New formulations of fermented milk drinks with fruit pulp added: Physicochemical characteristics during storage and nutritional profile

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional profile and the physicochemical characteristics during storage of newly developed formulations of fermented milk drinks with added pineapple, mango and passion fruit pulp. The fermented drinks showed a high content of protein, iron, and calcium. The passion fruit milk drink had the lowest pH (4.13) and highest acidity (0.95%, expressed in % of lactic acid), which was significantly different (p<0.05) from the pineapple and mango drinks. As for syneresis and sedimentation, the pineapple milk drink had the highest rates at 14 days storage, with 34.33% and 6.50%, respectively and was significantly different (p≤0.05) when compared to the mango and passion fruit milk drinks. In conclusion, newly developed fermented milk drinks with added fruit pulp were a source of several nutrients. We observed physical-chemical characteristics suitable for a fermented milk product during storage.

El objetivo de este estudio fue el desarrollo de nuevas formulaciones de bebidas lácteas fermentadas adicionadas de piña, mango y maracuyá, para evaluar el perfil nutricional y las características fisicoquímicas durante el almacenamiento. Las bebidas fermentadas mostraron un alto contenido en proteínas, hierro y calcio. En cuanto a las características fisicoquímicas durante el almacenamiento, la bebida láctea de maracuyá presentó el pH más bajo (4,13) y la acidez más alta (0,95%, expresada en % de ácido láctico), con una diferencia significativa (p < 0,05), en comparación con las bebidas de piña y mango. En cuanto a sinéresis y sedimentación, la bebida láctea de piña presentó los mayores índices a los 14 días de almacenamiento, con 34,33% y 6,50%, respectivamente, y con diferencia significativa (p ≤ 0,05) al compararla con las bebidas lácteas de mango y maracuyá. En conclusión, las bebidas lácteas fermentadas con adición de pulpa de fruta son una fuente de varios nutrientes, y de características físico-químicas adecuadas para un producto lácteo fermentado durante el almacenamiento.

Wet fermentation of Coffea canephora by lactic acid bacteria and yeasts using the self-induced anaerobic fermentation (SIAF) method enhances the coffee quality.

This work aimed to evaluate the impact of inoculation single and co-cultivation of LAB and yeasts during the wet process of Coffea canephora using the self-induced anaerobic fermentation method. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Totulaspora delbrueckii delbrueckii, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum were monitored during fermentation. L. mesenteroides was detected in high concentrations in the coffee fruits (8.54 log10 cells/mL) and remained until the end of fermentation. Lactic and acetic acids were the main acids produced during fermentation. After 36 h of fermentation, 75.39% of malic acid was consumed in the L. mesenteroides + S. cerevisiae (MC) fermentations. In roasted coffee, the caffeine concentration reached 3.29 higher than the green beans in MC fermentation. Specific volatile compounds were detected in inoculated fermentation and may contribute to the beverage quality. Coffee inoculated with Leuconostoc mesenteroides was classified as fine (80.0-89.0), while the other fermentations were classified as premium (70.0-79.0). L. mesenteroides inoculation showed the best sensory score, and the beverage was characterized by caramel, fruity, and spices notes. L. mesenteroides inoculated alone or in co-culture with S. cerevisiae are promising starter cultures to improve Conilon coffee quality and obtain beverages with differentiated sensory profiles.

Evaluation of potentially probiotic yeasts and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in co-culture for the elaboration of a functional plant-based fermented beverage.

This work aimed to evaluate the performance of co-cultivation of potential probiotic yeast and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in producing plant-based fermented beverages. The co-culture comprised LAB Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCMA0743 with the yeasts Pichia kluyveri CCMA 0615, Pichia guilliermondii CCMA 1753 and Debaryomyces hansenii CCMA 1761 separately. The plant substrate was 75 g oat, 175 g sunflower seeds, and 75 g almonds. The viability of microorganisms in the plant-based matrix was evaluated during fermentation, storage at 4 °C, and under simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT) conditions. Chemical analysis, antioxidant activity, and sensory profile of the beverages were also determined. The three yeasts and the LAB showed counts greater than 6.0 log CFU/mL after fermentation, and the plant-based matrix protected the yeasts during simulated digestion. P. kluyveri and D. hansenii showed higher survival than P. guilliermondii and L. plantarum after exposure to simulated GIT conditions. The pH of the plant-based matrix reduced from approximately 7 to 3.8. Lactic acid was the main organic acid produced during fermentation. In addition, 113 volatile compounds were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), including alcohols, aldehydes, alkanes, alkenes, acids, ester, ether, ketones, phenol, and amides. The beverage sensory profile varied with the co-culture. The co-culture D. hansenii and L. plantarum showed higher antioxidant activity than the other co-culture tested, and the homogeneous texture attribute characterized the beverage produced with this combination. Results show the suitability of tested co-cultures to produce a plant-based fermented beverage and indicate more significant potential for D. hansenii and L. plantarum co-culture as a starter for its functionalization.

Coinoculation of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts increases the quality of wet fermented Arabica coffee.

Wet coffee fermentation is widely used in coffee-producing regions such as Colombia and Hawaii, but it is not widespread in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate inoculating the lactic acid bacteria Leuconostoc mesenteroides CCMA1105 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCMA 1065 and the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCMA0543 and Torulaspora delbrueckii CCMA0684 as starter cultures on wet coffee fermentation using the SIAF method (self-induced anaerobiosis fermentation). The microbial activity resulted in high consumption of the carbohydrates glucose (98.6%), fructose (97.6%), and sucrose (100%), in addition to the production of lactic and acetic acids, impacting the final quality of the beverage. A total of 108 volatile compounds belonging to 17 classes were identified in the green and roasted coffee samples, including 2,3-butanediol produced by lactic acid bacteria, contributing to coffee's aromatic profile. The final scores for the coffees from the different fermentations ranged from 79.0 to 83.25. The inoculated fermentations were classified as specialty according to the Specialty Coffee Association. Therefore, whole coffee fruit processed via wet using SIAF method and yeast and lactic acid bacteria starter is an alternative for improving wet fermented coffee quality and obtaining coffee beverages with a different sensory profile.

Sensory and flavor-aroma profiles of passion fruit juice fermented by potentially probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCMA 0743 strain.

Several non-dairy probiotic beverages are already available to consumers and have been considered suitable carriers for probiotic bacteria. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCMA 0743 in single and co-culture on the volatile compounds and sensory profiles of fermented passion fruit juice. The viability of strains inoculated in juice and MRS matrices was evaluated in a simulated gastrointestinal condition. The bacterial viability after 28 days of refrigerated storage of the juices was also evaluated. L. plantarum CCMA 0743 showed high viability (6.18 Log CFU/mL) after passage throughout simulated digestion in the passion fruit juice matrix. Both juices maintained high probiotic counts (>8.0 Log CFU/mL) during storage. Also, the yellow color was stable after 28 days of storage. Volatile compounds of passion fruit juices were modified after the fermentation process, such as ketones and alcohol formation degradation. The sensory profile of passion fruit juice was modified by single and co-culture fermentations. The fermented samples were mainly correlated with the terminologies "salty, acidic and bitter tastes" and "sweetener aftertaste". Overall, passion fruit juice proved to be an adequate food matrix to deliver the evaluated strains. However, individual strains or strain-strain interactions with the food matrix affect the fermented product, demonstrating that strain and matrices evaluations are essential for developing novel products with acceptable characteristics.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCMA 0743 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei LBC-81 metabolism during the single and mixed fermentation of tropical fruit juices.

Fruit juices have shown promising results as new probiotic carriers. This study aimed to evaluate acerola, jelly palm, and passion fruit juices as substrates for fermentation using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCMA 0743 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LBC-81 in single and mixed cultures. First, the juices were evaluated as substrate and selected based on bacterial growth performance during fermentation. Afterward, the impact of fermentation on sugars, organic acids, and bioactive compounds was also appraised. Phytochemical modification of three different juices fermented by lactic acid bacteria at 37 °C/24 h was evaluated. After 18 h of fermentation, passion fruit juice showed higher cell viable counts of single and mixed L. plantarum CCMA 0743 culture, above 9.00 Log CFU/mL, and pH between 4.07 and 4.10. Sugars consumption and organic acid production were influenced by juice composition and culture used. The mixed culture reduced the total sugars in the passion fruit juice by approximately 53.0% (8.51 g/L). Lactic acid was the main product of the sugars fermentation, with higher concentrations detected in passion fruit juice (8.39-11.23 g/L). Bioactive compounds were analyzed on the selected substrate. The fermentative process reduced antioxidant activity and carotenoid content. However, single L. plantarum CCMA 0743 culture increased the yellow flavonoid content of passion fruit juice by approximately 3.0 µg/mL. L. plantarum CCMA 0743 showed high and suitable cell, viable counts, to claimed probiotic products, increasing bioactive compounds in passion fruit juice. Therefore, this strain and passion fruit substrate showed attractive potential to produce alternative and functional fermented fruit beverages.

Probiotic Properties of Lactobacilli and Their Ability to Inhibit the Adhesion of Enteropathogenic Bacteria to Caco-2 and HT-29 Cells.

We evaluated the probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria using resistance, safety, and functional assays. A preliminary subtractive screening of nineteen strains was performed based on their survival in simulated gastric and intestinal juice, and cell surface characteristics (hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation). Five strains were selected for further characterization, which included the assessment of their co-aggregation to pathogens, phenol tolerance, antimicrobial activity, and safety. Moreover, their adhesion to Caco-2 and HT-29 cells and the ability to inhibit pathogenic bacteria adhesion were evaluated. All strains had high (≥ 80.0%) survival rates in gastric and intestinal juices. Among them, Lactobacillus brevis CCMA 1284, L. plantarum CCMA 0743, and L. plantarum CCMA 0359 exhibited higher hydrophobicity (95.33, 96.06, and 80.02%, respectively), while L. paracasei CCMA 0504 and L. paracasei CCMA 0505 had the highest auto-aggregation values (45.36 and 52.66%, respectively). However, these last two strains were positive for the DNAse test, which is a safety concern. The CCMA 0359 and CCMA 1284 strains did not show antimicrobial activity, while the CCMA 0505 strain had a higher percentage of adhesion (4.75%) to Caco-2 cells. In the simulated competition and exclusion assays, the CCMA 0743 strain was able to reduce Salmonella adhesion to both cells (Caco-2 and HT-29), but only the CCMA 0743 and CCMA 0505 strains inhibited Escherichia coli adhesion to HT-29 cells in the competition assay. According to the results of these evaluated attributes, this strain showed to be an excellent candidate for probiotic use.