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A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 February 2025 | Viewed by 18763

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Sang-Ho Baik

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Guest Editor

Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, and Fermented Food Research Center, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
Interests: fermentation; food; probiotic; Lactobacillus

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

During the past decade, studies on lactic acid bacteria have accumulated a wealth of useful information on microbial properties, innate immunity, gastrointestinal health, and interaction with the host, which has significantly affected commercial market expansion. However, there are emerging demands for “nest-generation probiotics”, which are regarded to be novel functional LABs with beneficial effects on diverse health problems. Another newly emerging area of lactic acid bacteria is postbiotics defined as a “preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host” by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP). Many fermented products by LABs can produce a range of metabolites that are related to diverse health-promoting effects, even though nothing has been conclusively established.

This Special Issue, entitled "Probiotic and Postbiotic Properties of Lactobacillus", aims to present recent research on any aspect of the novel Lactobacillus derived from diverse sources of natural, animal, and plant origin in addition to their fermented products, in addition to recent research findings on postbiotics. Some of its focal points include, but are not limited to, the following:

Recent scientific findings of novel probiotic properties of Lactobacillus and their effects on human health
Novel techniques to isolate Lactobacillus and the evaluation of their functional properties
Postbiotic properties of Lactobacillus and their functional study
Industrial application of Lactobacillus for preparation of novel functional foods

Reviews, original research, and communications will be welcome.

Prof. Dr. Sang-Ho Baik
Guest Editor

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 3970 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Targeting Inflammation and Skin Aging via the Gut–Skin Axis: The Role of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HY7714-Derived Extracellular Vesicles

by Hayera Lee, Yun-Ha Lee, Dong-Ki Hong, Sung-Jun Mo, Soomin Jeon, Soo-Dong Park, Jae-Jung Shim, Jeong-Lyoul Lee and Jae-Hwan Lee

Microorganisms 2024, 12(12), 2466; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122466 - 30 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1015

Abstract

Intestinal mucosal tissues are prone to infections, often leading to inflammation. Lactic acid bacteria in the gut can modulate these inflammatory responses, but the interaction between host cells and lactic acid bacteria remains unclear. This study examines how Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HY7714 alleviates intestinal inflammation using gut-on-a-chip technology and in vitro models. Inflammation was induced using a gut-on-a-chip, and changes in cell morphology and barrier function were analyzed. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from HY7714-improved intestinal cell structure repaired damage and restored tight junction integrity. Additionally, they attenuated inflammatory cytokines by regulating the MyD88/mTOR/NF-κB signaling pathway. RNA sequencing revealed downregulation of vicinal oxygen chelate (VOC) family proteins and proline aminopeptidase, both linked to inflammation and extracellular matrix interactions in skin health. Therefore, we explored the effects of HY7714 EVs on skin cells. The findings showed that HY7714 EVs reduced cytotoxicity and downregulated metalloproteinase expression in skin cells exposed to UVB radiation, indicating their potential anti-aging and anti-photoaging properties. These findings suggest that HY7714-derived EVs enhance both intestinal and skin health by reducing inflammation and improving barrier function, with potential benefits for the gut–skin axis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotic and Postbiotic Properties of Lactobacillus)

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13 pages, 2902 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285 Reduces Fat Deposition and Oxidative Stress and Increases Lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans

by Samir Bouasker, Sonja Nodland and Mathieu Millette

Microorganisms 2024, 12(6), 1036; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12061036 - 21 May 2024

Viewed by 1563

Abstract

Caenorhabditis elegans was recently shown to be a powerful model for studying and identifying probiotics with specific functions. Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, Lacticaseibacillus casei LBC80R, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CLR2, which are three bacteria that were marketed by Bio-K+, were evaluated using the nematode C. elegans to study fat accumulation, lifespan, and resistance to oxidative stress. Although the general effects of probiotics in terms of protection against oxidative stress were highlighted, the CL1285 strain had an interesting and specific feature, namely its ability to prevent fat accumulation in nematodes; this effect was verified by both the Oil Red and Nile Red methods. This observed phenotype requires daf-16 and is affected by glucose levels. In addition, in a daf-16- and glucose-dependent manner, CL1285 extended the lifespan of C. elegans; this effect was unique to CL1285 and not found in the other L. acidophilus subtypes in this study. Our findings indicate that L. acidophilus CL1285 impacts fat/glucose metabolism in C. elegans and provides a basis to further study this probiotic, which could have potential health benefits in humans and/or in mammals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotic and Postbiotic Properties of Lactobacillus)

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19 pages, 2842 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modulation of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Function Fed Different Postbiotics and a Probiotic from Lactobacilli

by Mark Rawling, Marion Schiavone, Amélie Mugnier, Eric Leclercq, Daniel Merrifield, Andrew Foey and Emmanuelle Apper

Microorganisms 2023, 11(12), 2900; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11122900 - 30 Nov 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2279

Abstract

It is generally accepted that microbes play a critical role in maintaining gut barrier function, making them ideal to target in order to mitigate the effects of intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease with specialist supplementations such as probiotic or postbiotic preparations. In this study, specific strains of Lactobacillus helvictus both live and inactivated and Lactobacillus plantarum inactivated were fed to zebrafish at an inclusion level of 6 × 10⁶ cells/g in order to assess the effects on gut barrier function and protection. Taken together, our results indicate that dietary administration of pro- or postbiotics strengthens the gut barrier function and innate immunity of healthy zebrafish in a strain-specific and process-dependent way. With some differences in the response intensity, the three treatments led to increased intestinal villi length and proportion of IELs, reinforcement of the GC population and up-regulated expression of biomarkers of AMP production and tight junction zona-occludin 2a (zo-2a). In addition, LPPost had an impact on the adaptive immune response, and we hypothesized that it conferred the potential to drive Th17/ILC3 immunity, as suggested by its effect on the gene expression of il22, of different AMPs, and the expression of zo2a. Moreover, LPPost showed the potential to drive Th1/ILC1-like immunity, with a higher percentage of CD8⁺ cells and higher ifnγ gene expression. In summary, the use of inactivated Lactobacilli species in this study represented a promising strategy for improving barrier function and regulating the immune fate of the intestinal mucosa in a strain-specific way. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotic and Postbiotic Properties of Lactobacillus)

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17 pages, 1562 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immune-Stimulating Potential of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LM1019 in RAW 264.7 Cells and Immunosuppressed Mice Induced by Cyclophosphamide

by Yeji You, Sung-Hwan Kim, Chul-Hong Kim, In-Hwan Kim, YoungSup Shin, Tae-Rahk Kim, Minn Sohn and Jeseong Park

Microorganisms 2023, 11(9), 2312; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11092312 - 13 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1730

Abstract

Probiotics, including Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus), have gained recognition for their potential health benefits, such as enhancing immune function, maintaining gut health, and improving nutrient absorption. This study investigated the effectiveness of L. rhamnosus LM1019 (LM1019) in enhancing immune function. In RAW 264.7 cells, LM1019 demonstrated dose-dependent immune stimulation by increasing nitric oxide production, gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). These effects were mediated through the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) translocation without inducing cytotoxicity. Furthermore, orally administered LM1019 was evaluated in immunosuppressed mice induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX). High-dose administration of LM1019 significantly increased the subpopulations of lymphocytes, specifically helper T cells (CD4⁺), as well as two subtypes of natural killer (NK) cells, namely, IFN-γ⁺ and granzyme B⁺ NK cells. Additionally, LM1019 at a high dose led to elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including IFN-γ and IL-12, compared to CTX-treated mice. These findings highlight the potential of LM1019 in enhancing the immune system. The study contributes to the growing body of research on the beneficial effects of probiotics on immune function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotic and Postbiotic Properties of Lactobacillus)

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29 pages, 5883 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Structure Analysis of the Multi-Domain, Cell Envelope Proteases of Lactic Acid Bacteria

by Lise Friis Christensen, Magnus Haraldson Høie, Claus Heiner Bang-Berthelsen, Paolo Marcatili and Egon Bech Hansen

Microorganisms 2023, 11(9), 2256; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11092256 - 8 Sep 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1829

Abstract

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have an extracellular proteolytic system that includes a multi-domain, cell envelope protease (CEP) with a subtilisin homologous protease domain. These CEPs have different proteolytic activities despite having similar protein sequences. Structural characterization has previously been limited to CEP homologs of dairy- and human-derived LAB strains, excluding CEPs of plant-derived LAB strains. CEP structures are a challenge to determine experimentally due to their large size and attachment to the cell envelope. This study aims to clarify the prevalence and structural diversity of CEPs by using the structure prediction software AlphaFold 2. Domain boundaries are clarified based on a comparative analysis of 21 three-dimensional structures, revealing novel domain architectures of CEP homologs that are not necessarily restricted to specific LAB species or ecological niches. The C-terminal flanking region of the protease domain is divided into fibronectin type-III-like domains with various structural traits. The analysis also emphasizes the existence of two distinct domains for cell envelope attachment that are preceded by an intrinsically disordered cell wall spanning domain. The domain variants and their combinations provide CEPs with different stability, proteolytic activity, and potentially adhesive properties, making CEPs targets for steering proteolytic activity with relevance for both food development and human health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotic and Postbiotic Properties of Lactobacillus)

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13 pages, 1396 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Probiotic Properties of Pediococcus pentosaceus JBCC 106 and Its Lactic Acid Fermentation on Broccoli Juice

by Sang-Kyu Park, Hao Jin, Nho-Eul Song and Sang-Ho Baik

Microorganisms 2023, 11(8), 1920; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11081920 - 28 Jul 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2486

Abstract

To understand the biological roles of Pediococcus pentosaceus strains as probiotics isolated from the traditional Korean fermented food, Jangajji, Pediococcus pentosaceus was selected based on its high cinnamoyl esterase (CE) and antioxidant activities. The acid and bile stability, intestinal adhesion, antagonistic activity against human pathogens, cholesterol-lowering effects, and immune system stimulation without inflammatory effects were evaluated. Nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured in co-culture with various bacterial stimulants. Fermentation ability was measured by using a broccoli matrix and the sulforaphane levels were measured. Resistance to acidic and bilious conditions and 8% adherence to Caco-2 cells were observed. Cholesterol levels were lowered by 51% by assimilation. Moreover, these strains exhibited immunomodulatory properties with induction of macrophage TNF-α and IL-6 and had microstatic effects on various pathogens. Co-culture with various bacterial stimulants resulted in increased NO production. Fermentation activity was increased with the strains, and higher sulforaphane levels were observed. Therefore, in the future, the applicability of the selected strain to broccoli matrix-based fermented functional foods should be confirmed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotic and Postbiotic Properties of Lactobacillus)

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15 pages, 11618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oral Administration of Lactobacillus sakei CVL-001 Improves Recovery from Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice by Microbiota Modulation

by Dong-Yeon Kim, Tae-Sung Lee, Do-Hyeon Jung, Eun-Jung Song, Ah-Ra Jang, Ji-Yeon Park, Jae-Hun Ahn, In-Su Seo, Seung-Ju Song, Yeong-Jun Kim, Yun-Ji Lee, Yeon-Ji Lee and Jong-Hwan Park

Microorganisms 2023, 11(5), 1359; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11051359 - 22 May 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2809

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an intestinal chronic inflammatory disease, and its incidence is steadily increasing. IBD is closely related to the intestinal microbiota, and probiotics are known to be a potential therapeutic agent for IBD. In our study, we evaluated the protective effect of Lactobacillus sakei CVL-001, isolated from Baechu kimchi, on dextran sulfated sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. The oral administration of L. sakei CVL-001 according to the experimental schedule alleviated weight loss and disease activity in the mice with colitis. Furthermore, the length and histopathology of the colon improved. The expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β genes decreased in the colons of mice that were administered L. sakei CVL-001, whereas that of IL-10 increased. The expressions of genes coding for E-cadherin, claudin3, occludin, and mucin were also restored. In co-housed conditions, L. sakei CVL-001 administration did not improve disease activity, colon length, and histopathology. Microbiota analysis revealed that L. sakei CVL-001 administration increased the abundance of microbiota and altered Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, and decreased Proteobacteria. In conclusion, L. sakei CVL-001 administration protects mice from DSS-induced colitis by regulating immune response and intestinal integrity via gut microbiota modulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotic and Postbiotic Properties of Lactobacillus)

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17 pages, 3755 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gochujang Ameliorates Hepatic Inflammation by Improving Dysbiosis of Gut Microbiota in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

by Eun-Ji Lee, Olivet Chiamaka Edward, Eun-Bi Seo, Eun-Gyung Mun, Su-Ji Jeong, Gwangsu Ha, Anna Han and Youn-Soo Cha

Microorganisms 2023, 11(4), 911; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11040911 - 31 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2529

Abstract

Abnormal fat accumulation with gut microbiota dysbiosis results in hepatic inflammation by upregulating the release of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and inflammatory cytokine. Gochujang, a traditional fermented condiment, has beneficial effects, such as anti-colonic inflammatory effects. However, Gochujang has been controversial because of its high salt content (the Korean Paradox). Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the preventative effects of Gochujang on hepatic inflammation and related gut microbiota through discussing the Korean Paradox. The mice were divided into groups including a normal diet (ND), high-fat diet (HD), HD with salt (SALT), HD with a high percentage of beneficial microbiota Gochujang (HBM), and HD with diverse beneficial microbiota Gochujang (DBM). Gochujang markedly reduced lipid accumulation, hepatic injury, and inflammation response. Furthermore, Gochujang attenuated protein expression involved in the JNK/IκB/NF-κB pathway. Additionally, Gochujang regulated the gut microbiota-derived LPS production and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Gochujang regulated the levels of gut microbiota such as Bacteroides, Muribaculum, Lactobacillus, and Enterorhabdus, which were correlated with hepatic inflammation. Salt did not have foregoing effects, meaning that the salt content in Gochujang did not affect its anti-inflammatory effect. In conclusion, Gochujang showed anti-hepatic inflammation effects via reduced lipid accumulation, hepatic injury, and inflammatory response together with reorganization of gut microbiota dysbiosis regardless of salt content and the difference of micro bacteria composition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotic and Postbiotic Properties of Lactobacillus)

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Review

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12 pages, 269 KiB

Open AccessReview

Importance of Lactobacilli for Human Health

by Piotr B. Heczko, Milena Giemza, Weronika Ponikiewska and Magdalena Strus

Microorganisms 2024, 12(12), 2382; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122382 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1131

Abstract

As an extraordinarily diverse group of bacteria, lactobacilli are now classified into several genera, many of which still include “Lactobacillus” in their names. Despite their names, this group of lactic acid bacteria comprises microorganisms that are crucial for human health, especially during the early development of the human microbiota and immune system. The interactions between lactobacilli and components of the mucosal immunity lead to its shaping and development, which is possibly considered a prime mover in the advancement of the human immune system. Although much of the evidence backing the pivotal role of lactobacilli in maintaining human health comes from studies on probiotics aiming to elucidate the mechanisms of their functional activities and studies on mucosal immunity in germ-free mice, it is justifiable to extend observations on the properties of the individual probiotic Lactobacillus that are related to health benefits onto other strains sharing common characteristics of the species. In this review, we will discuss the acquisition, presence, and functions of lactobacilli in different human microbiota throughout their whole life, including those arising in the amnion and their interactions with mucosal and immune cells. Examples of immune system modulation by probiotic lactobacilli include their colonic competition for available nutrients, interference with colonization sites, competition for binding sites on gut epithelial cells, bacteriocin production, reduction of colonic pH, and nonspecific stimulation of the immune system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotic and Postbiotic Properties of Lactobacillus)

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