This research is the first systematic investigation of solid-state orientation as a novel method for controlling drug release from biodegradable polymers. The effect of various degrees of polymer orientation was studied in oriented Poly (L-lactic acid) (PLA) films containing curcumin and theophylline as model drugs. Additionally, direction specific drug release was studied from oriented PLA rods containing paracetamol. The films oriented to 2X uniaxial constant width (UCW) or 2X2Y biaxial draw ratio showed retardation of drug release, when their nematic structure was stabilised by the presence of crystalline theophylline. Contrarily, the same films when contained solid solution of curcumin, shrunk in the release medium and exhibited a release profile similar to the un-oriented films. All films oriented to the UCW draw ratio ≥ 3X contained α crystalline form of PLA and showed acceleration of drug release proportionate to the draw ratio. According to the proposed mechanism augmented formation of water filled channels in these films was responsible for faster drug release. Similarly, the paracetamol loaded PLA rods die-drawn to uniaxial draw ratios ≥ 3X exhibited enhancement of drug release. Importantly, the amount of drug released along the oriented chain axis was significantly larger than that in the perpendicular direction. Drug release from the die-drawn rods was accelerated by a greater degree than that observed from the oriented films. This can be correlated to the differences in their size, geometry and the crystalline form of PLA. In conclusion, the current study provided substantial evidence that solid-state orientation can offer a control over drug release from PLA.

No Brasil, o papagaio-verdadeiro (Amazona aestiva) é uma das aves mais procuradas como animal de estimação e comercializadas ilegalmente. Na literatura pouco é descrito sobre a microbiota intestinal de aves silvestres. O trato intestinal das aves é composto por inúmeras e diferentes espécies bacterianas. A grande maioria são bactérias gram-positivas pertencentes ao grupo de bactérias ácido-láticas. Este estudo teve como objetivo isolar e identificar a presença de bactérias dos gêneros Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, Pediococcus e Lactococcus na microbiota entérica de papagaios Amazona aestiva de vida livre e de cativeiro. Para isto foram coletadas amostras de 26 aves de vida livre e de 26 aves procedentes de dois criadouros comerciais. O Enterococcus foi o gênero que apresentou maior freqüência de isolamentos (100%), seguido dos gêneros Pediococcus (63,46%), Lactobacillus (28,84%), Lactococcus e Bifidobacterium (15,38%). Foram isoladas 12 espécies de Enterococcus, sendo o E. faecium a espécie que apresentou maior ocorrência de isolamento, presente em 63,46% das aves, seguido por E. faecalis isolado em 57,69% das aves, Enterococcus sp. identificado em 46,15% das aves, E. hirae em 30,76% e E. raffinosus em 19,23%. Seis espécies de Pediococcus foram isoladas, sendo que P. pentosaceus foi a mais freqüente e esteve presente em 57,69% das aves. Foram isoladas cinco (5) espécies de Lactococcus, sendo L. lactis subsp. cremoris isolados em 3,84% das aves e Lactococcus sp. em 9,61%. Lactobacillus apresentou uma maior diversidade, com 14 espécies identificadas, sendo as mais freqüentes L. coryniformis subsp. torquens e L. sanfrancisco com 7,69% de aves positivas para cada espécie. Três (3) espécies de Bifidobacterium foram isoladas, sendo B. bifidum identificado em 9,61% das aves. Estudos complementares precisam ser conduzidos para uma melhor compreensão da microbiota intestinal das aves silvestres, assim como analisar as similaridades e diferenças com as aves domésticas, o que permitirá um manejo apropriado e menos empírico desta espécie em cativeiro. / In Brazil, Blue-fronted Parrot (Amazona aestiva) has been widely owned as a pet bird and, therefore, one of the Brazilians birds most frequently traded illegally in the Black Market. There are few reports in the current literature regarding to the microbiota of wild birds. The gastrointestinal tract of these birds has a wide variety of bacterial species; most of them are Gram positive bacteria and belongs to the lactic acid group. The present study has isolated and identified Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, Pediococcus, and Lactococcus bacterias present in fecal samples of wild and captive Amazona aestiva parrots. Fifty two fecal samples were collected from 26 wild parrots and 26 parrots from commercial breeders. Enterococcus genus was the most frequently isolated (100%), followed by Pediococcus (63.46%), Lactobacillus (28.84%), Lactococcus and Bifidobacterium (15.38%). Twelve species of Enterococcus were identified. E. faecium was the most frequently isolated from the birds representing 63.46%, followed by E. faecalis (57.69%), Enterococcus sp. (46.15%), E. hirae (30.76%), and E. raffinosus (19.23%). P. pentosaceus was identified from 57.69% of the parrots. This specie was the most frequently isolated. Five different species of Lactococcus were found out. Lactococcus sp. was identified from 9.61% of the birds, while L. lactis subsp. lactis represented 3.84%. Fourteen different species of Lactobacillus were isolated, showing the biggest diversity among all the studied genera. L. coryniformis subsp. torquens and L. sanfrancisco were isolated from 7.69% of the birds. Three different species of Bifidobacterium were isolated, and B. bifidum was identified in 9.61% of the birds, being the most frequently isolated. Further studies are needed to a better comprehension of the microbiota in wild birds. Besides comparing differences and similarities between wildlife parrots and pet birds will allow appropriate and less empiric management of those birds in captivity.

Além das características tecnológicas das bactérias lácticas para o processamento de alimentos fermentados, novas propriedades são requeridas, como a produção de bacteriocinas. Vários desses compostos protéicos possuem atividade antimicrobiana direcionada à patógenos e apresentam potencial de uso como bioconservadores naturais de alimentos. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a viabilidade de aplicação de cinco culturas lácticas produtoras de bacteriocinas como bioconservantes em alimentos. Avaliaram-se as propriedades de segurança e probióticas dessas culturas e determinaram-se os parâmetros de produção e purificação parcial das bacteriocinas, bem como os efeitos de fatores limitantes de crescimento (cloreto de sódio e nitrito). Os resultados demonstraram que essas linhagens não possuem atividade de enzimas indicadoras de patogenicidade (termonuclease, -hemolisinas e gelatinases). A tolerância às condições ácidas variou dependendo da linhagem. Lactobacillus plantarum CTC 368 e Enterococcus avium CTC 469 apresentaram maior tolerância a valores de pH 2,0 e 3,0. Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris CTC 204 e Enterococcus avium CTC 483 também apresentaram 100% de sobrevivência a pH 3,0 e, mesmo com uma diminuição da tolerância a pH 2,0, a sobrevivência foi cerca de 80%. Com relação à susceptibilidade aos sais de bile, observou-se que a viabilidade variou entre as linhagens em função da concentração e tempo de incubação. Enterococcus avium CTC 469 e Lactococcus lactis subsp. hordinae CTC 484 foram as mais tolerantes e apresentaram sobrevivência de 57% e 58%, respectivamente. As linhagens mostraram excelente sobrevivência tanto a baixos valores de pH, quanto às concentrações de sais biliares indicando potencial probiótico. As características de crescimento e de produção de bacteriocinas foram semelhantes para todas as linhagens e meios avaliados. A viabilidade aumentou durante o período de incubação e a produção de bacteriocinas mostrou uma cinética de metabólito primário. A suplementação do meio MRS com 1,0% de NaCl e 0,1% de NaNO2, não afetou o crescimento de Lc. lactis subsp. cremoris CTC 204, mas promoveu a redução da atividade da bacteriocina de 42,5% e 17,5%, respectivamente. O crescimento de Lactococcus lactis subsp. hordinae CTC 484 foi afetado com a adição de NaCl e NaNO2 ao meio APT, mas ainda reteve 50% da atividade bacteriocigênica. O espectro de atividade das bacteriocinas variou de acordo com a susceptibilidade da linhagem indicadora, a concentração ou atividade da bacteriocina, a viabilidade e/ou presença das células produtoras e os procedimentos de extração das bacteriocinas. Os resultados revelaram que as bacteriocinas de Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris CTC 204 e Lactococcus. lactis subsp. hordinae CTC 484 promoveram um efeito bactericida contra Staphylococcus aureus. Concluiu-se que essas duas culturas produtoras de bacteriocinas apresentam propriedades para utilização como bioconservantes em alimentos e que estudos mais aprofundados, relacionados com a purificação da bacteriocina e avaliação de seu uso em alimentos, devem ser realizados. / In addition to the technological characteristics of lactic bacteria for the processing of fermented foods, other properties need to be developed and explored, such as bacteriocin production. Several of these protein-based compounds have antimicrobial activities targeted towards pathogens and have a significant potential for use as natural biopreservatives in processed foods. The objective of this study was to evaluate the viability of using five bacteriocin-producing lactic cultures as biopreservatives in foods. The safety and probiotic properties of these cultures were evaluated, followed by the determination of bacteriocin production and purification parameters and the effect of growth-limiting factors (sodium chloride and nitrite). The results demonstrated that these strains do not show activity of marker enzymes of pathogenicity (thermonuclease, - hemolysins and gelatinases). Tolerance to acidic conditions varied depending on the specific strain. Lactobacillus plantarum CTC 368 and Enterococcus avium CTC 469 exhibited greater tolerance to pH values 2,0 and 3,0. Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris CTC 204 and En. avium CTC 483 also presented 100% survival at pH 3,0, and even with reduced tolerance at pH 2,0, the survival rate was 80%. Variation in susceptibility to bile salts was observed between the strains as a function of concentration and incubation time. En. avium CTC 469 and Lactococcus lactis subsp. hordinae CTC 484 were found to be the most tolerant, exhibiting survival rates of 57% and 58%, respectively. The strains demonstrated excellent survival not only at low pH values, but also at high bile salt concentrations, thereby indicating probiotic potential. The growth and bacteriocin-producing characteristics were similar for all the strains and culture media evaluated. Bacterial multiplication increased during the incubation period, while bacteriocin production displayed primary metabolite kinetics. The activity spectrum of the bacteriocins varied with the susceptibility of the indicator strain, the concentration or activity of the bacteriocin, the viability and/or presence of bacteriocinproducing cells and the bacteriocin extraction procedures. The results reveal that the bacteriocins produced by Lc. lactis subsp. cremoris CTC 204 and Lc. lactis subsp. hordinae CTC 484 exerted a bactericidal effect against Staphylococcus aureus. Supplementation of the MRS medium with 1,0% NaCl and 0,1% NaNO2, did not affect the growth of Lc. lactis subsp. cremoris CTC 204, but did reduce by 42,5% and 17,5% the activity of the bacteriocin, respectively. Growth of Lc. lactis subsp. hordinae CTC 484 was affected by the addition of NaCl and NaNO2 to the APT medium, but even so still exerted 50% of its bacteriocinogenic activity. It was concluded that Lc. lactis subsp. cremoris CTC 204 and Lc. lactis subsp. hordinae CTC 484 exhibited adequate properties for use as biopreservatives in foods and that more extensive studies related to the purification of bacteriocins and assessment of their use in foods should be conducted.

É esperado que a produção de combustíveis a partir de resíduos lignocelulósicos alcance representatividade na matriz energética mundial. Neste cenário, leveduras desempenharão importante papel como plataformas microbianas para os processos de conversão dos açúcares derivados da biomassa em etanol (de segunda geração) e em outros produtos de interesse. Apesar dos avanços consideráveis na área, a fermentação de hidrolisados lignocelulósicos ainda apresenta alguns desafios científicos e tecnológicos, como por exemplo, os problemas enfrentados na fermentação devido à presença de diversos inibidores oriundos dos processos de pré-tratamento e hidrólise da biomassa (tais como furaldeídos, compostos fenólicos e ácidos orgânicos). A geração destes inibidores reduz consideravelmente a eficiência da etapa fermentativa, e muitas vezes, inviabiliza o processo como um todo. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho estudou a identificação dos principais compostos lignocelulósicos inibidores na fermentação por leveduras presentes em cinco amostras de hidrolisados industriais. Ácido glicólico e ácido acético, dentre os ácidos orgânicos foram identificados em todas as amostras analisadas. Em relação aos furaldeídos, foram detectados furfural e 5- hidroximetil-furufural (HMF) em todas as amostras analisadas. Os principais e mais abundantes compostos fenólicos identificados pelo sistema foram ácido p-cumárico (em 4 de 5), ácido ferúlico (em 3 de 5) e ácido vanílico (em 3 de 5). Tendo os principais compostos quantificados e identificados, realizou-se um estudo de mínimas e máximas concentrações de alguns destes inibidores em quatro diferentes linhagens laboratoriais e industriais (CEN.PK113-7D, CEN.PK112, SA-1 e JAY270), a fim de verificar a toxicidade dos mesmos frente aos principais parâmetros cinéticos da fermentação (fase lag, µmáx, produção de biomassa e etanol). De forma geral, a linhagem industrial S. cerevisiae SA-1 se mostrou mais tolerante frente às demais linhagens, em praticamente todas as condições analisadas. Visto que a presença de algumas bactérias nas linhas de produção de etanol é sabida, procurou-se verificar a resistência destas na presença dos compostos inibitórios. Ao comparar a resistência frente aos inibidores entre bactérias lácticas e leveduras laboratoriais e industriais, notou-se uma potencial robustez das bactérias frente às leveduras, uma vez que as últimas foram incapazes de crescer no meio de cultivo acrescido de um coquetel de inibidores, enquanto que as bactérias apresentaram crescimento. Por fim, investigou-se a influência conjunta de três compostos inibitórios (ácido acético, HMF e ácido p-cumárico) sobre os principais parâmetros fisiológicos da linhagem SA-1, a mais tolerante das linhagens avaliadas. Assim, através de um delineamento composto central rotacional (DCCR), pode-se analisar estatisticamente os efeitos dos três inibidores, com o qual verificou-se que a maior toxicidade (redução da velocidade específica de crescimento) é exercida pelo HMF. De uma maneira geral, a linhagem SA-1 pode ser considerada uma plataforma microbiana com grande potencial de aplicação na produção de etanol de segunda geração, bem como no estudo das bases moleculares para tolerância aos inibidores oriundos desses processos. / It is expected that the production of fuels from lignocellulosic residues will be representative in the world energy matrix. In this scenario, yeasts will play an important role as microbial platforms for the conversion processes of sugars derived from biomass into ethanol and other products of interest. Despite the considerable advances in the area, the fermentation of lignocellulosic hydrolysates still presents some scientific and technological challenges, such as the problems faced in the fermentation due to the presence of several inhibitors from the processes of pretreatment and hydrolysis of biomass (such as furaldehydes, phenolic compounds and organic acids). The presence of these inhibitors considerably reduces the efficiency of the fermentation step, and often hampers the process itself. In this context, the present work aimed to identify major inhibitory lignocellulosic compounds for yeast fermentation present in five samples of industrial hydrolysates. Glycolic acid and acetic acids were identified in all samples analysed. In relation to furaldehydes, furfural and 5-hydroxymethyl-furfural (HMF) were detected in all samples as well. The major and most abundant phenolic compounds identified were p-coumaric acid (in 4 out of 5 samples), ferulic acid (in 3 out of 5) and vanillic acid (in 3 out of 5). After quantification of these compounds, minimum and maximum concentrations of the major ones were studied in four different laboratory and industrial strains (CEN.PK113-7D, CEN.PK112, SA-1 and JAY270), in order to verify their toxicity against physiological parameters such as elongation of lag phase and growth rate. In general, the S. cerevisiae SA-1 industrial strain was more tolerant in comparison to the other 3 strains for virtually all compounds investigated. Since bacteria is present during fuel ethanol production, , the resistance of these bacteria for the same inhibitory compounds was also evaluated. When comparing the resistance against inhibitors between lactic acid bacteria and yeast strains, a higher robustness of bacteria in relation to yeasts was observed, since yeasts were unable to grow in a medium supplemented with a cocktail of inhibitors, whereas bacteria did grow. Finally, the influence of three inhibitory compounds (acetic acid, HMF and p-coumaric acid) on the main physiological parameters of the strain SA-1, the most tolerant among the strains evaluated, was investigated. Thus, using a rotatable central composite design (RCCD), the effects of the three inhibitors were analysed, and it was found that the highest toxicity (reduction in specific growth rate) is caused by HMF. Overall, SA-1 is a promising platform yeast strain for second generation ethanol production and for understanding strain robustness toward lignocellulosic inhibitory compounds.

Les macrophages associés aux tumeurs (TAM) orchestrent l'inflammation nécessaire à la croissance tumorale (propriétés de type M1) et favorisent les métastases et l'angiogenèse (caractéristiques de type M2). Cependant, la nature des facteurs capables de conférer des propriétés M1 et M2 aux macrophages humains demeure inconnue. L'acide lactique (AL) est un métabolite produit par les cellules tumorales connu pour moduler les fonctions des cellules présentes dans le microenvironnement tumoral. Dans cette étude, nous avons analysé son impact sur la différenciation des monocytes humains. Les résultats montrent que l’AL induit la différentiation des monocytes (cultivées en présence de GM-CSF) en macrophages présentant un phénotype atypique (CD14high CD163high IL-10low IL-12low) et, de manière intéressante, des caractéristiques phénotypiques M1 (production de cytokines inflammatoires) et M2 (production de facteurs de croissance, expression de gènes prototypiques M2). Un profil similaire est obtenu lorsque les monocytes sont cultivés avec des cellules cancéreuses primaires glycolytiques. Ces effets de l'AL sur la polarisation des macrophages nécessitent l'entrée du lactate dans les cellules (via le transporteur MCT-1) et son oxydation en pyruvate et sont médiés par une stabilisation de HIF-1α et une consommation autocrine de M-CSF.Ces résultats (i) identifient l'AL comme un médiateur induisant la génération de macrophages humains présentant des caractéristiques M2 et des propriétés inflammatoires et (ii) renforcent l'intérêt de l’utilisation des inhibiteurs de la glycolyse aérobie pour moduler les fonctions des TAM. / In established tumors, tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) orchestrate unresolving cancer-related inflammation (M1-related properties) and favor tumor development, metastasis and angiogenesis (M2-like properties). However, to date, the nature of the polarization factor(s) able to confer M1 and M2 functional properties to human macrophages remains unknown.Lactic acid (LA), a metabolite produced at high levels in most established tumors, can impact the phenotype and functions of cells present in the tumor microenvironment. In this study, we analyzed the impact of LA on the human monocyte differentiation. Results showed that LA skews monocytes (differentiated in the presence of GM-CSF) into macrophages (GM+LA-Mφ) exhibiting an atypical CD14high CD163high IL-10low IL-12low phenotype. Interestingly they harbor M1 and M2 phenotypic features, as assessed the production of a wide variety of inflammatory and growth factors and the expression of prototypic M2-like genes. A similar profile is induced by culturing monocytes with glycolytic human primary cancer cells. These effects of LA on macrophage polarization require the entry of lactate into the cells (via the monocarboxylate transporter 1) and its oxidation into pyruvate and are mediated via HIF-1α stabilization and autocrine M-CSF consumption by differentiating cells. These results identify tumor-derived LA as a missing link reconciling the M2-like features of TAM with their inflammatory properties. They also reinforce the interest of aerobic glycolysis inhibitors to modulate the functions of TAM.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the survival of non-O157:H7 STEC, Salmonella spp., and S. aureus in dry fermented sausages. Chorizo and Landjager sausages were inoculated with individual bacterial cocktails and stuffed into natural casings. Temperature, relative humidity, pH, and water activity were monitored through fermentation, drying, and storage. Bacterial counts were determined by serial dilution and plated in triplicates on selective media. Plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours and colony forming units per gram (CFU/g) were observed. Results of the first study validate that contaminated raw materials contribute to pathogen survival and background bacteria outcompeted the starter culture. The pH critical limit of < 5.3 was met but there was no pathogen inhibition. Results from the second study confirm that pH and water activity are not enough to eliminate pathogens when post processing interventions are not used. Critical pH (< 5.3) and water activity (< 0.85) limits were met, but pathogens still survived. In chorizo, non-O157:H7 was recovered through enrichments until the end of the study. In landjager, non-O157:H7 STEC and Salmonella were recovered through enrichments until the end of the study.The studies suggest that sausages produced without post processing interventions are a health risk to consumers.

A deficiência de folato é um problema de saúde pública que vem sendo combatido através da fortificação obrigatória de ácido fólico. Entretanto, a ingestão excessiva pode causar efeitos colaterais indesejados. A forma natural da vitamina produzida por algumas cepas de bactérias láticas pode ser uma alternativa segura para aumentar a ingestão de folato pela população. Este trabalho visou selecionar as melhores cepas de BAL produtoras de folato, identificar as melhores condições para a produção da vitamina e avaliar a biodisponibilidade do folato produzido pelas cepas no leite fermentado, empregando-se testes em modelos animais. O estudo foi desenvolvido com cinco cepas de Streptococcus thermophilus (34v, 170v, 268v, 361v e 341 pc) e um cepa de Lactobacillus plantarum (16cv), todas boas produtoras de folato. As condições de produção e a combinação de cepas que resultaram na melhor produção folato foram utilizadas para produzir um leite biofermentado (BFM), avaliando-se a biodisponibilidade da vitamina produzida empregando-se um modelo animal de depleção/repleção, com camundongos Balb/c submetidos a 14 dias de depleção, seguido de 21 dias de repleção da vitamina. Após os 35 dias, os animais foram sacrificados, retirando-se sangue, rins, fígado, baço e intestino para quantificação de folato e avaliação histológica da mucosa intestinal. Todas as quantificações de folato foram feitas pelo método microbiológico. A melhor combinação de cepas (St. Thermophilus 34v + Lb. Plantarum 16cv) resultou na produção de 300 ng/mL de folato, sendo a temperatura de 42ºC melhor que 37ºC para a produção da vitamina. A produção de folato no leite na fermentação em pH controlado 6,0 foi 35% superior à observada no leite fermentado em pH livre. As concentrações de folato no baço e glóbulos vermelhos foram mais altas nos camundongos que ingeriram leite fermentado bioenriquecido (BFM) em relação aos demais grupos de animais. A relação vilosidade/cripta nos camundongos dos grupos BFM foi igual à observada nos animais que receberam leite suplementado com ácido fólico. Houve aumento da hemoglobina, hematócrito e hemácias nos camundongos que ingeriram BFM, evidenciando a bioeficácia do folato produzido. Esses resultados indicam que a produção de folato por bactérias láticas selecionadas em produtos fermentados pode ser uma boa alternativa para aumentar a ingestão de vitamina B9 pela população. / Folate deficiency is a public health problem that has been tackled through mandatory fortification of folic acid. However, excessive intake can cause unwanted side effects. The natural form of the vitamin produced by some strains of lactic acid bacteria (BAL) may be a safe alternative to increase folate intake by the population. The objective of this study was to select the best folate-producing BAL strains, to identify the best conditions for vitamin production and to evaluate the bioavailability of folate produced by the strains in fermented milk, using tests in animal models. The study was carried out with five strains of Streptococcus thermophilus (34v, 170v, 268v, 361v and 341 pc) and a strain of Lactobacillus plantarum (16 cv), all good folate producers. The conditions of production and the combination of strains that resulted in the best folate production were used to produce a biofermented milk (BFM), evaluating the bioavailability of the vitamin produced using a animal model of depletion/repletion with Balb/c mice submitted to 14 days of vitamin depletion, followed by 21 days of repletion. After 35 days, the animals were sacrificed, and blood, kidneys, liver, spleen and intestine were removed for quantification of folate and histological evaluation of the intestinal mucosa. All quantifications of folate were made by the microbiological method. The best combination of strains (St. thermophilus 34v + Lb. plantarum 16cv) resulted in the production of 300 ng / mL folate, the temperature being 42ºC better than 37ºC for vitamin production. The production of folate in milk in fermentation at controlled pH 6.0 was 35% higher than that observed in fermented milk without pH control. The villi/crypt ratio in the mice of the BFM group was the same as in animals receiving milk supplemented with folic acid. There was an increase in hemoglobin, hematocrit and red blood cells in the BFM group, evidencing the bioefficacy of the folate produced. These results indicate that folate production by selected lactic bacteria in fermented products may be a good alternative to increase vitamin B9 intake by the population.

Outgrowth of spoilage yeasts and moulds and post-processing acidification can limit the shelf-life of some fermented dairy products including fresh lactic curd cheeses. The possibility of using high pressure processing (HPP) for controlling these problems was investigated in a commercially manufactured fresh lactic curd cheese (pH 4.3-4.4) and fermented milk models (pH 4.3-6.5). The effects of HPP at 300 and 600 MPa on inactivation of glycolytic enzymes of lactic acid bacteria were also evaluated. Fresh cheeses made from pasteurised bovine milk using a commercial Lactococcus starter preparation were treated with high pressures ranging from 200 to 600 MPa (less than or equal to 22°C, 5 min) under vacuum packaging conditions and subsequently stored at 4°C for 8 weeks. Treatment at greater than or equal to 300 MPa substantially reduced the viable count of Lactococcus and effectively prevented the outgrowth of yeasts and moulds for 6 to 8 weeks without adversely affecting the sensory and textural attributes of the product. However, it had no significant effects (p less than 0.01) on variation of titratable acidity during storage. Fermented milk models were prepared by individually growing Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis C10, Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris BK5, Streptococcus thermophilus TS1, Lactobacillus acidophilus 2400 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus 2517 in UHT skim milk and diluting the resulting fermented milk with UHT skim milk up to pH 6.5. Pressure treatment of the milk models at pH 5.2 resulted in substantial inhibition of post-processing acidification during storage and markedly reduced the viable count of Lactococcus at both 300 and 600 MPa and other bacteria only at 600 MPa. Treatment of the milk model at 600 MPa decreased the viable counts of Candida zeylanoides and Candida lipolytica (wildtype spoilage yeasts of lactic curd cheese, added as challenge cultures) from 105 CFU mL-1 to below the detection limit (log 0 CFU mL-1) at all pH levels tested (pH 4.3-6.5) and effectively controlled their outgrowth for 8 weeks. Treatment of milk model at 300 MPa had a similar effect only on C. zeylanoides. The viable count of C. lipolytica was reduced by 2.6, 2.4 and 2.3 logs by treatment at 300 MPa at pH levels of 4.3, 5.2 and 6.5, respectively, which subsequently recovered by 2.9, 2.8 and 3.2 logs within 3 weeks. Glycolytic enzymes of various starter bacteria showed different responses to pressure treatment. The lactate dehydrogenase in L. lactis subsp. lactis and Lb. acidophilus was quite resistant to pressures up to 600 MPa, but it was almost completely inactivated in S. thermophilus at pressure levels as low as 300 MPa. The â-galactosidase in Lb. acidophilus was more pressure stable than â-galactosidase in S. thermophilus and Phospho-â-galactosidase in L. lactis subsp. lactis. The findings of this study suggests HPP at 300-600 MPa as an effective method for controlling the outgrowth of some spoilage yeasts and moulds in fresh lactic curd cheeses. The results obtained with selected lactic acid bacteria in fermented milk models can be used to assist in establishing HPP operating parameters for development of new generation cultured dairy products, of reduced acidity and extended shelf-life.

Kyoto University (京都大学) / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(農学) / 甲第19046号 / 農博第2124号 / 新制||農||1032 / 31997 / 京都大学大学院農学研究科応用生命科学専攻 / (主査)教授 小川 順, 教授 加納 健司, 教授 植田 充美 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当

D. Tech. Food Technology. / Discusses a range of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria were isolated from functional food products and pharmaceutical preparations and also obtained from culture collections. They were then subjected to phylogenetic analysis for accurate identification and classification and the probiotic properties of the organisms was evaluated. The isolates were then screened for inhibitory activity against a range of pathogenic bacteria and Candida albicans strains. Selected isolates that were found to have the necessary inhibitory and probiotic properties were recommended for inclusion in an envisaged synbiotic, maize-based beverage that would, in a subsequent study, be subjected to a nutritional intervention trial aimed at alleviating oral thrush in human patients. The specific objectives: to investigate and illustrate the superiority of rpoA and pheS gene sequencing compared to 16S rRNA gene sequencing in the identification and phylogenic assignment of Lactobacillus isolates ; to determine the precision of selected protein-coding gene sequencing in comparison with 16S rRNA gene sequencing for the discrimination and phylogenetic analysis of Bifidobacterium isolates ; to investigate the probiotic properties of selected bacterial strains in terms of antibacterial activity, anti-Candida activity, acid resistance, bile tolerance and antibiotic resistance ; to determine the potential of Lactobacillus isolates to inhibit the growth of each of seven Candida albicans strains in fermented maize gruel and to establish the factors contributing to Candida inhibition and to determine the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of intracellular extracts and to elucidate compounds in methanol extracts from selected Lactobacillus strains.