Production of beta-glucosidase and hydrolysis of isoflavone phytoestrogens by Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Lactobacillus casei in soymilk

ABSTRACT:  The study determined β-glucosidase activity of commercial probiotic organisms for hydrolysis of isoflavone to aglycones in fermenting soymilk. Soymilk made with soy protein isolate (SPI) was fermented with Lactobacillus acidophilus LAFTI^® L10, Bifidobacterium lactis LAFTI^® B94, and Lactobacillus casei LAFTI^® L26 at 37 °C for 48 h and the fermented soymilk was stored for 28 d at 4 °C. β-Glucosidase activity of organisms was determined using ρ-nitrophenyl β-D-glucopyranoside as a substrate and the hydrolysis of isoflavone glycosides to aglycones by these organisms was carried out. The highest level of growth occurred at 12 h for L. casei L26, 24 h for B. lactis B94, and 36 h for L. acidophilus L10 during fermentation in soymilk. Survival after storage at 4 °C for 28 d was 20%, 15%, and 11% greater ( P < 0.05) than initial cell counts, respectively. All the bacteria produced β-glucosidase, which hydrolyzed isoflavone β-glycosides to isoflavone aglycones. The decrease in the concentration of β-glycosides and the increase in the concentration of aglycones were significant ( P < 0.05) in the fermented soymilk. Increased isoflavone aglycone content in fermented soymilk is likely to improve the biological functionality of soymilk.     

HYDROLYSIS OF ISOFLAVONE PHYTOESTROGENS IN SOYMILK FERMENTED BY LACTOBACILLUS AND BIFIDOBACTERIUM COCULTURES

This study evaluated the hydrolysis of isoflavones in soymilk fermented at 37C for 48 h by four different Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium cocultures. The hydrolysis of isoflavone β-glucosides significantly increased ( P <  0.05) the bioactive aglycones from 36 to over 90% of total isoflavones in soymilk fermented with any of the four Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium cocultures as compared with unfermented soymilk. Compared with three other cocultures of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, fermentation of soymilk with the Lactobacillus paracasei/Bifidobacterium longum cocultures yielded better isoflavone hydrolytic potential (Otieno-Shah index) and the highest β-glucosidase activity after 12 h of incubation.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Isoflavones are known as phytoestrogens because they are present in soy products and have estrogen-like activity. During fermentation, the majority of glucoside isoflavones in soymilk are converted to bioactive aglycones via microorganism-derived β-glucosidase. In human intestines, aglycone isoflavones are absorbed faster and in greater amounts than their glucosides. Using probiotic Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium cocultures to ferment soymilk efficiently increases the bioactive aglycone concentrations. Hence, fermenting soymilk with this coculture could enhance the nutritional value of the product.     

Biotransformation of Isoflavones by Bifidobacteria in Fermented Soymilk Supplemented with D-Glucose and L-Cysteine

ABSTRACT: Soymilk prepared using soy-protein isolate supplemented with D-glucose and L-cysteine was fermented with 4 strains of Bifidobacterium. Enumeration of bifidobacteria and quantification of isoflavones using HPLC were performed at 0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h of incubation. Supplementation did not significantly enhance ( p > 0.05) the growth of bifidobacteria between 0 and 12 h, but did after 12 h. The increase in concentration of isoflavone aglycones and equol was significantly lower ( p < 0.05) in supplemented soymilk after 24 h when compared to plain soymilk. Supplementation increased the concentration of aglycones by 0.796 mg/100 mL in soymilk fermented with B. animalis between 12 and 24 h, and the population by 1.27 log₁₀ CFU/mL ( p < 0.05).     

Transformation of isoflavone phytoestrogens during the fermentation of soymilk with lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria

In the present study, soymilk is fermented with lactic acid bacteria (Streptococcus thermophilus BCRC 14085, Lactobacillus acidophilus BCRC 14079) and bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium infantis BCRC 14633, B. longum B6) individually, and in combination. The change in the content of various isoflavones (aglycones, glucoside, acetyl- and malonyl-glucosides) and the beta-glucosidase activity in soymilk during fermentation is investigated. It is observed that fermented soymilk contains a lower total isoflavone content (81.94-86.61 microg/ml) than soymilk without fermentation (87.61 microg/ml). Regardless of starter organism employed, fermentation causes a major reduction in the contents of glucoside, malonylglucoside and acetylglucoside isoflavones along with a significant increase of aglycone isoflavones content. The level of change in the content of various isoflavones and beta-glucosidase activity after fermentation varies with the starter organism. Among all the fermented soymilks tested, soymilk fermented with S. thermophilus showed the highest beta-glucosidase activity and the greatest increase in the contents of aglycones. The percentage of daidzein, genistein and glycitein to total isoflavone content in S. thermophilus-fermented soymilk increases from an initial 14.24%, 6.89% and 2.45%, respectively, to 36.20%, 28.80% and 12.44% after 24h of fermentation. Finally, the increase of aglycones and decrease of glucoside isoflavones during fermentation coincides with the increase of beta-glucosidase activity observed in fermented soymilk.     

Origin and identification of bifidobacteria strains isolated from meat and meat products

Forty-seven strains of bifidobacteria isolated from meat and meat products have been identified following phenotypic numerical analysis and DNA-DNA hybridization. Twenty-three strains were identified to the species B. thermophilum and 14 to B. pseudolongum subsp. pseudolongum. All others were also of animal origin, except for two strains -- B. longum and B. pseudocatenulatum -- that were of human origin. These strains were isolated from artificially contaminated meat by manual handling.     

Evaluation of enzymic potential for biotransformation of isoflavone phytoestrogen in soymilk by Bifidobacterium animalis,Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei

Three strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus, two of Lactobacillus casei and one of Bifidobacterium were screened for β-glucosidase activity using ρ-nitrophenyl-β-d-glucopyranoside as a substrate and their potential for the breakdown of isoflavone glucosides to the biologically active aglycones in soymilk. Isoflavones quantification with HPLC and β-glucosidase activity were performed after 0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h of incubation in soymilk at 37 °C. All six micro-organisms produced β-glucosidase, which hydrolysed the predominant isoflavone β-glucosides. There was a significant increase and decrease (P < 0.05) in the concentration of isoflavone aglycones and glucosides, respectively, in fermented soymilk. Based on the concentration of isoflavones during peak β-glucosidase activity, the hydrolytic potential was calculated. L. acidophilus 4461 had the highest aglycone concentration of 76.9% after 24 h of incubation, up from 8% in unfermented soymilk (at 0 h). It also had the best isoflavone hydrolytic index of 2.01, signifying its importance in altering the biological activity of soymilk.     

Stability of β-glucosidase Activity Produced by Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus spp. in Fermented Soymilk During Processing and Storage

ABSTRACT: Microorganisms possess endogenous enzymes, however the stability of these enzymes during storage in soymilk has not been studied. β-glucosidase is an important enzyme that could be used in the bioconversion of the predominant soy isoflavone glucosides to their bioactive aglycone forms. Fifteen probiotic microorganisms including bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus acidophilus , and Lactobacillus casei were screened for β-glucosidase activity using p-nitrophenyl-β-d-glucopyranoside as a substrate. Six strains were selected on the basis of β-glucosidase activity produced during fermentation of soymilk. The stability of the enzyme activity was assessed during incubation for up to 48 h and storage for 8 wk at frozen (-80°C), refrigerated (4°C), room (24.8°C), and incubation (37°C) temperatures. L. casei strains showed the highest β-glucosidase activity after 24 h of incubation followed by L. acidophilus strains, whereas bifidobacterium strains showedleast activity. However, p-glucosidase from Bifidobacterium animalis BB12 showed the best stability during the 48 h fermentation. Lower storage temperatures (-80°C and 4°C) showed significantly higher ( P < 0.05) β-glucosidase activity and better stability than that at higher temperatures (24.8°C and 37°C). The stability of β-glucosidase from these microorganisms should be considered for enzymic biotransformation during storage of isoflavone β-glucosides to bioactive isoflavone aglycone forms with potential health benefits.     

Using of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium to product the isoflavone aglycones in fermented soymilk

The study determined isoflavone aglycone contents in soymilk and sugar-soymilk fermented with a single culture of two strains of Lactobacillus paracasei, two strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus, and one strain of Bifidobacterium longum respectively at 37 degrees C for 24 h. Isoflavone concentration was analyzed by HPLC. The viable count of bacteria in all of the fermented soymilk ranged from 7 to 9 log CFU/ml. The isoflavone aglycone had a significant increase of 62%-96% of isoflavone in all of the fermented soymilk compared to 17% in non-fermented soymilk (P<0.05). The five strains of microorganisms produced lesser amount of isoflavone aglycones in fermented sucrose-soymilk than in other fermented soymilk.     

Growth of bifidobacteria in soymilk and their survival in the fermented soymilk drink during storage

Growth of Bifidobacterium infantis CCRC 14633 and B. longum B6, in soymilk was investigated in the present study. It was found that soymilk could support the growth of both organisms tested. B. infantis grew better than B. longum in soymilk. Supplementation of bifitose (isomaltooligosccharie), glucose, lactose or galactose to soymilk increased the growth of B. infantis and B. longum as determined after 48 h of fermentation. On the other hand, addition of yeast extract, peptone, tryptone, casitone or N-Z-Case plus to soymilk enabled B. infantis to reach its maximum population in a shorter cultivation time of 24 h. Acid production by B. longum and B. infantis in soymilk was mainly non-growth associated, while in the yeast extract-supplemented soymilk, acid produced by B. infantis was found to be growth-associated. Populations of B. longum reduced more than did B. infantis in the prepared fermented soymilk drink during storage period. Viable population of both test organisms reduced less in the fermented drink held at 5 degrees C than at 25 degrees C. After a 10-day storage at 5 degrees C, viable B. infantis and B. longum reduced by 0.44 and 3.18 log CFU/ml, respectively, in the fermented drink. Addition of sucrose to the fermented drink resulted in an increased reduction of viable bifidobacteria during the storage period. This phenomenon was most prominent with B. infantis in the fermented drink held at 25 degrees C.     

Viability of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria in fermented soymilk after drying, subsequent rehydration and storage

To develop a probiotic dietary adjunct, soymilk fermented with various combinations of lactic acid bacteria (Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus acidophilus) and bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium infantis) was subjected to freeze-drying and spray-drying. Survival of the starter organisms during the drying process, subsequent rehydration at different temperatures and during a 4-month period of storage under different storage conditions was examined. After freeze-drying, lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria exhibited a survival percent of 46.2-75.1% and 43.2-51.9%, respectively, higher than that noted after spray-drying. Regardless of the drying condition, S. thermophilus showed a higher percentage of survival than L. acidophilus, while B. longum survived better than B. infantis. Further study with soymilk fermented with S. thermophilus and B. longum revealed that the freeze-dried and spray-dried fermented soymilk rehydrated at 35-50 degrees C and 20 degrees C, respectively, was optimum for the recovery of the starter organisms. Both S. thermophilus and B. longum survived better in the freeze-dried than the spray-dried fermented soymilk during storage. A higher percent of survival was also noted for both the starter organisms when the dried fermented soymilk was stored at 4 degrees C than 25 degrees C. Holding the dried fermented soymilk in the laminated pouch enabled S. thermophilus and B. longum to exhibit a higher percentage of survival than in the deoxidant- and desiccant-containing glass or polyester (PET) bottle. Among all the packaging materials and storage temperatures tested, starter organisms were most stable in the dried fermented soymilk held in laminated pouch and stored at 4 degrees C. Under this storage condition, S. thermophilus and B. longum showed a survival percentage of 51.1% and 68.8%, respectively, in the freeze-dried fermented soymilk after 4 months of storage. Meanwhile, S. thermophilus and B. infantis in the spray-dried fermented soymilk showed a survival percent of 29.5% and 57.7%, respectively.     

Enrichment of bioactive isoflavones in soymilk fermented with β-glucosidase-producing lactic acid bacteria

This study was undertaken to investigate the possible application of β-glucosidase-producing lactic acid bacteria as a functional starter cultures to obtain the bioactive isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, in fermented soymilk. Four strains – Lactobacillus plantarum KFRI 00144, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis KFRI 01181, Bifidobacterium breve K-101 and Bifidobacterium thermophilum KFRI 00748 – among the 31 lactic acid bacteria tested for β-glucosidase activity using ρ-nitrophenyl-β-d-glucopyranoside as the substrate were selected. Acid development, viable populations, and quantification of isoflavones using HPLC were performed at 0, 24, and 48 h of incubation at 37 °C. The significant bioconversion (P < 0.001) of the glucoside isoflavones into their bioactive aglycones in soymilk fermented with four β-glucosidase-producing strains, with an average 7.1-fold increase of aglycones (daidzein + genistein) was observed. There appeared to be correlations between the level of growth and β-glucosidase activity of each strain, and the hydrolysis of conjugated isoflavones in soymilk fermentation. Lactobacillus sp. were able to readily proliferate in soymilk than Bifidobacterium sp. (P < 0.05) and therefore completed more rapidly the hydrolysis of glucoside isoflavones.The present study indicates that four β-glucosidase-producing lactic acid bacteria have great potential for the enrichment of bioactive isoflavones in soymilk fermentation.     

Effect of electroporation on viability and bioconversion of isoflavones in mannitol‐soymilk fermented by lactobacilli and bifidobacteria

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of electroporation (2.5–7.5 kV cm^?1 for 3.0–4.0 ms) on the growth of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, membrane properties and bioconversion of isoflavones in mannitol‐soymilk. RESULTS: The viability of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria decreased immediately after electroporation. This was attributed to lipid peroxidation, which led to alterations in the membrane phospholipid bilayer, specifically at the polar head, interface and apolar tail regions. Such alterations also resulted in decreased membrane fluidity and increased membrane permeability upon electroporation (P < 0.05). However, the effect was reversible and treated cells showed better growth than the control upon fermentation for 24 h at 37 °C (P < 0.05). Additionally, electroporation increased the bioconversion of glucosides to bioactive aglycones in mannitol‐soymilk, which was attributed to increased intracellular and extracellular β‐glucosidase activities of cells upon treatment (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Application of electroporation on lactobacilli and bifidobacteria could be beneficial for the development of fermented soymilk with enhanced bioactivity. Considering the enhanced bioactive aglycones, this soymilk could be useful for the prevention of hormone‐dependent disorders. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Growth and survival of bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria during the fermentation and storage of cultured soymilk drinks

The behaviours of the bifidobacteria B. infantis CCRC 14633 and B. longum B6 and of the lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus CCRC 14079, L. bulgaricus CCRC 14009 and Streptococcus thermophilus CCRC 14085 during the fermentation and storage of cultured soymilk drinks were investigated. Soymilk was found to support the simultaneous growth of the bifidobacteria and L. acidophilus or S. thermophilus, but B. infantis and B. longum both had a deleterious effect on the growth of L. bulgaricus in soymilk. Values for pH, ranging from 6·13 to 4·19, and titratable acidity ranging from 0·09% to 0·25% were noted in soymilk after 48 h of fermentation with various combinations of bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria. The viable populations of bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria decreased rapidly in the fermented soymilk drinks held at 25°C. When sucrose was added, the reduction in numbers were more pronounced, especially for bifidobacteria. However, the numbers of bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria showed no marked change in drinks with or without sucrose during storage for 10 days at 5°C.     

Survival of bifidobacteria after spray-drying

To investigate the survival of bifidobacteria after spray-drying, Bifidobacterium infantis CCRC 14633, B. infantis CCRC 14661, B. longum ATCC 15708, B. longum CCRC 14634 and B. longum B6 were first spray-dried with different carrier media including 10% (w/w) gelatin, gum arabic and soluble starch. B. infantis CCRC 14633 and B. longum were also determined in skim milk. It was found that survival of bifidobacteria after spray-drying varied with strains and is highly dependent on the carriers used. Among the test organisms, B. longum B6 exhibited the least sensitivity to spray-drying and showed the highest survival of ca. 82.6% after drying with skim milk. Comparisons of the effect of carrier concentrations revealed that spray-drying at 10% (w/w) gelatin, gum arabic or soluble starch resulted in the highest survival of bifidobacteria. In addition, among the various outlet-air temperatures tested, bifidobacteria showed the highest survival after drying at 50 degrees C. Elevation of outlet-air temperature caused increased inactivation of bifidobacteria. However, the inactivation caused by increased outlet-air temperature varied with the carrier used, with the greatest reduction observed using soluble starch and the least with skim milk.     

Fermentation of calcium-fortified soymilk with Lactobacillus: effects on calcium solubility, isoflavone conversion, and production of organic acids

ABSTRACT:  The objective of this study was to enhance calcium solubility and bioavailability from calcium-fortified soymilk by fermentation with 7 strains of Lactobacillus , namely, L. acidophilus ATCC 4962, ATCC33200, ATCC 4356 , ATCC 4461 , L. casei ASCC 290, L. plantarum ASCC 276, and L. fermentum VRI-003. The parameters that were used are viability, pH, calcium solubility, organic acid, and biologically active isoflavone aglycone content. Calcium-fortified soymilk made from soy protein isolate was inoculated with these probiotic strains, incubated for 24 h at 37 °C, then stored for 14 d at 4 °C. Soluble calcium was measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AA). Organic acids and bioactive isoflavone aglycones, including diadzein, genistein, and glycetein, were measured using HPLC. Viability of the strains in the fermented calcium-fortified soymilk was > 8.5 log₁₀ CFU/g after 24 h fermentation and this was maintained for 14-d storage at 4 °C. After 24 h, there was a significant increase ( P < 0.05) in soluble calcium. L. acidophilus ATCC 4962 and L. casei ASCC 290 demonstrated the highest increase with 89.3% and 87.0% soluble calcium after 24 h, respectively. The increase in calcium solubility observed was related to lowered pH associated with production of lactic and acetic acids. Fermentation significantly increased ( P < 0.05) the level of conversion of isoflavones into biologically active aglycones, including diadzein, genistein, and glycetein. Our results show that fermenting calcium-fortified soymilk with the selected probiotics can potentially enhance the calcium bioavailability of calcium-fortified soymilk due to increased calcium solubility and bioactive isoflavone aglycone enrichment.     

In vitro fermentability of human milk oligosaccharides by several strains of bifidobacteria

This study was conducted to investigate the catabolism and fermentation of human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) by individual strains of bifidobacteria. Oligosaccharides were isolated from a pooled sample of human milk using solid-phase extraction, and then added to a growth medium as the sole source of fermentable carbohydrate. Of five strains of bifidobacteria tested (Bifidobacterium longum biovar infantis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum biovar longum, Bifidobacterium breve, and Bifidobacterium adolescentis), B. longum bv. infantis grew better, achieving triple the cell density then the other strains. B. bifidum did not reach a high cell density, yet generated free sialic acid, fucose and N-acetylglucosamine in the media, suggesting some capacity for HMO degradation. Thin layer chromatography profiles of spent fermentation broth suggests substantial degradation of oligosaccharides by B. longum bv. infantis, moderate degradation by B. bifidum and little degradation by other strains. While all strains were able to individually ferment two monosaccharide constituents of HMO, glucose and galactose, only B. longum bv. infantis and B. breve were able to ferment glucosamine, fucose and sialic acid. These results suggest that as a potential prebiotic, HMO may selectively promote the growth of certain bifidobacteria strains, and their catabolism may result in free monosaccharides in the colonic lumen.     

Viability During Storage of Selected Probiotic Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria in a Yogurt-like Product

ABSTRACT: Multiple species cultures, including 2 strains of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM plus 1 strain each of Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus casei , were used to make yogurt-like products. The lactobacilli and bifidobacteria were tested for growth in the products and subsequent viability during refrigerated storage. During fermentation, L. casei Com-5 actually declined in numbers, while L. casei E5 and E10 increased about 2 fold. Numbers of B. longum S9 increased about 3 fold while B. longum Com-4 did not increase. During storage, L. acidophilus NCFM appeared stable in all mixtures and both strains of bifidobacteria decreased. Lactobacillus casei E5 and E10 were more stable than was L. casei Com-5.     

潜在益生菌菌株脱除胆固醇特性研究

采用气相色谱测定胆固醇的方法，对分离出来的7个潜在益生菌菌株进行了体外纯培养模式降低胆固醇的实验，结果表明，双歧杆菌普遍具有较强的降低胆固醇能力，其次是干酪乳杆菌。总之，进行功能性实验的7株益生菌在纯培养模型和发酵模型中均表现出了不同的脱除胆固醇能力，这主要是由菌株本身的特性决定的.     

Hydrolysis of soybean isoflavone glycosides by a thermostable β-glucosidase from Paecilomycesthermophila

The β-glucosidase from Paecilomyces thermophila J18 was found to be capable of hydrolysing daidzin and genistin in a previous study. This report further evaluated the thermostability and hydrolysis of soybean isoflavone glycosides. The enzyme was found to be very stable at 50 °C, and retained more than 95% of its initial activity after 8 h at 50 °C. It converted isoflavone glycosides, in soybean flour extract and soybean embryo extract, to their aglycones, resulting in more than 93% of hydrolysis of three isoflavone glycosides (namely, daidzin, genistin and glycitin) after 4 h of incubation. Also, addition of the β-glucosidase greatly increased the contents of isoflavone aglycones in the suspended soybean flour and soymilk. The results indicate that the thermostable β-glucosidase may be used to increase the isoflavone aglycones in soy products. This is the first report on the potential application of fungal β-glucosidases for converting isoflavone glycosides to their aglycones in soy products.     

Antioxidative activities of soymilk fermented with lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria

To further the goal of developing a probiotic dietary adjunct using soymilk, soymilk is fermented with lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus CCRC 14079 or Streptococcus thermophilus CCRC 14085) and bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium infantis CCRC 14633 or Bifidobacterium longum B6) individually, and in conjunction. We investigate several antioxidative activities including the inhibition of ascorbate autoxidation, the scavenging effect of superoxide anion radicals and hydrogen peroxide, and the reducing activity exerted by different varieties of fermented soymilks. In addition, the effect of spray-drying and freeze-drying on changes in antioxidative activity is examined. We find that in fermented soymilk both the inhibition of ascorbate autoxidation, and the reducing activity and scavenging effect of superoxide anion radicals varied with the starters used, but nevertheless are significantly higher than those found in unfermented soymilk. In general, antioxidative activity in soymilk fermented with lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria simultaneously is significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that fermented with either individually. Moreover, antioxidative activity increases as the fermentation period is extended. However, unfermented soymilk shows an H2O2-scavenging effect, while there is no scavenging effect except for the accumulation of H2O2 in fermented soymilk. Finally, we find that freeze-drying causes a significantly lesser (P < 0.05) reduction in the antioxidative activity of soymilk than does spray-drying. Irrespective of the drying method and the starters used for fermentation. The antioxidative activity of fermented soymilk reduces after drying yet remains higher than that of dried unfermented soymilk.