The Impact in Intestines and Microbiota in BALB/c Mice Through Consumption of Milk Fermented by Potentially Probiotic Lacticaseibacillus casei SJRP38 and Limosilactobacillus fermentum SJRP43.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of consumption of milk fermented by Lacticaseibacillus (Lc.) casei SJRP38 and Limosilactobacillus (Lm.) fermentum SJRP43 on bacterial translocation, stool analysis, and intestinal morphology of healthy BALB/c mice. Potentially probiotic lactic acid bacteria, Lc. casei SJRP38, and Lm. fermentum SJRP43 were evaluated and analyzed for translocation, fecal analysis, and intestinal morphology of four groups of mice: water control (WC), milk control (MC), milk fermented by Lc. casei SJRP38 (FMLC), and milk fermented by Lm. fermentum SJRP43 (FMLF), in co-culture with Streptococcus thermophilus ST080. The results of the animal assay indicate that the population of Lactobacilli and Bidobacterium sp. in the gastrointestinal tract of BALB/c mice was greater than 6.0 log10 CFU/g, and there was no evidence of bacteremia due to the low incidence of bacterial translocation. Ingesting fermented milk containing Lc. casei SJRP38 and Lm. fermentum SJRP43 was found to promote a healthier microbiota, as it led to a reduction in Clostridium sp. and an increase in Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium sp. in feces. Furthermore, the dairy treatments (MC, FMLC, and FMLF) resulted in taller intestinal villi and an increase in the frequency of goblet cells in the intestines. Overall, the consumption of fermented milk containing Lc. casei SJRP38 and Lm. fermentum SJRP43 strains was deemed safe and demonstrated beneficial effects on the intestines of BALB/c mice.

Dual Role of Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria Cultures for Fermentation and Control Pathogenic Bacteria in Fruit-Enriched Fermented Milk.

The food industry has been developing new products with health benefits, extended shelf life, and without chemical preservation. Bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains have been evaluated for food fermentation to prevent contamination and increase shelf life. In this study, potentially probiotic LAB strains, Lactiplantibacillus (Lb.) plantarum ST8Sh, Lacticaseibacillus (Lb.) casei SJRP38, and commercial starter Streptococcus (St.) thermophilus ST080, were evaluated for their production of antimicrobial compounds, lactic acid and enzyme production, carbohydrate assimilation, and susceptibility to antibiotics. The characterization of antimicrobial compounds, the proteolytic activity, and its inhibitory property against Listeria (List.) monocytogenes and Staphylococcus (Staph.) spp. was evaluated in buriti and passion fruit-supplemented fermented milk formulations (FMF) produced with LAB strains. Lb. plantarum ST8Sh was found to inhibit List. monocytogenes through bacteriocin production and produced both L(+) and D(-) lactic acid isomers, while Lb. casei SJRP38 mainly produced L(+) lactic acid. The carbohydrate assimilation profiles were compatible with those usually found in LAB. The potentially probiotic strains were susceptible to streptomycin and tobramycin, while Lb. plantarum ST8Sh was also susceptible to ciprofloxacin. All FMF produced high amounts of L(+) lactic acid and the viability of total lactobacilli remained higher than 8.5 log CFU/mL during monitored storage period. Staph. aureus ATCC 43300 in fermented milk with passion fruit pulp (FMFP) and fermented milk with buriti pulp (FMB), and Staph. epidermidis KACC 13234 in all formulations were completely inhibited after 14 days of storage. The combination of Lb. plantarum ST8Sh and Lb. casei SJRP38 and fruit pulps can provide increased safety and shelf-life for fermented products, and natural food preservation meets the trends of the food market.

Functional Fermented Milk with Fruit Pulp Modulates the In Vitro Intestinal Microbiota.

The effect of putative probiotic fermented milk (FM) with buriti pulp (FMB) or passion fruit pulp (FMPF) or without fruit pulp (FMC) on the microbiota of healthy humans was evaluated. FM formulations were administered into a simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem (SHIME®) to evaluate the viability of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), microbiota composition, presence of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and ammonium ions. The probiotic LAB viability in FM was affected by the addition of the fruit pulp. Phocaeicola was dominant in the FMPF and FMB samples; Bifidobacterium was related to FM formulations, while Alistipes was associated with FMPF and FMB, and Lactobacillus and Lacticaseibacillus were predominant in FMC. Trabulsiella was the central element in the FMC, while Mediterraneibacter was the central one in the FMPF and FMB networks. The FM formulations increased the acetic acid, and a remarkably high amount of propionic and butyric acids were detected in the FMB treatment. All FM formulations decreased the ammonium ions compared to the control; FMPF samples stood out for having lower amounts of ammonia. The probiotic FM with fruit pulp boosted the beneficial effects on the intestinal microbiota of healthy humans in addition to increasing SCFA in SHIME® and decreasing ammonium ions, which could be related to the presence of bioactive compounds.

Fruit bioactive compounds: Effect on lactic acid bacteria and on intestinal microbiota.

The benefits of bioactive compounds to human health have been highly explored in recent years; they are widely distributed in nature, mainly in fruits. In this review, the effect of the main fruit bioactive compounds (FBC) on lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and on gut microbiota composition was discussed. The fruit dietary fibers, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, carotenoids, and vitamins have important health benefits. Furthermore, they can interact with LAB and modulate the human intestinal microbiota, which favor the diversity of beneficial bacterial groups, thus providing several benefits to human health, such as reducing weight gain, improving the mucosal barrier function of gastrointestinal (GI) tract against pathogens, decreasing chronic inflammation and incidence of diseases, such as cardiovascular ones, diabetes, hypertension and chronic diseases. Additionally, FBC are able to change the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and inhibit the putrefactive bacteria in the gut. Due to the complex composition of human gut microbiota and variations among individuals, additional research must be carried out to elucidate the mechanism of interaction between the bioactive compounds and the human microbiota.

Detection of Intestinal Dysbiosis in Post-COVID-19 Patients One to Eight Months after Acute Disease Resolution.

The intestinal microbiota plays an important role in the immune response against viral infections, modulating both innate and adaptive immune responses. The cytokine storm is associated with COVID-19 severity, and the patient's immune status is influenced by the intestinal microbiota in a gut-lung bidirectional interaction. In this study, we evaluate the intestinal microbiota of Brazilian patients in different post-COVID-19 periods, and correlate this with clinical data and the antibiotic therapy used during the acute phase. DNA extracted from stool samples was sequenced and total anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and C-reactive protein were quantified. Compared with controls, there were significant differences in the microbiota diversity in post-COVID-19 patients, suggesting an intestinal dysbiosis even several months after acute disease resolution. Additionally, we detected some genera possibly associated with the post-COVID-19 dysbiosis, including Desulfovibrio, Haemophillus, Dialister, and Prevotella, in addition to decreased beneficial microbes, associated with antibiotic-induced dysbiosis, such as Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia. Therefore, our hypothesis is that dysbiosis and the indiscriminate use of antibiotics during the pandemic may be associated with post-COVID-19 clinical manifestations. In our study, 39% (n = 58) of patients reported symptoms, including fatigue, dyspnea, myalgia, alopecia, anxiety, memory loss, and depression. These data suggest that microbiota modulation may represent a target for recovery from acute COVID-19 and a therapeutic approach for post-COVID-19 sequelae.

Perspective: Leveraging the Gut Microbiota to Predict Personalized Responses to Dietary, Prebiotic, and Probiotic Interventions.

Humans often show variable responses to dietary, prebiotic, and probiotic interventions. Emerging evidence indicates that the gut microbiota is a key determinant for this population heterogeneity. Here, we provide an overview of some of the major computational and experimental tools being applied to critical questions of microbiota-mediated personalized nutrition and health. First, we discuss the latest advances in in silico modeling of the microbiota-nutrition-health axis, including the application of statistical, mechanistic, and hybrid artificial intelligence models. Second, we address high-throughput in vitro techniques for assessing interindividual heterogeneity, from ex vivo batch culturing of stool and continuous culturing in anaerobic bioreactors, to more sophisticated organ-on-a-chip models that integrate both host and microbial compartments. Third, we explore in vivo approaches for better understanding of personalized, microbiota-mediated responses to diet, prebiotics, and probiotics, from nonhuman animal models and human observational studies, to human feeding trials and crossover interventions. We highlight examples of existing, consumer-facing precision nutrition platforms that are currently leveraging the gut microbiota. Furthermore, we discuss how the integration of a broader set of the tools and techniques described in this piece can generate the data necessary to support a greater diversity of precision nutrition strategies. Finally, we present a vision of a precision nutrition and healthcare future, which leverages the gut microbiota to design effective, individual-specific interventions.

Application of a recombinant GH10 endoxylanase from Thermoascus aurantiacus for xylooligosaccharide production from sugarcane bagasse and probiotic bacterial growth.

Xylooligosaccharides (XOs) are a promising class of prebiotics capable of selectively stimulating the growth of the beneficial intestinal microbiota against intestinal pathogens. They can be obtained from xylan present in residual lignocellulosic material from agriculture. Thus, in this study we produced XOs by extracting xylan from sugarcane bagasse and hydrolyzing it using the GH10 xylanase from Thermoascus aurantiacus expressed by Pichia pastoris. An alkaline method to extract xylan is described, which resulted in 83.40% of xylan recovery and low amounts of cellulose and lignin. The enzymatic hydrolysate exhibited a mixture of XOs containing mainly xylobiose, xylotriose and xylotetraose. These oligosaccharides stimulated the growth of Lactobacillus casei, L. rhamnosus, L. fermentum and L. bulgaricus strains, which were able to produce organic acids, especially acetic acid. These findings demonstrate the possibility to redirect crop by-products to produce XOs and their use as a supplement to stimulate the growth of probiotic strains.

Biodiversity and succession of lactic microbiota involved in Brazilian buffalo mozzarella cheese production.

The biodiversity and succession of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) involved in the production and storage of Brazilian buffalo mozzarella cheese were evaluated. The isolates were characterized by Gram staining and catalase test, by the ability to grow at different conditions: temperatures, pH, concentrations of NaCl, and production of CO2 from glucose. The biodiversity and succession of 152 LAB isolated during cheese production were evaluated by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD-PCR), and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP-PCR) techniques. Most of the strains grow well at 30 °C and are tolerant to 6.5% of NaCl, and in general, the best pH for growing was 9.6. Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lacticaseibacillus casei, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, and Enterococcus sp. were prevalent and present in almost all steps of production. The LAB strains are typically found in the traditional Italian cheese, except the Leuconostoc citreum species. Sixty clusters were obtained by RAPD-PCR with 85% of similarity (114 isolates) while most of the LAB was clustered with 100% of similarity by the RFLP-PCR technique. The applied techniques enabled a valuable elucidation of the LAB biodiversity and succession, contributing to a better understanding of the specific microbial cultures with a technological aptitude of this cheese.

Artisanal Brazilian Cheeses-History, Marketing, Technological and Microbiological Aspects.

This review focused on the historical, marketing, technological, and microbiological characteristics of artisanal Brazilian cheese. Brazilian cheese production was introduced and developed from the influence of immigrants considering the combination of climate, races of the animals, quality and specificity of milk, technological cheese-making processes and environmental microbiology, among other factors. It resulted in cheese products with specific physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory quality, which represent the heritage and identities of the different Brazilian regions. The production of artisanal cheese increased in many Brazilian regions, mainly in the southeast, especially due to the traditional production and innovative development of new varieties of cheese. The microbiological quality and safety of raw-milk artisanal cheese continues to be a concern and many studies have been focusing on this matter. Special attention needs to be given to the cheeses produced by raw milk, since numerous reports raised concerns related to their microbiological safety. This fact requires attention and the implementation of strict hygiene practices on the production and commercialization, besides appropriate governmental regulations and control. However, more studies on the relationship between technological processes and microbiological properties, which results in a superior culinary quality and safety of artisanal Brazilian cheeses, are needed.

The impact of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on the biochemical, clinical, and immunological markers, as well as on the gut microbiota of obese hosts.

Obesity is currently considered a global epidemic and it leads to several alterations on the human body and its metabolism. There are evidences showing that the intestinal microbiota can influence on the pathogenesis of obesity. Microbiota plays a vital role not only in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, but also in the homeostatic maintenance of host immunity, metabolism, and gut barrier. Its dietary alteration is an important target in the treatment of obesity. Emerging evidence suggests that modifying the composition of the gut microbiota through probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic supplementation may be a viable adjuvant treatment option for obese individuals. In this review, the impact of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on the anthropometric profile, biochemical regulation, clinical, and immunological markers, as well as on the gut microbiota of obese hosts is described. It also emphasizes how changes in the composition and/or metabolic activity of the gut microbiota through the administration of nutrients with probiotic, prebiotic, or synbiotic properties can modulate the host's gene expression and metabolism, and thereby positively influence on the host's adipose tissue development and related metabolic disorders. The beneficial effects on the host's metabolism promoted by prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics have been successfully demonstrated by several studies. However, further investigation is needed to fully explain the cellular mechanisms of action of probiotics and prebiotics on human health, and also to elucidate the relationship between microbiota and obesity etiology, using well-designed, long-term, and large-scale clinical interventions.

Applicability of potentially probiotic Lactobacillus casei in low-fat Italian type salami with added fructooligosaccharides: in vitro screening and technological evaluation.

The aim was to evaluate the use of Lactobacillus casei strains in the fermentation process of low-fat Italian type salami with fructooligosaccharides (FOS). A screening using probiotic strains was performed at pH 5.5, 5.0 and 4.5 and incubation temperatures of 15 and 25 °C. Lactobacillus casei SJRP66 and Lactobacillus casei SJRP169 were selected and added to the low-fat fermented sausage - C (control), FOS (25% reduced fat with 2% FOS), FOS_66 (25% reduced fat with 2% FOS and L.casei SJRP 66) and FOS_169 (25% reduced fat with 2% FOS and L.casei SJRP 169). The evaluation included pH, moisture, lactic acid bacteria count, probiotic count, weight loss, instrumental color, TBARS and texture parameters. FOS_66 and FOS_169 presented a good probiotic count (8 log CFU/g) and similar technological behavior to the control. The addition of the probiotic showed no effect on lipid oxidation and * value. These strains of probiotic showed promising properties for applications in low-fat Italian type salami with healthier appeal.

Safety and technological application of autochthonous Streptococcus thermophilus cultures in the buffalo Mozzarella cheese.

Thermophilic and mesophilic lactic acid bacteria (LAB), such as Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, Lactobacillus helveticus, and Lactococcus lactis, play a crucial role in the technological and sensory quality of Mozzarella cheese. In this study, the safety (genes encoding virulence factors and antibiotic resistance) and acidifying activity of autochthonous S. thermophilus cultures were evaluated in order to choose the most suitable strain for industrial application. The safe and good acidifying culture was tested in two buffalo Mozzarella cheese batches: Mozzarella cheeses produced with autochthonous culture (SJRP107) and commercial culture (STM5). The cultivable LAB was evaluated by culture-dependent method (plate counting) and the quantification of S. thermophilus cultures (commercial and autochthonous) were evaluated by culture-independent method RealT-qPCR (real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction). The texture, physicochemical and proteolytic properties of the Mozzarella cheeses were similar for both batches. The nonstarter LAB count was higher during manufacture than in the storage, and the RealT-qPCR indicated the presence of S. thermophilus culture until the end of storage. S. thermophilus SJRP107 presented high potential for safety application in the production of Mozzarella cheese. Furthermore, considering the culture characteristics and their relationship with product quality, further studies could be helpful to determine their effect on the sensory characteristics of the cheese.

Volatile profile of fermented sausages with commercial probiotic strains and fructooligosaccharides.

The effect of the partial substitution of pork back fat by fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and the probiotic strains Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactobacillus rhmanosus on the generation of volatile organic compounds in fermented sausages was investigated. The results obtained showed that these factors significantly affected the total content of organic volatile compounds (7484, 8114, 8372 and 10,737 AU × 104/g for FOS.GG, CON, FOS.BGP1 and FOS samples, respectively). A total of 59 volatile components, mainly hydrocarbons, ketones and esters were isolated. The reduction of fat content by including FOS in the formulation results in positive effects and a greater stability of the volatile profile of the fermented sausages, increasing ester compounds and reducing the undesirable notes of hexanal (probiotic samples showed values < 2 AU × 104/g). Moreover, there was a symbiotic effect when the aforementioned prebiotic fiber was combined with probiotic Lactobacillus strains.

Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus fermentum Strains Isolated from Mozzarella Cheese: Probiotic Potential, Safety, Acidifying Kinetic Parameters and Viability under Gastrointestinal Tract Conditions.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the probiotic properties of Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus fermentum strains, as well as to select novel and safe strains for future development of functional fermented products. The in vitro auto-aggregation, co-aggregation, hydrophobicity, ß-galactosidase production, survival to gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and antibiotic susceptibility were evaluated. The selected strains were additionally tested by the presence of genes encoding adhesion, aggregation and colonization, virulence factors, antibiotic resistance, and biogenic amine production, followed by the evaluation of acidifying kinetic parameters in milk, and survival of the strains under simulated GIT conditions during refrigerated storage of fermented milk. Most strains of both species showed high auto-aggregation; some strains showed co-aggregation ability with other lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and/or pathogens, and both species showed low hydrophobicity values. Seven L. casei and six L. fermentum strains produced ß-galactosidase enzymes, and ten strains survived well the simulation of the GIT stressful conditions evaluated in vitro. All strains were resistant to vancomycin, and almost all the strains were resistant to kanamycin. L. casei SJRP38 and L. fermentum SJRP43 were distinguished among the other LAB strains by their higher probiotic potential. L. fermentum SJRP43 presented fewer genes related to virulence factors and antibiotic resistance and needed more time to reach the maximum acidification rate (Vmax). The other kinetic parameters were similar. Both strains survived well (> 8 log10 CFU/mL) to the GIT-simulated conditions when incorporated in fermented milk. Therefore, these strains presented promising properties for further applications in fermented functional products.

Diversity of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Brazilian water buffalo mozzarella cheese.

The water buffalo mozzarella cheese is a typical Italian cheese which has been introduced in the thriving Brazilian market in the last 10 y, with good acceptance by its consumers. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) play an important role in the technological and sensory quality of mozzarella cheese. In this study, the aim was to evaluate the diversity of the autochthones viable LAB isolated from water buffalo mozzarella cheese under storage. Samples were collected in 3 independent trials in a dairy industry located in the southeast region of Brazil, on the 28th day of storage, at 4 ºC. The LAB were characterized by Gram staining, catalase test, capacity to assimilate citrate, and production of CO2 from glucose. The diversity of LAB was evaluated by RAPD-PCR (randomly amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction), 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and by Vitek 2 system. Twenty LAB strains were isolated and clustered into 12 different clusters, and identified as Streptococcus thermophilus, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus durans, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, and Lactobacillus helveticus. Enterococcus species were dominant and citrate-positive. Only the strains of L. mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides and L. fermentum produced CO2 from glucose and were citrate-positive, while L. casei was only citrate positive. This is the first report which elucidates the LAB diversity involved in Brazilian water buffalo mozzarella cheese. Furthermore, the results show that despite the absence of natural whey cultures as starters in production, the LAB species identified are the ones typically found in mozzarella cheese.

Leuconostoc mesenteroides SJRP55: A Bacteriocinogenic Strain Isolated from Brazilian Water Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese.

The production of bacteriocins by Leuconostoc mesenteroides represents an important opportunity for exploration of their potential use for industrial purpose. The antimicrobial compounds produced by L. mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides SJRP55 strain were characterized and purified. Cell-free supernatant of Leuc. mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides SJRP55 produced antibacterial compounds against Listeria spp. strains and not inhibiting against Lactobacillus spp. The antimicrobial substances were stable at high temperatures (100 °C for 2 h and 121 °C for 20 min) and low pH (pH 2-4) values, but sensitive to proteolytic enzymes and resistant to α-amylase, lipase and catalase enzymes. The optimal temperature for active peptides production was 25 °C. The antimicrobial compounds were purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, affinity column and reverse-phase chromatography. Mass spectrometry and amino acids analyses showed that the bacteriocins were identical to mesentericin Y105 and B105. The producer strain's DNA analysis revealed presence of open reading frames possibly coding for virulence factors, such as enterococcal surface protein (esp), collagen adhesion (ace) and intrinsic vancomycin resistance (vanA); however, biogenic amines encoding genes were not observed. Leuc. mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides SJRP55 is a promising biopreservative culture in fermented milk, and the purified bacteriocins can also be applied in food preservation.

Microbiota contaminante em bebidas lácteas fermentada comerciais / Contaminant microbiota in commercial fermented dairy beverages

Nos últimos anos, houve aumento da popularidade das bebidas lácteas fermentadas em virtude debenefícios nutricionais, praticidade de seu consumo e baixo custo do produto para o fabricante econsequente redução do preço final para o consumidor. Durante o processo de fabricação, estes produtospodem estar sujeitos a fontes de contaminação microbiana. Neste estudo foi investigada a microbiotacontaminante em bebidas lácteas fermentadas produzidas por pequenas e médias empresas, empregandoseanálises de contagem de fungos filamentosos e leveduriformes, determinação do Número MaisProvável (NMP) de coliformes totais e termotolerantes, pesquisa de Escherichia coli e de Salmonella spp.e determinação dos valores de pH. Apesar de ausência de Salmonella spp., houve elevada frequência defungos filamentosos e leveduriformes, tendo sido detectada E. coli em cinco amostras (16,67 %); e asamostras foram classificadas como “produtos em condições sanitárias insatisfatórias”. Por conseguinte,sugere-se que programas de qualidade, como as Boas Práticas de Fabricação (BPF) e Análise de Perigos ePontos Críticos de Controle (APPCC) sejam introduzidas e empregadas pelos produtores de alimentos,para prevenir riscos de contaminação, a fim de oferecer produtos seguros para o consumidor.

Colágeno: características químicas e propriedades funcionais / Chemical characteristics and functional properties of collagen

Muitos alimentos possuem ingredientes ou compostos bioativos que oferecem benefícios à saúde. O colágeno, que é uma proteína fibrosa encontrada nos tecidos conjuntivos do corpo, tem a função de contribuir com a resistência e elasticidade dos tecidos. Em virtude de suas características funcionais, essa proteína tem sido adicionada aos alimentos com o intuito de alcançar os efeitos terapêuticos. O presente trabalho visa mostrar como ocorre a formação do colágeno e os efeitos benéficos no organismo, bem como as características, propriedades e aplicações em alimentos.

Efeito da utilização de substitutos de gordura em queijos light / Effect of the fat substitutes used in light cheeses production

Os queijos são alimentos reconhecidos como fontes de cálcio, fósforo e proteína, importantes na alimentação adequada. Contudo, certos queijos também estão associados à ingestão de alta quantidade de gorduras, que podem causar doenças coronarianas e carcinogênicas. Embora os consumidores estejam conscientes quanto à necessidade de redução da ingestão de gorduras, ainda não estão satisfeitos com a qualidade dos queijos light disponíveis no mercado, pois a retirada parcial ou total da gordura promove algumas alterações indesejáveis, principalmente em relação à textura e ao sabor. Como propósito de oferecer produtos adequados sob o ponto de vista nutricional e agradáveis ao paladar, foram desenvolvidas alternativas de melhoria nas características dos queijos light. Uma das alternativas consiste no uso de substitutos de gordura, aditivos que atuam na melhoria das características sensoriais e funcionais dos queijos com reduzido teor de gordura. Esses substitutos de gordura podem ser compostos de proteínas, carboidratos e lipídios, ou de sua combinação, que auxiliam principalmente na retenção de umidade, e melhoram as características de queijos com reduzido teor de gordura. Nesse contexto, esta revisão tem como objetivo demonstrar as inovações e tendências do uso de substitutos de gordura para a produção de queijos light.

Queijo prato com teor reduzido de gordura adicionado de enzima proteolítica: características físicas e sensoriais / Reduced fat prato cheese added of proteolytic enzyme: physical and sensorial

O queijo Prato, segundo queijo mais consumido no Brasil, obtido por coagulação enzimática do leite e maturado por pelo menos 25 dias, é classificado como gordo e de média umidade. Devido à preocupação com a saúde, os consumidores de queijos têm procurado produtos em suas versões com menor teor de gordura. Contudo, a gordura confere as características sensoriais desejáveis, como sabor, cremosidade, maciez e textura aos queijos. Alterações têm sido introduzidas no processo tecnológico de fabricação dos queijos com teor reduzido de gordura, com o intuito de efetuar melhoria nesses produtos; e o uso de enzimas proteolíticas é uma importante estratégia a ser considerada. A capacidade de derretimento, cor e avaliação sensorial são fundamentais indicadores da qualidade dos produtos obtidos. O presente trabalho analisou as características físicas e sensoriais de queijo Prato com teor reduzido de gordura adicionado da enzima proteolítica fastuosaína, extraída do fruto verde do gravatá. A adição da fastuosaína não interferiu na capacidade de derretimento, tampouco promoveu o desenvolvimento de amargor, que é característica comum não apreciada em queijos com teor reduzido de gordura.

The Prato cheese is the second most consumed cheese in Brazil. It is produced by milk enzymatic coagulation,and maturated for at least 25 days; it is classified as fatty cheese and of medium moisture. Due to the concern to health, the cheeses consumers have been seeking for products with low fat contents; however fat is essential for providing desirable sensory and physiologic characteristics, such as flavor, softness and texture to cheeses. Alterations on the technological processing of low fat cheeses have been made seeking for improved products, and the use of proteolytic enzymes has been a significant strategy. The meltability, color and sensory characteristics are fundamental quality indicators of the final products. This study reports the findings from the analyses on the physical and sensory characteristics of low fat Prato cheese with addition of proteolytic enzyme – fastuosain, that is extracted from unripe gravata fruit. The addition of fastuosainimproved the quality of the product, as this additive neither affected the meltability, nor produced bitterness,which is a common unpleasant taste in low fat cheeses.