Projects / Programmes
Probiotske lastnosti sevov Lactobacillus (Slovene)
Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
4.02.04 |
Biotechnical sciences |
Animal production |
Processing of animal raw materials |
Code |
Science |
Field |
T490 |
Technological sciences |
Biotechnology |
B230 |
Biomedical sciences |
Microbiology, bacteriology, virology, mycology |
lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus, bacteriocins, probiotics, genetic characterization, immunization, immune response
Researchers (7)
Abstract
The antimicrobial activities of Lactobacillus strains have been known long ago and recognised as important in food fermentations, food preservation and intestinal ecology. The general nutritious effect is scientifically well established and documented but a considerable amount of doubt or scepticism exists in relation to various prophylactic and therapeutic claims attributed to probiotic preparations. The main goal of proposed research is determination of possible probiotic properties of Lactobacillus acidophilus LF221 and other new interesting isolates. Lactobacillus acidophilus LF221 strain was proven to be bacteriocinogenic, to have a wide spectra of antimicrobial activity, to survive at low pH and in the presence of bile salts. Two yet non-described bacteriocins were isolated, their N-terminal amino-acid sequences were determined and partial characterization of the genes was done. According to the results obtained so far, we assume that both LF221 bacteriocins are novel representatives of the II. class of bacteriocins. Prior it’s commercial use the immunological effects have to be assessed as well. Therefore, the effect of the bacteriocins producing LF221 (bac+) and its mutant (bac-) on the specific immune response in NIH mice was studied. The highest levels of specific anti-lactobacilli IgG and IgM antibodies after intraperitoneal immunisation were detected in mice immunised with viable cells of the strain LF221 (bac+). LF 221 does not evoke the specific humoral immune response after oral application and is as such suitable for probiotic application. Genetic characterization, tracing of the strain in intestinal tract and study of its antibiotic sensitivity are in progress.