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Production of fungal antibiotics using polymeric solid supports in solid-state and liquid fermentation.

The use of inert absorbent polymeric supports for cellular attachment in solid-state fungal fermentation influenced growth, morphology, and production of bioactive secondary metabolites. Two filamentous fungi exemplified the utility of this approach to facilitate the discovery of new antimicrobial compounds. Cylindrocarpon sp. LL-Cyan426 produced pyrrocidines A and B and Acremonium sp. LL-Cyan416 produced acremonidins A-E when grown on agar bearing moist polyester-cellulose paper and generated distinctly different metabolite profiles than the conventional shaken or stationary liquid fermentations. Differences were also apparent when tenfold concentrated methanol extracts from these fermentations were tested against antibiotic-susceptible and antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive bacteria, and zones of inhibition were compared. Shaken broth cultures of Acremonium sp. or Cylindrocarpon sp. showed complex HPLC patterns, lower levels of target compounds, and high levels of unwanted compounds and medium components, while agar/solid support cultures showed significantly increased yields of pyrrocidines A and B and acremonidins A-E, respectively. This method, mixed-phase fermentation (fermentation with an inert solid support bearing liquid medium), exploited the increase in surface area available for fungal growth on the supports and the tendency of some microorganisms to adhere to solid surfaces, possibly mimicking their natural growth habits. The production of dimeric anthraquinones by Penicillium sp. LL-WF159 was investigated in liquid fermentation using various inert polymeric immobilization supports composed of polypropylene, polypropylene cellulose, polyester-cellulose, or polyurethane. This culture produced rugulosin, skyrin, flavomannin, and a new bisanthracene, WF159-A, after fermentation in the presence and absence of polymeric supports for mycelial attachment. The physical nature of the different support systems influenced culture morphology and relative metabolite yields, as determined by HPLC analysis and measurement of antimicrobial activity. The application of such immobilized-cell fermentation methods under solid and liquid conditions facilitated the discovery of new antibiotic compounds, and offers new approaches to fungal fermentation for natural product discovery.

Acremonium↗

Antioxidative activities of soymilk fermented with lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria.

To further the goal of developing a probiotic dietary adjunct using soymilk, soymilk is fermented with lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus CCRC 14079 or Streptococcus thermophilus CCRC 14085) and bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium infantis CCRC 14633 or Bifidobacterium longum B6) individually, and in conjunction. We investigate several antioxidative activities including the inhibition of ascorbate autoxidation, the scavenging effect of superoxide anion radicals and hydrogen peroxide, and the reducing activity exerted by different varieties of fermented soymilks. In addition, the effect of spray-drying and freeze-drying on changes in antioxidative activity is examined. We find that in fermented soymilk both the inhibition of ascorbate autoxidation, and the reducing activity and scavenging effect of superoxide anion radicals varied with the starters used, but nevertheless are significantly higher than those found in unfermented soymilk. In general, antioxidative activity in soymilk fermented with lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria simultaneously is significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that fermented with either individually. Moreover, antioxidative activity increases as the fermentation period is extended. However, unfermented soymilk shows an H2O2-scavenging effect, while there is no scavenging effect except for the accumulation of H2O2 in fermented soymilk. Finally, we find that freeze-drying causes a significantly lesser (P < 0.05) reduction in the antioxidative activity of soymilk than does spray-drying. Irrespective of the drying method and the starters used for fermentation. The antioxidative activity of fermented soymilk reduces after drying yet remains higher than that of dried unfermented soymilk.

Antioxidants↗

Viability of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria in fermented soymilk after drying, subsequent rehydration and storage.

To develop a probiotic dietary adjunct, soymilk fermented with various combinations of lactic acid bacteria (Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus acidophilus) and bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium infantis) was subjected to freeze-drying and spray-drying. Survival of the starter organisms during the drying process, subsequent rehydration at different temperatures and during a 4-month period of storage under different storage conditions was examined. After freeze-drying, lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria exhibited a survival percent of 46.2-75.1% and 43.2-51.9%, respectively, higher than that noted after spray-drying. Regardless of the drying condition, S. thermophilus showed a higher percentage of survival than L. acidophilus, while B. longum survived better than B. infantis. Further study with soymilk fermented with S. thermophilus and B. longum revealed that the freeze-dried and spray-dried fermented soymilk rehydrated at 35-50 degrees C and 20 degrees C, respectively, was optimum for the recovery of the starter organisms. Both S. thermophilus and B. longum survived better in the freeze-dried than the spray-dried fermented soymilk during storage. A higher percent of survival was also noted for both the starter organisms when the dried fermented soymilk was stored at 4 degrees C than 25 degrees C. Holding the dried fermented soymilk in the laminated pouch enabled S. thermophilus and B. longum to exhibit a higher percentage of survival than in the deoxidant- and desiccant-containing glass or polyester (PET) bottle. Among all the packaging materials and storage temperatures tested, starter organisms were most stable in the dried fermented soymilk held in laminated pouch and stored at 4 degrees C. Under this storage condition, S. thermophilus and B. longum showed a survival percentage of 51.1% and 68.8%, respectively, in the freeze-dried fermented soymilk after 4 months of storage. Meanwhile, S. thermophilus and B. infantis in the spray-dried fermented soymilk showed a survival percent of 29.5% and 57.7%, respectively.

Beverages↗

Acid adaptation affects the viability of Salmonella typhimurium during the lactic fermentation of skim milk and product storage.

In this study, Salmonella typhimurium was acid adapted at pH 5.5 for 4 h. The viability of the acid-adapted and non-adapted cells of S. typhimurium was investigated both during the lactic fermentation of skim milk with Streptococcus thermophilus or Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and during the storage of lactic fermented milk products at 5 degrees C. It was found that the viable population of S. typhimurium, regardless of acid adaptation, increased in skim milk during the initial 24 h of lactic fermentation and then declined. However, the viable population of acid-adapted S. typhimurium was significantly higher (P<.05) than that of non-adapted cell at the end of 48 h of fermentation. Acid-adapted cells of S. typhimurium were also found to have survived better than non-adapted cells in the S. thermophilus-prepared fermented milk and two commercial lactic fermented milk products. The viability of the acid-adapted and non-adapted S. typhimurium at 5 and 37 degrees C in cell-free fermented milks that had their pHs adjusted to 6.4 and skim milk (pH 6.4) was further investigated. Results revealed that acid adaptation, in addition to enhancing acid tolerance, reduced the susceptibility of S. typhimurium to refrigerated temperature and other detrimental factors which might be present in lactic fermented milk products. These responses all contribute to the enhanced survival of acid-adapted S. typhimurium in the lactic fermented milk products observed in the present study.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Effects of milk fermented by Lactobacillus helveticus R389 on immune cells associated to mammary glands in normal and a breast cancer model.

Antitumour activity is an effect attributed to probiotics and fermented foods. Here, the immune cells in mammary glands and cytokine concentration in serum were analyzed using mice fed with milk fermented by Lactobacillus helveticus R389 or L89 (proteolytic-deficient variant), injected or not with breast tumour cells. Mice were fed 7 days with fermented milk, injected with breast tumour cells and 4 days post-injection, they received fermented milk. IgA, CD4, CD8, cytokines and Bcl-2 positive cells in mammary glands and cytokine in serum were determined. Mice fed with L. helveticus R389 fermented milk and injected with tumour cells increased IgA and CD4 positive cells in mammary glands (tumour control increased CD8 + cells). Mice from fermented milk control groups (without tumour cell injection) did not show changes in immune cell or cytokine positive cell numbers. IL-10 increases and IL-6 decreases were more pronounced in mice fed with milk fermented by L. helveticus R389 than in the other groups. This study demonstrated the immunoregulatory capacity of milk fermented by L. helveticus R389 on the immune response in mammary glands in presence of a local pathology (breast tumour). Orally administered fermented products could be used to modify the immune cell activation in distant mucosal sites and maintain these cells alert, but local stimulus was necessary to produce the activation of a local immune response in mammary glands, which could modulate the immune-endocrine relationship in these glands.

Animals↗

Fermentation of banana media by using kappa-carrageenan immobilized Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Fermentation media were prepared by using banana as the raw material, and cell immobilization of Lactobacillus acidophilus by kappa-carrageenan entrapment was applied to enhance the fermentation efficiency. Gel beads of diameters around 3.0 mm were prepared for the immobilized cells, ripe bananas were used for preparation of media, and both free and immobilized cells were employed to carry out the fermentation for 80 h. Cells leaked out from the gel beads and proliferated in the medium solution during the fermentation of immobilized cells. The final viable cell number reached 10(5) CFU/ml in the medium suspension, over 10(8) CFU/(ml gel) in gel beads for the immobilized cell fermentation and around 10(6) CFU/ml for the free cell fermentation. Immobilized cells withstand the adverse conditions in banana media resulting in better fermentation efficiency compared to free cells. Variation of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) in banana media was not significant in immobilized cell fermentation compared to free cell. Immobilized L. acidophilus fermented banana medium was found to possess synbiotic properties.

Carrageenan↗

Effect of intestinal Lactobacillus starter cultures on the behaviour of Staphylococcus aureus in fermented sausage.

The effects of Lactobacillus strains isolated from intestinal tracts for starter cultures of fermented sausage on the growth rate and enterotoxin production of Staphylococcus aureus were studied at two fermentation temperatures of 20 degrees C and 35 degrees C. Initial inoculated populations in the sausage batter were approx. 10(4) cfu/g for S. aureus and 10(7) cfu/g for the Lactobacillus strain as a starter culture. Samples of sausage were taken during fermentation and analyzed for pH and microbial populations. In control lots without inoculation of Lactobacillus strains, staphylococcal enterotoxin was detected during fermentation at each temperature. Of three intestinal Lactobacillus strains, L. rhamnosus FERM P-15120 and L. paracasei subsp. paracasei FERM P-15121 inhibited the growth and enterotoxin production of S. aureus in sausages during fermentation at both temperatures, although L. acidophilus FERM P-15119 could not satisfactorily suppress them. The effect of the two selected strains in meat fermentation (i.e., fermentation time, acid production, inhibition of S. aureus) was the same as that of a commercial L. sake starter culture for fermented sausage. These results suggest the intestinal Lactobacillus strains selected in this study could be utilized as a starter culture to produce new fermented meat products that are microbiologically safe.

Colony Count, Microbial↗

Effect of fermented feed on shedding of Enterobacteriaceae by fattening pigs.

Epidemiological studies showed that the use of fermented feed could significantly reduce Salmonella prevalence in pigs compared to the use of normal feed. Experimental challenge experiments with Salmonella have however never been conducted to reveal the efficacy of fermented feed in reducing Salmonella shedding and/or reducing the number of Salmonella-positive pigs. A longitudinal study was conducted to measure the effect of fermented feed, in particular of its components lactic acid and Lactobacillus plantarum, on gastrointestinal bacterial ecology (Salmonella, Enterobacteriaceae, lactobacilli, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), pH). Seeder pigs were used as a mode for Salmonella transmission within a pig herd. Bacteriological measurements were performed in faeces of the pigs. The results showed that fermented feed affected/reduced the Enterobacteriaceae population in faeces of the pigs. No differences were found in the number of positive pigs infected or in the number of shedding with Salmonella serovar Typhimurium fed fermented feed and between the normal feed group. S. serovar Goldcoast could not establish an infection in the seeder pigs in the fermented feed group as well as in the normal feed group. The pH of the faeces in the fermented feed groups was significantly higher than the pH of the faeces of the normal feed groups. The role of the undissociated form of the faecal VFAs on the significantly lower Enterobacteriaceae number in faeces of the pigs of the fermented feed groups could not be demonstrated because of the significant higher pH in the faeces of the pigs fed fermented feed.

Animal Feed↗

Duckweed (Lemna polyrhiza) leaf meal as a source of feedstuff in formulated diets for rohu (Labeo rohita Ham.) fingerlings after fermentation with a fish intestinal bacterium.

Eight isonitrogenous (35% crude protein approximately) and isocaloric (4.2 kcal g(-1) approximately) diets were formulated including raw and fermented duckweed (Lemna polyrhiza) leaf meal at 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% levels. A particular bacterial strain (Bacillus sp.) isolated from carp (Cyprinus carpio) intestine and having extracellular amylolytic, cellulolytic, proteolytic and lipolytic activities was used for leaf meal fermentation for 15 days at 37 degrees C. The fibre content of leaf meal reduced from 11.0% to 7.5% and the antinutritional factors, tannin and phytic acid, were reduced from 1.0% to 0.02% and 1.23% to 0.09%, respectively after fermentation. However, the available reducing sugars, free amino acids and fatty acids increased in the fermented leaf meal. The response of rohu, Labeo rohita, fingerlings fed the experimental diets for 80 days was compared with fish fed a fish meal based reference diet. On the basis of growth response, food conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio, 30% fermented Lemna leaf meal incorporated in the diet resulted in the best performance of rohu fingerlings. In general, growth and feed utilization efficiencies of fish fed fermented leaf meal containing diets were superior to those fed diets containing raw leaf meal. The apparent protein digestibility (APD) decreased with increasing levels of leaf meal irrespective of treatment. The APD for raw leaf meal was lower at all levels of inclusion in comparison to those for the fermented meals. The highest carcass protein and lipid deposition was recorded in fish fed the diet containing 30% fermented leaf meal. The results showed that fermented Lemna leaf meal can be incorporated into carp diets up to 30% level compared to 10% level of raw meal.

Animal Feed↗

Comparative study on chemical changes in olive juice and brine during green olive fermentation.

Changes in physicochemical characteristics, substrate depletion, and product formation during fermentation were followed in both brine and olive juice in order to achieve a complete knowledge of fermentation chemistry in Spanish-type green olives. Both spontaneous and controlled fermentations were investigated. Fermentation rate, irrespective of the type of fermentation, was lower in olive juice than in brine, but the main acid products eventually reached equilibrium. Final free acidity remained significantly (p < 0.05) higher, and combined acidity remained lower, in brine than in olive juice in both fermentations, but differences in final pH were not significant in controlled fermentation. Final concentrations of lactic and formic acids were significantly (p < 0. 05) higher, and those of ethanol and succinic acid were lower, in controlled fermentation than in spontaneous fermentation. Butanediol, attributable to Enterobacteriaceae growth, was formed only in the latter case. Calculated carbon recoveries were not significantly (p < 0.05) different in any case, giving a mean of some 78%.

Fermentation↗

Effect of carbohydrate substrate on fermentation by kefir yeast supported on delignified cellulosic materials.

The suitability of delignified cellulosic (DC) material supported kefir yeast to ferment raw materials that contain various single carbohydrates, for the production of potable alcohol and alcoholic drinks, is examined in this investigation. Results are reported of fermentations carried out with sucrose, fructose, and glucose in synthetic media. Repeated batch fermentations at various initial sugar concentrations of sucrose, fructose, and glucose were performed at 30 degrees C in the presence of the aforementioned biocatalyst. The results clearly show feasible yields in the range of 0.38-0.41 g/g, alcohol concentrations of 7.6-8.2% v/v, fermentation time of 90-115 h, and conversion of 92-96%. DC material supported kefir fermented 11-fold more rapidly than free cells and 9-fold more rapidly in comparison to kissiris supported kefir. The main volatile byproducts such as amyl alcohols (mixture of 2-methyl-1-butanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol), ethanal, and ethyl acetate were formed in all sugar fermentation products. The formation of 65-110 ppm of ethyl acetate is as high and even higher than that obtained with traditional wine yeasts. The increase of the initial concentration of sugar in the fermentation media resulted in an increase in contents of volatiles. The fine aroma that was obtained in the product of fructose could be attributed to the high percentage of ethyl acetate on total volatiles. The efficiency of DC material supported kefir was the same for the fermentations of individual sugars or a mixture of fructose, sucrose, and glucose. When whey with raisin extracts was fermented, lower yields were obtained but the aroma of the product was even better.

Cells, Immobilized↗

Proximate composition and selected functional properties of fermented and unfermented African oil bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla) seed flour.

Flour samples were prepared from fermented and unfermented African oil bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla) seeds (AOBS). The flour samples were evaluated for proximate composition and certain functional properties. The influence of defatting on these properties was also determined. Fermentation significantly increased (p < 0.05) the protein and decreased the crude fiber, ash, fat and carbohydrate contents of the AOBS flours. The nitrogen solubility of both fermented and unfermented flours was pH dependent with minimum and maximum solubility at pH 4.0 and pH 8.0, respectively, and with increased nitrogen solubility in the fermented sample. The fermented and unfermented flour samples had least gelation concentrations of 14 and 16% (w/v), respectively. The water absorption capacity and foam capacities of the fermented flour were 36 and 34%, respectively, over the unfermented seed flour. On the other hand, fermentation decreased the fat absorption capacity, emulsion activity and emulsion and foam stabilities. Fermentation decreased (p < 0.05) the bulk density of AOBS flour by 15%. Defatting improved all the functional properties evaluated except emulsion activity. These results indicate potential food uses of fermented and unfermented AOBS flour samples as protein supplements in diets and as functional ingredients in formulated foods.

Absorption↗

Knowledge, attitude and usage patterns of fermented and germinated complementary foods in Nigeria.

A detailed general information questionnaire was used to elicit information from 400 households in two urban and two rural communities each in Anambra and Enugu states in Nigeria. The results showed that over 85% of the sample population in both states were familiar with fermentation as a food processing method. Only 1.01% was familiar with germination as a processing step in traditional food preparation. Preference (15-54%), cost (4-16%), mother's advice (2-14%) and medical advice (4-5%) in the 4 locations largely influenced choice of foods. The amount of money spent on complementary foods in surveyed families ranged from less than Naira 100 (US dollars 1.11) to more than Naira 400 (US dollars 4.44) per month. Fermented complementary foods were mostly homemade though some mothers used a variety of commercial complementary foods as well. In general, 86.5-95% of the mothers interviewed had used fermented foods; 13.5% had neither used nor germinated foods. The food most frequently fermented was corn (71.82-86.69%). The period of fermentation varied from less than 1 day to over 3 days, and fermented foods were introduced to infants from 4-6 months after birth mainly as a cultural practice. Other reasons for the use of fermented foods varied from improving taste, helping the child grow, and removing toxins to improving nutrient contents of foods. Fermented foods were stored in buckets covered with water or in a refrigerator. Improved technology in the production of fermented complementary foods will reduce the tedious work involved in processing and improve quality of foods consumed by children.

Adult↗

Effect of fermented soya beans on diarrhoea and feed efficiency in weaned piglets.

AIMS: To evaluate anti-diarrhoeal and growth enhancing properties of fermented soya beans in weaned piglets. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a first phase piglet diet, toasted full-fat soya beans (20%) were replaced with either cooked soya beans or Rhizopus microsporus or Bacillus subtilis fermented soya beans. The effect on the incidence, severity and duration of diarrhoea in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)-challenged weaned piglets was determined (pen trial, 24 piglets per treatment). Severity of diarrhoea was significantly less on the diet with Rhizopus-fermented soya beans compared with the control diet containing toasted soya beans. Piglets fed fermented soya beans showed increased feed intake (13 and 12%), average daily weight gain (18 and 21%) and feed efficiency (3 and 8%) (for Rhizopus and Bacillus-fermented soya beans, respectively). However, in the treatment groups an unequal mortality and a potential unequal distribution of receptor-positive piglets were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Cooked and fermented soya beans could be beneficial in the control of diarrhoea in ETEC-challenged weaned piglets (particularly Rhizopus fermented) and significantly improved weight gain and feed intake (particularly Bacillus fermented). SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Fermented soya beans could offer benefits with respect to the control of diarrhoea and feed efficiency in piglets.

Animal Feed↗

In vitro fermentation by human faecal bacteria of total and purified dietary fibres from brown seaweeds.

The in vitro degradation of dietary fibre from three brown seaweeds (Himanthalia elongata, Laminaria digitata and Undaria pinnatifida) was studied, using human faecal flora. Two sets of fibre were tested: (1) total algal fibres extracted from the whole algae, mainly composed of alginates, and (2) purified fibres (sulphated fucans, Na-alginates and laminarans) representative of those contained in the whole brown algae. Mannuronate, one algal component, was also investigated. Substrate disappearance and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production were monitored after 6, 12 and 24 h fermentation. Gas production was followed hourly during the first 9 h and then at 12 and 24 h. Sugarbeet fibre was used as a fermentation reference substrate. According to the fermentative indices used, most of each of the total algal fibres disappeared after 24 h (range 60-76%) but, unlike the reference substrate, they were not completely metabolized to SCFA (range 47-62%). Among the purified algal fibres, disappearance of laminarans was approximately 90% and metabolism to SCFA was approximately 85% in close agreement with the fermentation pattern of reference fibres. Sulphated fucans were not degraded. Na-alginates exhibited a fermentation pattern quite similar to those of the whole algal fibres with a more pronounced discrepancy between disappearance and production of SCFA: disappearance was approximately 83% but metabolism was only approximately 57%. Mannuronate was slowly fermented but its metabolism corresponded to its disappearance from the fermentative medium. Thus, the characteristic fermentation pattern of the total fibres from the three brown algae investigated was attributed to the peculiar fermentation of alginates, and mannuronate was shown not to be directly involved.

Alginates↗

Bioavailability of isoflavone phytoestrogens in postmenopausal women consuming soya milk fermented with probiotic bifidobacteria.

We investigated the effects of consuming an isoflavone aglycone-enriched soya milk containing viable bifidobacteria on urinary isoflavone excretion and percentage recovery. Sixteen postmenopausal women were randomly divided into two groups to consume either fermented or non-fermented soya milk. Each group participated in a double-blind, crossover study with three 14 d supplementation periods, separated by a 14 d washout. Subjects ingested three daily dosages of isoflavone via the soya milk and collected four 24 h pooled urine specimens per supplementation period. Soya milks were prepared with soya protein isolate and soya germ, followed by fermentation with bifidobacteria. Isoflavone levels were quantified using HPLC. Non-fermented soya milks at 20, 40 and 80 mg isoflavone/200 ml contained 10 %, 9 % and 7 % aglycone, respectively, with their fermented counterparts containing 69 %, 57 % and 36 % aglycone (P<0.001). A trend to a greater percentage urinary recovery of daidzein and glycitein was observed among women consuming fermented soya milk at a dosage of 40 mg isoflavone (P=0.13). A distinct linear dose response for the fermented soya milk group (R2=0.9993) compared with the non-fermented group (R2=0.8865) suggested less interindividual variation in isoflavone absorption. However, total urinary isoflavone excretion was similar for both groups (P>0.05), with urinary isoflavone recovery at approximately 31 %. Increasing the isoflavone dosage correlated positively with its urinary excretion, but urinary percentage recovery of isoflavone was inversely related to dosage level. Hence, a modest dosage ranging from 20 to 30 mg/d may provide the most bioavailable source of isoflavone, regardless of whether it is via an aglycone-rich fermented soya milk or a glucoside-rich soya milk.

Bifidobacterium↗

Effects of defaunation on fermentation characteristics and biotin balance in an artificial rumen-simulation system (RUSITEC) receiving diets with different amounts and types of cereal.

Biotin is required by rumen microbes for efficient fermentation. To evaluate the role of protozoa in ruminal biotin metabolism, five diets composed of grass hay or of grass hay/cereal grain mixtures were supplied to faunated or defaunated RUSITEC fermenters. In the mixed diets, hay was replaced to 33:67 or 67:33 w/w on an air-dried basis by either wheat or maize grain in order to simulate different cellulolytic and amylolytic fermentation conditions. Defaunation increased SCFA production, whereas NH4 concentration and the release of CH4 were reduced. Biotin input declined when cereal grain was used to replace the hay. With the exception of the high-wheat treatment, defaunated fermenters yielded higher biotin outputs than faunated fermenters. The biotin balance, calculated as the difference between the total biotin output (biotin in the solid residue contained in the nylon bags after fermentation plus the biotin in the effluent) and the biotin input with the feed, was negative for all the dietary treatments apart from fermenters supplied with the high-maize diet. It was less negative or, in the case of the high-maize diets, more positive for defaunated compared with faunated fermenters. It was concluded that, under normal faunated conditions, protozoa directly utilise or indirectly affect the bacterial synthesis and/or utilisation of biotin. With diets of a high fermentation potential, as realised with the high-wheat diet, protozoa prevent the development of a bacterial population that would utilise high or synthesise low amounts of biotin.

Acetates↗

Microbiological evaluation of ghanaian maize dough co-fermented with cowpea.

Fermented maize dough meals form a large proportion of people's diet in Ghana. To enhance the nutritive value of these carbohydrate-rich foods, protein complementation was introduced. In this study, microbial ecology of fermenting maize dough fortified with 20% cowpea was investigated. A total of 106 microbial strains were isolated from different batches of the fermenting dough at periodic intervals. Ten genera of microorganisms namely Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Saccharomyces, Debaryomyces, Candida, Bacillus, Micrococcus, Klebsiella, Escherichia and Aspergillus were identified, with lactic acid bacteria species being predominant. A lactic count of log 9.9 cfu/g was obtained at the end of 72 h fermentation relative to log 6.6 cfu/g recorded for aerobic mesophiles. At the 12 h fermentation period, the population of yeasts was less than log 1.0 cfu/g, but gradually rose to log 5.36 cfu/g by 48 h followed a slight decline at the end of 72 h fermentation period (log 4.08 cfu/g). Enteric microorganisms that were isolated from the raw cowpea were less than log 1.0 cfu/g at 12 h of fermentation, while the Aspergillus species were isolated from the raw maize and the dough subjected to drying treatment. The growth of inoculated enteropathogenic E. coli and S. typhimurium was inhibited in the cooked, fermented maize-cowpea dough, and at 72 h, they were not within detectable limit. The study concluded that addition of cowpea at 20% level did not affect the natural fermentation characteristics of the maize dough.

Colony Count, Microbial↗