Assessing a Fermented Whey Beverage Biofortified with Folate as a Potential Folate Source for Humans.

Folate, a vital water-soluble vitamin (B9), requires specific attention as its recommended daily intake frequently is not reached in countries without mandatory fortification. In this regard, biofortification with microorganisms like Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus offers a compelling approach for enhancing food with natural folates. A randomized, nonblinded, and monocentric human pilot study is conducted to assess the bioavailability of a folate-biofortified fermented whey beverage, comprising 3 intervention days and a controlled replenishment phase before and during the assay. Folate plasma concentration (5-CH3-H4folate) is determined using a stable isotope dilution assay and LC-MS/MS detection. Biokinetic parameters (cmax and tmax) are determined, and areas under the curve (AUC) normalized to the basal folate plasma concentration are calculated. An average bioavailability of 17.1% in relation to the 5-CH3-H4folate supplement, ranging from 0% to 39.8%, is obtained. These results reiterate the significance of additional research into folate bioavailability in general and dairy products. Further investigations are warranted into folate-binding proteins (FBP) and other potential limiting factors within the food and individual factors. In summary, biofortification via fermentation emerges as a promising avenue for enhancing the natural folate content in dairy and other food products.

Bacteriocinogenic potential and safety evaluation of non-starter Enterococcus faecium strains isolated from home made white brine cheese.

Four LAB strains, isolated from Bulgarian home made white brine cheese, were selected for their effective inhibition against Listeria monocytogenes. According to their biochemical and physiological characteristics, the strains were classified as members of Enterococcus genus, and then identified as Enterococcus faecium by 16S rDNA sequencing. Their bacteriocin production and inhibitory spectrum were evaluated together with the occurrence of several bacteriocin genes (entA, entB, entP, entL50B). Their virulence potential and safety was assessed both using PCR targeted to the genes gelE, hyl, asa1, esp, cylA, efaA, ace, vanA, vanB, hdc1, hdc2, tdc and odc and by phenotypical tests for antibiotic resistance, gelatinase, lipase, DNAse and α- and ß-haemolysis. The E. faecium strains harboured at least one enterocin gene while the occurrence of virulence, antibiotic resistance and biogenic amines genes was limited. Considering their strong antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes strains, the four E. faecium strains exhibited promising potential as bio-preservatives cultures for fermented food productions.

Bacteriocin production and resistance to drugs are advantageous features for Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14, a potential probiotic strain.

L. acidophilus La-14 produces bacteriocin active against L. monocytogenes ScottA (1600 AU/ml) in MRS broth at 30°C or 37°C. The bacteriocin proved inhibitory to different serological types of Listeria spp. Antimicrobial activity was completely lost after treatment of the cell-free supernatant with proteolytic enzymes. Addition of bacteriocin produced by L. acidophilus La-14 to a 3 h-old culture of L. monocytogenes ScottA repressed cell growth in the following 8h. Treatment of stationary phase cells of L. monocytogenes ScottA (107-108 CFU/ml) by the bacteriocin resulted in growth inhibition. Growth of L. acidophilus La-14 was not inhibited by commercial drugs from different generic groups, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) containing diclofenac potassium or ibuprofen arginine. Only one non-antibiotic drug tested, Atlansil (an antiarrhythmic agent), had an inhibitory effect on L. acidophilus La-14 with MIC of 2.5 mg/ml. L. acidophilus La-14 was not affected by drugs containing sodium or potassium diclofenac. L. acidophilus La-14 shows a good resistance to several drugs and may be applied in combination for therapeutic use.