Determination of Potential Antimicrobial Activities of some Local Berries Fruits in Kombucha Tea Production

ABSTRACT

Abstract In this study, physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties, antibacterial and antifungal effects of kombucha teas produced with some small berry fruits (blackberry, raspberry, and red goji berry) were investigated. During fermentation, titratable acidity and pellicle biomass weights increased whereas water activity, brix, viscosity, L* and b* values decreased. At the end of fermentation, the highest minerals determined in the samples were potassium and magnesium. Also, catechin and gallic acid were detected in all samples. Samples produced with blackberry were the most appreciated ones in all criteria. The highest antibacterial and antifungal effects were determined in samples containing blackberries on Staphylococcus aureus and Rhizopus nigricans (24.36 and 20.53 mm zone diameters). The antibacterial effect, MIC, and MBC values (0.023 and 0.016 mg/L) on Staphylococcus aureus. Regarding the antifungal effect, the MIC and MFC values were determined in tea produced with blackberry on Rhizopus nigricans with 0.035 mg/L, and 0.023 mg/L.