Lactobacillus as a Biotechnological Tool to Improve Food Quality and Human Health

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 June 2024 | Viewed by 604

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Laboratory for General Microbiology and Food Microbiology, Department of Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierottijeva 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: food microbiology; lactic acid bacteria; fermentation; probiotic; gut microbiome
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Dear Colleagues, 

Lactobacillus, a genus of bacteria known for its beneficial properties, has emerged as a powerful biotechnological tool with the potential to revolutionize both food quality and human health. This genus, which is commonly found in fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut, plays a crucial role in promoting digestive health and fortifying the immune system. In the realm of food production, Lactobacillus has been harnessed for its ability to ferment various food products, leading to an improved flavour, texture, and nutritional content. This bacterium contributes to the preservation of food through the production of organic acids and other antimicrobial compounds, reducing the need for chemical preservatives. Beyond its impact on food quality, Lactobacillus has gained recognition for its positive effects on human health. This bacterium is integral to maintaining a balanced gut microbiome, influencing digestion and nutrient absorption. Additionally, Lactobacillus strains have been linked to the synthesis of bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, further underscoring their potential in preventive healthcare.

As a probiotic, Lactobacillus supplements have gained popularity for their role in supporting gastrointestinal health and mitigating conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. Other researchers are actively exploring the manipulation of Lactobacillus strains to enhance their probiotic capabilities, tailoring it for specific health benefits. In conclusion, Lactobacillus is at the forefront of biotechnological advancements, offering the promise of elevating the food quality and human health. Its applications span from fermented foods to innovative probiotic therapies, marking a symbiotic relationship between science, technology, and our overall well-being.

Prof. Dr. Jadranka Frece
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Lactobacillus
  • biotechnological applications
  • food fermentation
  • probiotics
  • gut microbiome
  • food quality improvement
  • human health benefits
  • bioactive compounds
  • anti-inflammatory properties
  • probiotic strains

Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

20 pages, 2704 KiB  
Article
Improving the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Fermented Milks with Exopolysaccharides-Producing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strains
by Roberta Prete, Francesca Dell’Orco, Giusi Sabatini, Federica Montagano, Natalia Battista and Aldo Corsetti
Foods 2024, 13(11), 1663; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13111663 - 25 May 2024
Viewed by 334
Abstract
Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) producing lactic acid bacteria have been claimed to confer various health benefits to the host, including the ability to face oxidative and inflammatory-related stress. This study investigated the ability of food-borne Lactiplantibacillus (Lpb.) plantarum to improve the antioxidant activity [...] Read more.
Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) producing lactic acid bacteria have been claimed to confer various health benefits to the host, including the ability to face oxidative and inflammatory-related stress. This study investigated the ability of food-borne Lactiplantibacillus (Lpb.) plantarum to improve the antioxidant activity of fermented milks by producing EPSs. Two Lpb. plantarum strains, selected as lower and higher EPSs producers, have been applied in lab-scale fermented milk production, in combination with conventional starters. Antioxidant activity was investigated in vitro using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays while the ability to modulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was evaluated in an intestinal healthy model, subjected to both oxidative and inflammatory stress. Furthermore, to verify whether digestion affects functionality, fermented milks were evaluated before and after in vitro-simulated INFOGEST digestion. The results showed an improved antioxidant activity of fermented milk enriched with Lpb. plantarum LT100, the highest EPSs producer. Furthermore, the data showed a different ROS modulation with a protective anti-inflammatory effect of samples enriched with Lpb. plantarum strains. Our data suggest the use of selected EPS-producing strains of Lpb. plantarum as a natural strategy to enrich the functionality of fermented milks in terms of ROS modulation and inflammatory-related stress. Full article
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