The Application of Probiotic Bacteria from Strawberry Extract

The search for unexplored plant resources that would provide a good basis for the development of novel probiotic functional foods is rapidly increasing. In this context, the strawberry tree fruit (Arbutus unedo L.) is particularly interesting, as it is rich in numerous antioxidant bioactive compound...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inMicroorganisms (Basel) Vol. 12; no. 5
Main Authors Kostelac, Deni, Dolenec, Filip, Markovinovic, Anica Bebek, Markov, Ksenija, Bursac Kovacevic, Danijela, Frece, Jadranka
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published MDPI AG 01.05.2024
Subjects
Composition
Environmental aspects
Ericaceae
Fermentation
Lactobacillus plantarum
Physiological aspects
Strawberries
Croatia
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Summary:The search for unexplored plant resources that would provide a good basis for the development of novel probiotic functional foods is rapidly increasing. In this context, the strawberry tree fruit (Arbutus unedo L.) is particularly interesting, as it is rich in numerous antioxidant bioactive compounds that have been shown to be beneficial to health, but have not yet found industrial applications. In this work, the probiotic characterization of lactic acid bacteria strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DB2, isolated from strawberries (Fragaria ananassa × Duch.), was performed. The tested strain proved to be safe to use, displaying no antibiotic resistance or hemolytic activity. Due to its proven probiotic potential during simulated gastrointestinal transit, its antimicrobial activity, and its coaggregation with pathogens, it was selected for fermentation of an aqueous Arbutus unedo L. extract, which was subsequently microencapsulated and freeze-dried to extend its shelf life and preserve its functional properties. The antioxidant activity of the ferment obtained was maintained (80%), while after microencapsulation and freeze-drying, about 50% and 20% of the antioxidant activity was retained, respectively. In conclusion, this study demonstrates for the first time the application of probiotics isolated from strawberries in the fermentation of strawberry tree extract and monitors the antioxidant activity during post-fermentation formulation, paving the way for a potential industrial application of this underutilized plant.
ISSN:2076-2607
2076-2607
DOI:10.3390/microorganisms12051000