Paweł Sroka

Interaction of dietary compounds, especially polyphenols, with the intestinal microbiota: a review

The intestinal microbiome plays an important role in the metabolism of chemical compounds found within food. Bacterial metabolites are different from those that can be generated by human enzymes because bacterial processes occur under anaerobic conditions and are based mainly on reactions of reduction and/or hydrolysis. In most cases, bacterial metabolism reduces the activity of dietary compounds; however, sometimes a specific product of bacterial transformation exhibits enhanced properties. Studies on the metabolism of polyphenols by the intestinal microbiota are crucial for understanding the role of these compounds and their impact on our health. This review article presents possible pathways of polyphenol metabolism by intestinal bacteria and describes the diet-derived bioactive metabolites produced by gut microbiota, with a particular emphasis on polyphenols and their potential impact on human health. Because the etiology of many diseases is largely correlated with the intestinal microbiome, a balance between the host immune system and the commensal gut microbiota is crucial for maintaining health. Diet-related and age-related changes in the human intestinal microbiome and their consequences are summarized in the paper.

The profile of volatile compounds and polyphenols in wines produced from dessert varieties of apples.

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of apple variety (Šampion, Idared and Gloster) on the polyphenol profile, volatile composition and sensory characteristics of apple wines. Apples were harvested from the orchard in Garlica Murowana (Poland) and the experiments were conducted on a laboratory scale. Statistically significant differences were detected in the chemical composition of the analyzed wines. The highest antioxidant activity was found in Šampion wines, which was associated with a relatively high concentration of chlorogenic acid and procyanidins. These samples also contained high amounts of acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate and methanol. Idared wines showed a similar polyphenol profile, but they had lower antioxidant capacity and were characterized by a high level of butanol and acetic acid. Gloster wines were distinguished from other samples by a lower concentration of polyphenols and higher concentration of fusel alcohols. During sensory evaluation, wines produced from Idared apples scored the highest value for overall quality.

Influence of prefermentative treatments and fermentation on the antioxidant and volatile profiles of apple wines.

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different factors such as fruit processing, pectinolytic enzyme application, strain of yeast (Johannisberg-Riesling, Steinberg), cell immobilization on the alginate, and type of fermentation on the antioxidant profile and volatile composition of apple wines. Champion and Idared apples were used during experiments. The factors used influenced significantly (p < 0.05) antioxidant capacity, polyphenol profile, and volatile composition of apple wines. Pulp fermentation caused formation of higher amounts of ethanol and favorably influenced the antioxidant activity of wines. Procyanidins B2 and C1 as well as epicatechin and catechin prevailed among polyphenols in these samples. Cell immobilization positively affected the ethanol content, but decreased the antioxidant activity, of wines. Volatile composition of wines was mainly influenced by strain of yeast and type of fermentation. Apple wines fermented spontaneously were characterized by more esters and methanol and fewer higher alcohols compared to inoculated samples.

Chaenomeles japonica, Cornus mas, Morus nigra fruits characteristics and their processing potential.

The aim of this study was to determine the suitability of Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica), cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) and black mulberry (Morus nigra) fruits as raw materials for processing. All analyzed fruits were characterized by high antioxidant activity and total phenolic content. Fruits of Japanese quince and cornelian cherry had also high acidity. Products such as fruit wines and liquors were prepared from the tested fruits. In respect of soluble solid content and reducing sugars content the obtained wine should be classified as dry wines. All analyzed liquors were characterized by similar alcohol content and the soluble solid content. Moreover, liquors made from Japanese quince and cornelian cherry were characterized by high total acidity and antioxidant capacity. The results of sensory analysis showed high commercial potential of the examined fruits.

The effect of apple cultivars and yeast strains on selected quality parameters and antioxidant activity of fermented apple beverages

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of selected apple cultivars (Rubin, Topaz, Elise) and selected strains of wine, cider, distiller yeast, and wild-type yeast on the dynamics of the fermentation process as well as on the chemical composition and antioxidant properties (AOX) of fermented apple beverages. The quality parameters of the fermented beverages depend mainly on the apple cultivar used. The beverages from the Rubin cultivar met all the requirements for fruit wines, but in the beverages from the Topaz cultivar, the limit values for total acidity were exceeded (> 7g/L). The beverages from the Elise cultivar were characterized by low ethanol content and degree of fermentation. The process of fermentation resulted in a reduction of the total polyphenol content (TPC) in the beverages of the Rubin and Topaz cultivars, while in beverages from the Elise cultivar, in an increase of both TPC and AOX. Abbreviations: AOX - antioxidant activity; TPC - total polyphenol content; FAN - free amino nitrogen; ABTS - diammonium salt of the 2,2ʹ-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid.

Comparison of the yeast microbiota of different varieties of cool-climate grapes by PCR-RAPD

The yeast microbiota occurring on different varieties of grapes grown in cool-climate is not completely researched. Therefore, its identification is important to research. On the other hand, yeasts occurring in these fruits can be potentially used as starter cultures to obtain particularly demanded features in the production of wine. In addition, rapid methods for yeast identification allow to eliminate the contamination with pathogenic yeasts, which could cause the loss of wine production. The aim of the study was to isolate and identify the yeasts occurring on the surface of the different varieties of white and red grapes, grown in cool-climate of Poland. Also, the aim was to compare the qualitative and quantitative composition of yeasts on the tested grapes. The 84 cultures of yeasts were isolated, that were initially macroscopic and microscopic analyzed and the purity of cultures was rated on the WL medium. Identification of yeasts by PCR-RAPD was carried using the M13 primer. In the PCR-RFLP method ITS1 and ITS4 primers, as well as restriction enzymes HhaI, HinfI, HaeIII , were used. Preliminary identification of yeasts by standard methods produced results very different from the results obtained by molecular methods. Among the isolated microorganisms yeasts were dominating, but bacteria and molds were also present. Using the PCR-RAPD method most strains of yeasts were identified. Yeast microflora of different varieties of white and red grapes was very similar as the same species of yeasts were identified. Yeasts of the genus Saccharomyces were present in all varieties of grapes. The Rhodotorula mucilaginosa , Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Metschnikowia pulcherrima , Rhodotorula minuta , Pichia kluyveri , Hanseniaspora uvarum and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa were identified by PCR-RAPD. 4 of the 33 tested strains of yeasts were identified by PCR-RFLP. By PCR-RAPD only Hanseniaspora uvarum was identified. The quantity and quality of microorganisms living on the surface of grape fruits is very important for the process of winemaking. Yeasts influence the course of alcoholic fermentation, the flavor, aroma, and thus the quality of the produced wine. To a large extent their presence depends on the condition of the surface of the fruit. Many researchers reported significant differences between yeast microflora in grapes of Mediterranean and cool-climate vineyards. As they are expected to affect the final wine properties precise researching of the microflora of cool-climate grapes may lead to the isolation of new species of yeasts and thus the wines with unique characteristics can be obtained.

The influence of Pichia killer toxins on the wine spoilage yeasts

Killer yeasts are able to produce toxins that antagonize the growth of susceptible yeasts cells of the same species or the ones that are related to them. Killer strains are resistant to their own toxins but can be sensitive to killer proteins of other yeasts. The killer proteins of Pichia spp. are known for its broad spectrum of antifungal activity including pathogens such as Candida albicans . The aim of the study was to investigate the potential of the partly purified killer toxins to inhibit the growth of selected yeast strains which can contribute to wine spoilage. Three Pichia killer yeast strains (CBS 1982, CBS 5759, CBS 7373) were used in the study. The killer protein secreted by Pichia anomala CBS 1982 was characterized by the highest antifungal activity. The most pronounced effect of the reduction of cell proliferation by killer toxin preparations was found after 2 and 20 h cultivation. Among the 13 tested strains, all Pichia killer toxin preparations inhibited the growth of Rhodotorula graminis Rg, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa Rm and Schizosaccharomyces pombe DSM 70576. Killer toxins produced by Pichia anomala CBS 1982 (K8) and CBS 5759 (K4) limited the growth of Candida pulcherrima K5 and Hanseniaspora guillermondii DSM 3432 after 2, 20 and 168 h of incubation. A significant reduction of Debaryomyces hansenii DSM 3428 biomass was observed in medium with the addition of one toxin preparation ( Pichia anomala CBS 1982). The growth limitation of Candida glabrata DSM 6425, Hanseniaspora uvarum DSM 2768 , Metchnikowia pulcherrima DSM 70321 and Cryptococcus laurentii DSM 70766 was noticed only after 2 hours cultivation in presence of killer protein preparations. The killer toxins could be used in the food industry as selective tools to control infections during the fermentation of wine and improve the quality of the final product.