D Zareba

Volatile Profile of Non-Fermented Milk and Milk Fermented by BifidoBacterium animalis subsp. lactis

The aim of this work was to determine low-molecular volatile compounds in milk supplemented with the strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bb-12 with or without fermentation process, stored at 6°C for 4 weeks. The chromatographic analysis of probiotic-supplemented non-fermented milk and milk fermented by strain Bb-12 revealed the presence of volatile compounds, such as ketones, organic acid, and alcohols. The changes in the volatile profile were influenced by fermentation process and/or prolonged cold storage. The fermentative activity of strain Bb-12 and its intensification between the 2nd and 4th weeks were observed in the cold storage condition of milk.

Effects of milk components and food additives on survival of three bifidobacteria strains in fermented milk under simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions.

Background In the dairy industry, probiotic strains of Bifidobacterium are introduced into the composition of traditional starter cultures intended for the production of fermented foods, or sometimes are the sole microflora responsible for the fermentation process. In order to be able to reach the intestines alive and fulfil their beneficial role, probiotic strains must be able to withstand the acidity of the gastric juices and bile present in the duodenum. Objective The paper reports effects of selected fermented milk components on the viability of three strains of bifidobacteria in fermented milk during subsequent incubation under conditions representing model digestive juices. Design The viability of the bifidobacterial cells was examined after a 3-h incubation of fermented milk under simulated gastric juice conditions and then after 5-h incubation under simulated duodenum juice conditions. The Bifidobacterium strains tested differed in their sensitivity to the simulated conditions of the gastrointestinal juices. Results Bifidobacterial cell viability in simulated intestinal juices was dependent on the strain used in our experiments, and product components acted protectively towards bifidobacterial cells and its dose. Conclusions Bifidobacterial cells introduced into the human gastrointestinal tract as food ingredients have a good chance of survival during intestinal transit and to reach the large intestine thanks to the protective properties of the food components and depending on the strain and composition of the food.

Antioxidant properties and effect on lactic acid bacterial growth of spice extracts

The total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity as determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2ʹ-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays of spice extracts such as rosemary, lemon balm, hyssop, nettle and cumin seeds were investigated. The effect of spice extracts on the growth of selected lactic acid bacteria (LAB) was also analysed. Lemon balm extract exhibited the highest TPC and antioxidant capacity while the nettle and cumin seeds extracts were characterized by the lowest values. Spice extracts had no impact on the growth of the most tested LAB except for rosemary extract, which showed an inhibitory effect towards all strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. delbrueckii. These results suggest that spice extracts may be considered as additives in dairy and meat products in which LAB are present.