Studies on Lactic Acid Bacteria: Metabolism, Genomics and Applications—2023

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Microbial Biotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2023) | Viewed by 4605

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Laboratory of Animal Applied Microbiology, School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
Interests: lactic acid bacteria; genomics; probiotics; bifidobacteria; microbiota
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Whole-genome sequencing has revolutionized and accelerated scientific research that aim to study the genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Their genome content reflects its specific metabolism, physiology, biosynthetic capabilities, and adaptability to varying conditions and environments. LAB are widely used to produce a variety of foods and feed raw materials where they contribute to the flavor and texture of the fermented products. LAB are also found among the resident microbiota of the gastrointestinal and/or genitourinary tracts of vertebrates, where they are believed to exert health-promoting effects as probiotics.

The aim of this Special Issue of Microorganisms is to present a collection of articles that provide a current snapshot of research in the LAB field. Manuscripts covering all aspects of research relating to LAB are welcome, including studies on metabolism, genomics, and applications of LAB.

Prof. Dr. Hidetoshi Morita
Guest Editor

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13 pages, 8848 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Enzyme-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) Leaves: Evaluation of Mixed-Culture Fermentation
by Viktorija Puzeryte, Paulina Martusevice, Sérgio Sousa, Aiste Balciunaitiene, Jonas Viskelis, Ana Maria Gomes, Pranas Viskelis, Laima Cesoniene and Dalia Urbonaviciene
Microorganisms 2023, 11(9), 2180; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11092180 - 29 Aug 2023
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Abstract
Hippophae rhamnoides L. leaves possess a remarkable amount of polyphenols that could serve as a natural remedy in various applications. In comparison, numerous techniques, such as conventional and high-pressure techniques, are available for extracting the bioactive fractions from sea buckthorn leaves (SBL). However, [...] Read more.
Hippophae rhamnoides L. leaves possess a remarkable amount of polyphenols that could serve as a natural remedy in various applications. In comparison, numerous techniques, such as conventional and high-pressure techniques, are available for extracting the bioactive fractions from sea buckthorn leaves (SBL). However, enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) of SBL has not been comprehensively studied. The aim of this study was to optimize critical EAE parameters of SBL using the cellulolytic enzyme complex, Viscozyme L, to obtain a high-yield extract with a high concentration of bioactive compounds. In order to determine the optimal conditions for EAE, the study employed a central composite design and response surface methodology to analyze the effects of four independent factors (pH, temperature, extraction time, and enzyme concentration) on two different responses. Our findings indicated that under optimal conditions (3:15 h extraction, temperature 45 °C, pH 4.9, and 1% Viscozyme L v/w of leaves DW), EAE yielded 28.90 g/100 g DW of the water-soluble fraction. Furthermore, the EAE-optimized liquid extract was continuously fermented using an ancient fermentation starter, Tibetan kefir grains, which possess lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and have significant potential for use in biopreservation. Interestingly, the results indicated various potential prebiotic characteristics of LAB. Additionally, alterations in the cell wall morphology of the SBL residue after EAE were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This study significantly optimized EAE parameters for sea buckthorn leaves, providing a promising natural source of bioactive compounds for various applications, such as nutraceuticals, functional foods, and high-value products. Full article
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15 pages, 5292 KiB  
Article
Protective and Therapeutic Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria against Aflatoxin B1 Toxicity to Rat Organs
by Hayat Ashi, Meshal H. K. Almalki, Enas A. Hamed, Wafaa S. Ramadan, Tahani F. H. Alahmadi, Outour Tariq Alami, Sara H. Arafa, Atheer K. Alshareef, Fatimah S. Alsulami, Areej F. Alharbi, Manahil S. Al-Harbi, Ebtehal H. Alqurashi, Shirin Aashi, Youssef A. Alzahrani, Khaled Elbanna and Hussein H. Abulreesh
Microorganisms 2023, 11(7), 1703; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11071703 - 29 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1637
Abstract
Background: Aflatoxin (AF), a metabolite of Aspergillus flavus, is injurious to vital body organs. The bacterial defense against such mycotoxins has attracted significant attention. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are known to ameliorate AF toxicity. Methods: Thirty adult male rats were divided into [...] Read more.
Background: Aflatoxin (AF), a metabolite of Aspergillus flavus, is injurious to vital body organs. The bacterial defense against such mycotoxins has attracted significant attention. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are known to ameliorate AF toxicity. Methods: Thirty adult male rats were divided into six groups (five each) to perform the experiments. The control (Co) group was fed a basal diet and water. Each of the following periods lasted 21 days: the milk (MK) group orally received milk (500 µL); LAB suspension (500 µL) containing 107 cfu/mL was orally provided to the LAB group; AF (0.5 mg/kg) was orally given to the AF group; and a combination of AF and LAB was administered to the AF + LAB group. The AF/LAB group was initially given AF for 21 days, followed by LAB for the same period. Finally, the rats were dissected to retrieve blood and tissue samples for hematological, biochemical, and histological studies. Results: The results revealed a significant decrease in RBCs, lymphocytes, total proteins, eosinophil count, albumin, and uric acid, whereas the levels of WBCs, monocytes, neutrophils, creatinine, urea, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatinine kinase significantly increased in the AF group in comparison to the control group. The histological examination of the AF group revealed necrosis and apoptosis of the kidney’s glomeruli and renal tubules, nuclei vacuolization and apoptosis of hepatocytes, congestion of the liver’s dilated portal vein, lymphoid depletion in the white pulp, localized hemorrhages, hemosiderin pigment deposition in the spleen, and vacuolization of seminiferous tubules with a complete loss of testis spermatogenic cells. Meanwhile, protective and therapeutic LAB administration in AF-treated rats improved the hematological, biochemical, and histological changes. Conclusions: The study revealed LAB-based amelioration to AFB1-induced disruptions of the kidney, liver, spleen, and testis by inhibiting tissue damage. The therapeutic effects of LAB were comparatively more pronounced than the protective effects. Full article
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