Optimisation of fermentation conditions for the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-rich soy sauce.

This study addresses the challenge of enhancing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content in soy sauce through optimized fermentation condition. Using a multiple starter culture, consisting of Aspergillus oryzae strain NSK, Bacillus cereus strain KBC and Tetragenococcus halophilus strain KBC, the incubation conditions including the percentage of bacterial inoculum (10, 15 and 20 %), pH (3, 5 and 7) and agitation speed (100, 150 and 200 rpm) were optimized through Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Under the optimal conditions (20 % inoculum, pH 7 and stirring at 100 rpm), the multiple starter culture generated 128.69 mg/L of GABA after 7 days and produced 239.08 mg/L of GABA after 4 weeks of fermentation, which is 36 % higher than under non-optimized conditions (153.48 mg/L). Furthermore, sensory analysis revealed high consumer acceptance of the fermented soy sauce than the control (soy sauce without any treatment and additional bacteria) and commercial soy sauce. Consumers indicated that the starter culture offered an improved umami taste and reduced bitter, sour and salty flavours compared to the commercial product. Under optimal fermentation conditions determined by RSM statistical analysis, the multiple starter culture is able to produce high levels of GABA and is more likely to be accepted by consumers. The findings of this research have the potential to impact the food sector by offering a functional soy sauce with added health benefits and also being well-received by consumers.

A narrative action on the battle against hunger using mushroom, peanut, and soybean-based wastes.

Numerous generations have been affected by hunger, which still affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. The hunger crisis is worsening although many efforts have been made to minimize it. Besides that, food waste is one of the critical problems faced by most countries worldwide. It has disrupted the food chain system due to inefficient waste management, while negatively impacting the environment. The majority of the waste is from the food production process, resulting in a net zero production for food manufacturers while also harnessing its potential. Most food production wastes are high in nutritional and functional values, yet most of them end up as low-cost animal feed and plant fertilizers. This review identified key emerging wastes from the production line of mushroom, peanut, and soybean (MPS). These wastes (MPS) provide a new source for food conversion due to their high nutritional content, which contributes to a circular economy in the post-pandemic era and ensures food security. In order to achieve carbon neutrality and effective waste management for the production of alternative foods, biotechnological processes such as digestive, fermentative, and enzymatic conversions are essential. The article provides a narrative action on the critical potential application and challenges of MPS as future foods in the battle against hunger.

Antibiotic resistance and determination of resistant genes among cockle (Anadara granosa) isolates of Vibrio alginolyticus.

A total of 24 strains of Vibrio alginolyticus were isolated from cockles (Anadara granosa) and identified for VibA and gyrB genes. All V. alginolyticus isolates were then tested against nine different antibiotics. In this study, the highest percentage of antibiotic resistance was obtained against penicillin (37.50%), followed by ampicillin, vancomycin (12.50%) and erythromycin (8.33%). All of V. alginolyticus isolates were susceptible against streptomycin, kanamycin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol and sulfamethoxazole. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay has confirmed the presence of four antibiotic resistance genes of penicillin (pbp2a), ampicillin (blaOXA), erythromycin (ermB) and vancomycin (vanB). Out of 24 V. alginolyticus isolates, 2 isolates possessed the tdh-related hemolysin (trh) (strains VA15 and VA16) and none for the thermostable direct hemolysin (tdh) gene. Both strains of the tdh-related hemolysin (trh) were susceptible to all antibiotics tested. The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index ranging between 0.2 and 0.3 with 5 antibiograms (A1-A5) was observed. Combination of enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) and antibiotic resistance indicated 18 genome types which showed genetic heterogeneity of those V. alginolyticus isolates. The results demonstrated the presence of V. alginolyticus strain found in cockles can be a potential risk to consumers and can contribute to the deterioration of human health in the study area. Thus, it is essential for local authority to provide the preventive measures in ensuring the cockles are safe for consumption.

Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR), Plasmid Profiles, and DNA Polymorphisms among Vibrio vulnificus Isolates.

Sixty strains (n = 60) of Vibrio vulnificus were examined for their multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index, plasmid profiles, and DNA polymorphisms. Thirty-seven strains (n = 37) were isolated from cockles (Anadara granosa) in Malaysia, while 23 (n = 23) isolates were isolated from clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) in Qatar. All isolates were resistant to two or more of the antibiotics tested, with the most common resistances were demonstrated towards penicillin (93%), ampicillin (70%), cephalothin (65%), clindamycin (66%), vancomycin (64%), and erythromycin (51%). The antibiotic that experienced the least resistance was kanamycin (6%), and all isolates were susceptible to cefoperazone, streptomycin, and tetracycline. The MAR index for the V. vulnificus isolated from Malaysia and Qatar, possessed similar values which ranged from 0.2 to 0.7, respectively. Plasmid analysis demonstrated that 65% of V. vulnificus strains harbored plasmids, while 35% were not. Nineteen (P1-P19) plasmids profiles were observed. No specific cluster or group was observed although they were isolated from different sample sources and locations by phylogenetic analysis using GelCompar II software at an 80% similarity level. Results demonstrated the high MAR index and genomic heterogeneity of V. vulnificus, which are of great concern to the human health of those who have consumed cockles and clams from the study area.