 displayed the highest specific alpha-galactosidase activity and was thus selected to be optimized in soy whey medium supplemented with seven nitrogen sources. The first-order model showed that meat extract, vegetable extract, and peptone significantly (P < 0.05) influenced the growth of L. acidophilus. The second-order polynomial regression estimated that maximum growth was obtained from the combination of 7.25% (w/v) meat extract, 4.7% (w/v) vegetable extract, and 6.85% (w/v) peptone. The validation experiment showed that response surface methodology was reliable with a variation of only 1.14% from the actual experimental data. Increased utilization of oligosaccharides and reducing sugars contributed to increased growth of L. acidophilus in the soy whey medium. This was accompanied by increased production of short-chain fatty acids and a decrease in pH.

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