Amylolytic lactic acid bacteria in fish silage

An ∝aL-amylase activity has been observed in lactic acid bacteria occurring initially in fermented fish silage. The organisms belong to the genus Leuconostoc . The main fraction of the amylolytic enzyme produced by one of the isolated bacteria is cell-bound and is released into the medium at a late stage of growth. Treating cells with ultrasound or Triton X-100 increases enzyme activity in the culture filtrate. The pH range for enzyme activity is 5.0–7.0, with an optimum at pH 6.0. The enzyme is extremely labile at pH 8.0 and is inactivated at temperatures above 50°C at pH 5.8. Two enzyme fractions were found by isoelectric focusing, the main one at pH 5.00 and another at pH 4.5. Chromatography on DEAE cellulose gave two active peaks.     

Criteria for lactic acid bacteria screening to enhance silage quality

The main challenge of ensiling is conserving the feed through a fermentative process that results in high nutritional and microbiological quality while minimizing fermentative losses. This challenge is of growing interest to farmers, industry and research and involves the use of additives to improve the fermentation process and preserve the ensiled material. Most studies involved microbial additives; lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been the focus of much research and have been widely used. Currently, LABs are used in modern and sustainable agriculture because of their considerable potential for enhancing human and animal health. Although the number of studies evaluating LABs in silages has increased, the potential use of these micro-organisms in association with silage has not been adequately studied. Fermentation processes using the same strain produce very different results depending on the unique characteristics of the substrate, so the choice of silage inoculant for different starting substrates is of extreme importance to maximize the nutritional quality of the final product. This review describes the current scenario of the bioprospecting and selection process for choosing the best LAB strain as an inoculant for ensiling. In addition, we analyse developments in the fermentation process and strategies and methods that will assist future studies on the selection of new strains of LAB as a starter culture or inoculant.     

Growth and survival of lactic acid bacteria in lucerne silage

A rifampicin-resistant variant of two strains of Lactobacillus plantarum, one strain of Pediococcus acidilactici, and one strain of Enterococcus faecium were used for the experimental production of lucerne silage. Laboratory silage without inoculants served as a control. Counts of total anaerobes, total lactic acid bacteria (LAB), lactobacilli, pediococci, and enterococci were determined on days 14, 21, 30, 49, and 60 of lucerne fermentation. LAB dominated in silage microflora, reaching a percentage between 59 and 95 % of total anaerobes. Lactobacilli were found as a predominant group of LAB during the whole study. Lactobacilli reached numbers 8.74 log CFU/g in treated silage and 8.89 log CFU/g in the control at the first observation. Their counts decreased to 4.23 and 4.92 log CFU/g in treated silage and the control, respectively, on day 63 of fermentation. Similar decreases were observed in all bacterial groups. The treated silage samples possessed lower pH (4.2 vs. 4.5 in control samples) and contained more lactic acid compared to control silage. The identity of re-isolated rifampicin-resistant bacteria with those inoculated to the lucerne was evaluated by fingerprinting techniques. The fingerprint profiles of re-isolated bacteria corresponded to the profiles of strains used for the treatment. It could be concluded that supplemented LAB dominated in laboratory silage and overgrew naturally occurring LAB.     

A survey of lactic acid bacteria in Italian silage

G razia , L. & S uzzi , G. 1984. A survey of lactic acid bacteria in Italian silage. Journal of Applied Bacteriology 56 , 373–379.
Lactic acid bacteria, isolated from Italian ensiled products, were represented by strains of the genera Lactobacillus and Leuconostoc . The predominant strains were heterofermentative lactobacilli, with Lactobacillus buchneri being the most frequent. Among homofermentative lactic acid bacteria, strains of Lact. plantarum and Lact. casei were recovered. Almost all strains utilized malic acid and showed good acid-tolerance, but only some of them were able to metabolize malic acid at extremely low pH; these were five homofermentative lactobacilli (4 Lact. plantarum and 1 Lacr. casei var. casei ) and two heterofermentative lactobacilli ( Lact. cellobiosus and Lactobacillus sp.).     

Metabolite profiles of lactic acid bacteria in grass silage

The metabolite production of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on silage was investigated. The aim was to compare the production of antifungal metabolites in silage with the production in liquid cultures previously studied in our laboratory. The following metabolites were found to be present at elevated concentrations in silos inoculated with LAB strains: 3-hydroxydecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic acid, benzoic acid, catechol, hydrocinnamic acid, salicylic acid, 3-phenyllactic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, (trans, trans)-3,4-dihydroxycyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid, p-hydrocoumaric acid, vanillic acid, azelaic acid, hydroferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, hydrocaffeic acid, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid. Among these metabolites, the antifungal compounds 3-phenyllactic acid and 3-hydroxydecanoic acid were previously isolated in our laboratory from liquid cultures of the same LAB strains by bioassay-guided fractionation. It was concluded that other metabolites, e.g., p-hydrocoumaric acid, hydroferulic acid, and p-coumaric acid, were released from the grass by the added LAB strains. The antifungal activities of the identified metabolites in 100 mM lactic acid were investigated. The MICs against Pichia anomala, Penicillium roqueforti, and Aspergillus fumigatus were determined, and 3-hydroxydecanoic acid showed the lowest MIC (0.1 mg ml(-1) for two of the three test organisms).     

Simple method for extracting plasmid DNA from lactic acid bacteria

Rapid screening and large-scale plasmid DNA isolation procedures are described for lactic acid bacteria, using glass beads to break cells. The rapid screening procedure allows one to obtain plasmid DNA pellets in less than 1 h. This method has been successfully tested on various bacteria from the genera Lactococcus, Leuconostoc, Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus and Propionibacterium. This procedure yields plasmid DNA with minor chromosomal and plasmid DNA-degraded form contaminations.     

The survival of silage inoculant lactic acid bacteria in rumen fluid

AIMS: To determine whether lactic acid bacteria (LAB) used in inoculants for silage can survive in rumen fluid (RF), and to identify those that survive best. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twelve commercial silage inoculants were added at 107 CFU ml-1 to strained RF (SRF) taken from dairy cows, with and without 5 g l-1 glucose and incubated in vitro at 39 degrees C. Changes in pH, LAB numbers and fermentation products were monitored for 72 h. In the inoculated RF with glucose, the pH decreased and numbers of LAB increased. The inoculants varied with regard to their effect on pH change and growth. In the SRF, both with and without glucose, the pH values of the inoculated samples were generally higher than those of the uninoculated controls throughout most of the incubation period. This may suggest a positive effect on the rumen environment. CONCLUSIONS: LAB used in silage inoculants can survive in RF in vitro. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first step in studying the probiotic potential of silage LAB inoculants for dairy cattle. The survival of these LAB in RF may enable them to interact with rumen microorganisms and to affect rumen functionality.     

DNA-DNA homology, physiological characteristics and distribution of lactic acid bacteria isolated from maize silage

Lactic acid bacteria represent a dynamic bacterial group in maize silages. their establishment, variations and characterization have been studied by investigating 22 samples taken at different times during the ensilage process. After a preliminary screening based on physiological characteristics, 100 of 229 strains isolated were chosen for further taxonomic investigation. Twenty-nine strains of homo-fermentative lactobacilli were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum, L. casei and L. coryniformis subsp. coryniformis ; 24 heterofermentative strains were allotted to the species L. buchneri, L. brevis, L. fermentum and Leuconostoc paramesenteroides ; 22 coccal strains were assigned to Pediococcus pentosaceus and P. acidilactici and 25 coccal strains were identified as Enterococcus faecium, Streptococcus lactis and Strep. bovis. A few strains remained unidentified.     

Heteropolysaccharides from lactic acid bacteria

Microbial exopolysaccharides are biothickeners that can be added to a wide variety of food products, where they serve as viscosifying, stabilizing, emulsifying or gelling agents. Numerous exopolysaccharides with different composition, size and structure are synthesized by lactic acid bacteria. The heteropolysaccharides from both mesophilic and thermophilic lactic acid bacteria have received renewed interest recently. Structural analysis combined with rheological studies revealed that there is considerable variation among the different exopolysaccharides; some of them exhibit remarkable thickening and shear-thinning properties and display high intrinsic viscosities. Hence, several slime-producing lactic acid bacterium strains and their biopolymers have interesting functional and technological properties, which may be exploited towards different products, in particular, natural fermented milks. However, information on the biosynthesis, molecular organization and fermentation conditions is rather scarce, and the kinetics of exopolysaccharide formation are poorly described. Moreover, the production of exopolysaccharides is low and often unstable, and their downstream processing is difficult. This review particularly deals with microbiological, biochemical and technological aspects of heteropolysaccharides from, and their production by, lactic acid bacteria. The chemical composition and structure, the biosynthesis, genetics and molecular organization, the nutritional and physiological aspects, the process technology, and both food additive and in situ applications (in particular in yogurt) of heterotype exopolysaccharides from lactic acid bacteria are described. Where appropriate, suggestions are made for strain improvement, enhanced productivities and advanced modification and production processes (involving enzyme and/or fermentation technology) that may contribute to the economic soundness of applications with this promising group of biomolecules.     

Current approaches on the roles of lactic acid bacteria in crop silage

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) play pivotal roles in the preservation and fermentation of forage crops in spontaneous or inoculated silages. Highlights of silage LAB over the past decades include the discovery of the roles of LAB in silage bacterial communities and metabolism and the exploration of functional properties. The present article reviews published literature on the effects of LAB on the succession, structure, and functions of silage microbial communities involved in fermentation. Furthermore, the utility of functional LAB in silage preparation including feruloyl esterase-producing LAB, antimicrobial LAB, lactic acid bacteria with high antioxidant potential, pesticide-degrading LAB, lactic acid bacteria producing 1,2-propanediol, and low-temperature-tolerant LAB have been described. Compared with conventional LAB, functional LAB produce different effects; specifically, they positively affect animal performance, health, and product quality, among others. In addition, the metabolic profiles of ensiled forages show that plentiful probiotic metabolites with but not limited to antimicrobial, antioxidant, aromatic, and anti-inflammatory properties are observed in silage. Collectively, the current knowledge on the roles of LAB in crop silage indicates there are great opportunities to develop silage not only as a fermented feed but also as a vehicle of delivery of probiotic substances for animal health and welfare in the future.     

An investigation into the sources of lactic acid bacteria in grass silage

During the 1983 silage making season an investigation was carried out to determine the contribution made by farm machinery to the numbers of lactic acid bacteria present on grass. Although no lactic acid bacteria were isolated from the standing crop, up to 10³/g were found in the grass as it entered the clamp. Examination of machinery in close contact with the grass revealed lactic acid bacteria on the mower blades and on the forks of the rough-terrain vehicle used to pack the grass into the clamp. During the 1984 season the occurrence of lactic acid bacteria in particular batches of grass from the standing crop through to silage after 2 d in the clamp was studied. There was a gradual increase in numbers of lactic acid bacteria in the grass during the process of mowing and collection. Wilting resulted in a greater initial increase in numbers but non-wilted silage had the highest count after 48 h. The majority of organisms isolated from machinery before silage making were streptococci. After silage making the number and proportions of organisms changed, with numbers increasing in all cases, particularly from the mower with lactobacilli and streptococci predominating which indicates that passage through the machinery served to inoculate the grass.     

青藏高原乳酸菌对垂穗披碱草青贮饲料发酵品质的影响

摘要:【目的】为了探究青藏高原乳酸菌对垂穗披碱草发酵品质的影响。【方法】本试验将3株从青藏高原垂穗披碱草(Elymus nutans Griseb.)中筛选的耐低温乳酸菌(戊糖片球菌PP-6,植物乳杆菌LP-2和清酒乳杆菌LS-5)作为添加剂加入垂穗披碱草进行青贮,同时对其生理生化特性进行研究,并以低海拔条件下分离得到的相同菌种的商品化乳酸菌制剂为对照,研究所筛选的3 株优良乳酸菌在低温(15 ℃)和常温条件(25 ℃)下对垂穗披碱草青贮饲料发酵品质的影响。【结果】试验结果表明,在碳源利用方面,分离得到的戊糖片球菌PP-6(Pediococcus pentosaceus)发酵棉子糖、乳糖、山梨醇、蜜二糖和蔗糖,清酒乳杆菌LS-5(lactobacillus sakei)可发酵棉子糖、苦杏仁苷、鼠李糖、乳糖、山梨醇、木糖、阿拉伯糖、蜜二糖和蔗糖,而相同菌种的商品菌均不能利用,表明高原乳酸菌具有更广泛的糖源利用特性。将筛选得到的3株低温生长优良菌株进行青藏高原垂穗披碱草青贮发酵试验,青贮50 d后,与对照的商品菌处理相比,在15 ℃时,清酒乳杆菌LS-5显著降低了青贮饲料pH值、丙酸含量和氨态氮/全氮值(P＜0.05),且能够保存更多的水溶性碳水化合物和粗蛋白;植物乳杆菌LP-2(lactobacillus plantarum)和戊糖片球菌PP-6作为复合添加剂显著提高了青贮饲料乳酸含量(P＜0.05),显著降低了氨态氮/全氮值和中性洗涤纤维含量(P＜0.05),能够保存更多的粗蛋白。但在25 ℃时,此3株菌与对照菌种相比均无明显优势。【结论】上述结果表明,从青藏高原分离筛选的3株菌种在低温条件下可有效提高青藏高原垂穗披碱草青贮饲料的发酵品质。     

葡萄藤叶青贮中乳酸菌的分离与鉴定

为了筛选出性状优良的乳酸菌菌株,本试验以实验室纯培养方式从葡萄藤叶自然发酵的青贮中分离鉴定乳酸菌。经过菌落形态、细胞形态、生理生化鉴定和16S r DNA基因序列以及系统发育树的分析,从葡萄藤叶青贮中分离出5株乳酸菌,其中菌株P-1. 2和P-2. 2为戊糖乳杆菌(Lactobacillus pentosus),菌株P-1. 7为戊糖片球菌(Pediococcus pentosaceus),菌株P-2. 1为粪肠球菌(Enterococcus faecium),菌株P-2. 3为短乳杆菌(Lactobacillus brevis)。测定产酸速率和生长速率,发现菌株P-2. 1的产酸能力和生长性能最好。     

Development of lactic acid bacteria during early stages of fermentation in fish silage

Summary The development of various lactic acid bacteria during the early stages of fermentation (1–6 days after ensiling) in fish silage was studied. The first type of organisms that grew fastest was the oval cocci (most of them resembledLeuconostoc mesenteroides andStreptococcus lactis) followed by round cocci (mostlyS. faecalis). The number of oval cocci increased rapidly one day after ensiling and then decreased after 2–3 days. The round cocci increased first after 2–3 days and then decreased slowly after 4–5 days. Lactobacilli began to increase in number (more than 10¹⁰ per g silage) first after 6 days. Thus the pH in the silage was mainly lowered by the action of streptococci. Also in MRS medium the pH was more rapidly lowered byS. faecalis than byLactobacillus plantarum and other rods.     

Exploiting expolysaccharides from lactic acid bacteria

Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) synthesized by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) play a major role in the manufacturing of fermented dairy products. EPS production is characterized by a large variety in terms of quantity, chemical composition, molecular size, charge, type of sidechains and rigidity of the molecules. Monosaccharide unit's composition, linkages, charge and size determine the EPS' intrinsic properties and their interactions with other milk constituents. EPSs contribute to texture, mouthfeel, taste perception and stability of the final product. Furthermore, it was reported that EPS from food grade organisms, particularly LAB, have potential as food additives and as functional food ingredients with both health and economic benefits. A better understanding of structure-function relationships of EPS in a dairy food matrix and of EPS biosynthesis remain two major challenges for further applications of EPS and the engineering of functional polysaccharides.