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Microorganisms
Special Issues
Beneficial Microbes: Food, Mood and Beyond
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Beneficial Microbes: Food, Mood and Beyond

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2023) | Viewed by 20822

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mohamed Zommiti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Research Unit Bacterial Communication and Anti-infectious Strategies (UR CBSA), University of Rouen Normandie, 27000 Evreux, France
Interests: food microbiology; beneficial microbes; gut microbiota; probiotics; bacteriocins; Organ-On-Chip; microfluidics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Mounir Ferchichi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Unité de Protéomique Fonctionnelle et Potentiel Nutraceutique de la Biodiversité de Tunisie, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1006, Tunisia
Interests: lactic acid bacteria; probiotics; bacteriocins; cloning; NGS
Prof. Dr. Marc G. J. Feuilloley

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Research Unit Bacterial Communication and Anti-infectious Strategies (UR CBSA), University of Rouen Normandie, 27000 Evreux, France
Interests: bacterial communication; bacterial virulence; skin-bacteria-cosmetics interactions; endocrine microbiology; cutaneous microbiota
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With trillions of microorganisms of all kinds—bacteria, yeasts, fungi, archaea, protozoa, and even viruses—living on our skin and mucosal tissues, the human microbiota, as the most outstanding reservoir for such diversity, has recently been considered a “functional organism”—an unquestionable efficient ecosystem associated with the body. In both animals and humans, gut microbiota is crucially implicated in metabolism, immune tolerance, and nutrient absorption, inside and outside of the gut. However, any type of imbalance of gut microbiota, also known as “dysbiosis”, generated by diet, use of antibiotics, or infections, can be detrimental to host equilibrium, leading to intestinal and extra-intestinal ailments and disorders. To surmount such hurdles and to alleviate these critical burdens, the use of beneficial microbes of all kinds and bioactive ingredients—encompassing pre-, pro-, post-, para- and psycho-biotics, Bacillus sp. species and even several yeasts—seem to be the solution of tomorrow in the face of chemicals, synthetic pharmaceuticals, and antibiotics. The aforementioned prefixes, when directly related to the term ‘biotics’, have led to different definitions of beneficial microbes, ingredients and compounds that have beneficially colonized and affected all fields and facets of life, reflecting a wide range of trends, propensities and applications. The latter have impacted and continue to impact humans as well as animals. In this Special Issue, we aim to shed light on the various faces of beneficial microbes and their positive interference in nutrition, pharmaceuticals, biomedical investigation, and even psychological areas through their probiotic potential and their antimicrobial compounds and bioactive peptides. We will also discuss the safety of such microorganisms, their safety in terms of secure use in food, in modulating mood, their interference with pathogens in the presence of neurotransmitters, and their efficiency at the clinical investigation level or even at commercial scale. Herein, every single feature of the probiotics realm will be examined—encompassing food, mood and beyond—a task that is not yet completed. Involvement 

Dr. Mohamed Zommiti
Dr. Mounir Ferchichi
Prof. Dr. Marc G.J. Feuilloley
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • prebiotics
  • probiotics
  • postbiotics
  • parabiotics
  • psycho-biotics
  • food
  • mood
  • benefactions
  • safety
  • antibiotics
  • neurotransmitters
  • humans
  • animals

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 192 KiB  
Editorial
“Beneficial Microbes: Food, Mood and Beyond”—Editorial and the Perspectives of Research
by Mohamed Zommiti, Mounir Ferchichi and Marc G. J. Feuilloley
Microorganisms 2023, 11(4), 1014; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11041014 - 13 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2471
Abstract
Amongst the list of beneficial microbes, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Bifidobacterium sp [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Microbes: Food, Mood and Beyond)

Research

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16 pages, 3366 KiB  
Article
Development of Value-Added Butter by Incorporating Whey Protein Hydrolysate-Encapsulated Probiotics
by Kritika Gaba, Sanjeev Anand and Athira Syamala
Microorganisms 2023, 11(5), 1139; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11051139 - 27 Apr 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1826
Abstract
The probiotic foods market is growing exponentially; however, probiotics’ survivability and interaction with product attributes pose major challenges. A previous study of our lab developed a spray-dried encapsulant utilizing whey protein hydrolysate-maltodextrin and probiotics with high viable counts and enhanced bioactive properties. Viscous [...] Read more.
The probiotic foods market is growing exponentially; however, probiotics’ survivability and interaction with product attributes pose major challenges. A previous study of our lab developed a spray-dried encapsulant utilizing whey protein hydrolysate-maltodextrin and probiotics with high viable counts and enhanced bioactive properties. Viscous products such as butter could be suitable carriers for such encapsulated probiotics. The objective of the current study was to standardize this encapsulant in salted and unsalted butter, followed by storage stability studies at 4 °C. Butter was prepared at a lab-scale level, and the encapsulant was added at 0.1% and 1%, followed by physiochemical and microbiological characterization. Analyses were conducted in triplicates, and means were differentiated (p < 0.05). The viability of probiotic bacteria and the physicochemical characteristics of the butter samples with 1% encapsulant were significantly higher as compared to 0.1%. Furthermore, the 1% encapsulated probiotics butter variant showed a relatively higher stability of probiotics ratio (LA5 and BB12) than the control with unencapsulated probiotics during storage conditions. Although the acid values increased along with a mixed trend of hardness, the difference was insignificant. This study thus provided a proof of concept for incorporating encapsulated probiotics in salted and unsalted butter samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Microbes: Food, Mood and Beyond)
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16 pages, 4049 KiB  
Article
Screening for Antifungal Indigenous Lactobacilli Strains Isolated from Local Fermented Milk for Developing Bioprotective Fermentates and Coatings Based on Acid Whey Protein Concentrate for Fresh Cheese Quality Maintenance
by Agne Vasiliauskaite, Justina Mileriene, Beatrice Kasparaviciene, Elvidas Aleksandrovas, Epp Songisepp, Ida Rud, Lars Axelsson, Sandra Muizniece-Brasava, Inga Ciprovica, Algimantas Paskevicius, Jurgita Aksomaitiene, Ausra Gabinaitiene, Dainius Uljanovas, Violeta Baliukoniene, Liis Lutter, Mindaugas Malakauskas and Loreta Serniene
Microorganisms 2023, 11(3), 557; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11030557 - 22 Feb 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2045
Abstract
The demand for healthy foods without artificial food additives is constantly increasing. Hence, natural food preservation methods using bioprotective cultures could be an alternative to chemical preservatives. Thus, the main purpose of this work was to screen the indigenous lactobacilli isolated from fermented [...] Read more.
The demand for healthy foods without artificial food additives is constantly increasing. Hence, natural food preservation methods using bioprotective cultures could be an alternative to chemical preservatives. Thus, the main purpose of this work was to screen the indigenous lactobacilli isolated from fermented cow milk for their safety and antifungal activity to select the safe strain with the strongest fungicidal properties for the development of bioprotective acid whey protein concentrate (AWPC) based fermentates and their coatings intended for fresh cheese quality maintenance. Therefore, 12 lactobacilli strains were isolated and identified from raw fermented cow milk as protective cultures. The safety of the stains was determined by applying antibiotic susceptibility, haemolytic and enzymatic evaluation. Only one strain, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei A11, met all safety requirements and demonstrated a broad spectrum of antifungal activity in vitro. The strain was cultivated in AWPC for 48 h and grew well (biomass yield 8 log10 cfu mL−1). L. paracasei A11 AWPC fermentate was used as a vehicle for protective culture in the development of pectin-AWPC-based edible coating. Both the fermentate and coating were tested for their antimicrobial properties on fresh acid-curd cheese. Coating with L. paracasei A11 strain reduced yeast and mould counts by 1.0–1.5 log10 cfu mL−1 (p ≤ 0.001) during cheese storage (14 days), simultaneously preserving its flavour and prolonging the shelf life for six days. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Microbes: Food, Mood and Beyond)
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15 pages, 3870 KiB  
Article
Identification of Novel Bile Salt-Tolerant Genes in Lactobacillus Using Comparative Genomics and Its Application in the Rapid Screening of Tolerant Strains
by Chunfei Chen, Leilei Yu, Fengwei Tian, Jianxin Zhao and Qixiao Zhai
Microorganisms 2022, 10(12), 2371; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10122371 - 30 Nov 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2709
Abstract
Under bile salt treatment, strains display significant differences in their tolerance ability, suggesting the existence of diverse resistance mechanisms in Lactobacillus; however, the genes involved in this protective process are not fully understood. In this study, novel target genes associated with bile [...] Read more.
Under bile salt treatment, strains display significant differences in their tolerance ability, suggesting the existence of diverse resistance mechanisms in Lactobacillus; however, the genes involved in this protective process are not fully understood. In this study, novel target genes associated with bile salt tolerance in Lactobacillus were identified using comparative genomics for PCR detection and the rapid screening of tolerant strains. The bile salt tolerance of 107 lactobacilli isolated from different origins was assessed, and 26 strains with comparatively large differences were selected for further comparative genomic analysis. Tolerant strains had 112 specific genes that were enriched in the phosphotransferase system, the two-component system, carbohydrate metabolism, and the ATP-binding cassette transporter. Six genes from Lactobacillus were cloned into the inducible lactobacillal expression vector pSIP403. Overexpression in the host strain increased its tolerance ability by 11.86–18.08%. The novel genes identified here can be used as targets to design primers for the rapid screening of bile salt-tolerant lactobacilli. Altogether, these results deepen our understanding of bile salt tolerance mechanisms in Lactobacillus and provide a basis for further rapid assessments of tolerant strains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Microbes: Food, Mood and Beyond)
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14 pages, 834 KiB  
Article
Associations between Changes in Fat-Free Mass, Fecal Microbe Diversity, and Mood Disturbance in Young Adults after 10-Weeks of Resistance Training
by Kristen S. Smith, Molly M. Morris, Casey D. Morrow, Josh R. Novak, Michael D. Roberts and Andrew Dandridge Frugé
Microorganisms 2022, 10(12), 2344; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10122344 - 26 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2117
Abstract
Background: The gut microbiome contributes to numerous physiological processes in humans, and diet and exercise are known to alter both microbial composition and mood. We sought to explore the effect of a 10-week resistance training (RT) regimen with or without peanut protein supplementation [...] Read more.
Background: The gut microbiome contributes to numerous physiological processes in humans, and diet and exercise are known to alter both microbial composition and mood. We sought to explore the effect of a 10-week resistance training (RT) regimen with or without peanut protein supplementation (PPS) in untrained young adults on fecal microbiota and mood disturbance (MD). Methods: Participants were randomized into PPS (n = 25) and control (CTL [no supplement]; n = 24) groups and engaged in supervised, full-body RT twice a week. Measures included body composition, fecal microbe relative abundance, alpha- and beta-diversity from 16 s rRNA gene sequencing with QIIME2 processing, dietary intake at baseline and following the 10-week intervention, and post-intervention MD via the profile of mood states (POMS) questionnaire. Independent samples t-tests were used to determine differences between PPS and CTL groups. Paired samples t-tests investigated differences within groups. Results: Our sample was mostly female (69.4%), white (87.8%), normal weight (body mass index 24.6 ± 4.2 kg/m2), and 21 ± 2.0 years old. Shannon index significantly increased from baseline in all participants (p = 0.040), with no between-group differences or pre-post beta-diversity dissimilarities. Changes in Blautia abundance were associated with the positive POMS subscales, Vigor and self-esteem-related-affect (SERA) (rho = −0.451, p = 0.04; rho = −0.487, p = 0.025, respectively). Whole tree phylogeny changes were negatively correlated with SERA and Vigor (rho = −0.475, p = 0.046; rho = −0.582, p = 0.011, respectively) as well as change in bodyfat percentage (rho = −0.608, p = 0.007). Mediation analysis results indicate changes in PD Whole Tree Phylogeny was not a significant mediator of the relationship between change in fat-free mass and total MD. Conclusions: Mood state subscales are associated with changes in microbial taxa and body composition. PD Whole Tree Phylogeny increased following the 10-week RT regimen; further research is warranted to explore how RT-induced changes in microbial diversity are related to changes in body composition and mood disturbance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Microbes: Food, Mood and Beyond)
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12 pages, 303 KiB  
Communication
Role of Genital Tract Bacteria in Promoting Endometrial Health in Cattle
by Mounir Adnane and Aspinas Chapwanya
Microorganisms 2022, 10(11), 2238; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10112238 - 12 Nov 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2209
Abstract
Microbiota regulate endometrial health in cattle. It is important to know what a ‘good’ microbiome is, in order to understand pathogeneses of uterine disease. Given that microbial influx into the genital tract of cows at calving is unavoidable, exploring the involvement of genital [...] Read more.
Microbiota regulate endometrial health in cattle. It is important to know what a ‘good’ microbiome is, in order to understand pathogeneses of uterine disease. Given that microbial influx into the genital tract of cows at calving is unavoidable, exploring the involvement of genital tract bacteria in promoting endometrial health is warranted. The dysbiosis of endometrial microbiota is associated with benign and malign uterine diseases. The present review discusses current knowledge about the altered endometrial microbiome and the implications of this modulation on endometrial inflammation, ovarian activity, fecundation, pregnancy, and postpartum complications. Intravaginal administration of symbiotic microbes in cattle is a realistic alternative to antibiotic and hormone therapy to treat uterine disease. Genital microbial diversity can be modeled by nutrition, as the energy balance would improve the growth of specific microbial populations. It may be that probiotics that alter the endometrial microbiome could provide viable alternatives to existing therapies for uterine disease in cattle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Microbes: Food, Mood and Beyond)

Review

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28 pages, 2655 KiB  
Review
Role of Probiotics and Diet in the Management of Neurological Diseases and Mood States: A Review
by Subramanian Thangaleela, Bhagavathi Sundaram Sivamaruthi, Periyanaina Kesika and Chaiyavat Chaiyasut
Microorganisms 2022, 10(11), 2268; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10112268 - 15 Nov 2022
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 5888
Abstract
Alzheimer’s (AD) and Parkinson’s diseases (PD) are common in older people. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD), anxiety, depression, stress, and cognitive impairment are prevalent among people irrespective of age. The incidence of neurological disorders has been increasing in recent decades. Communication between the gut [...] Read more.
Alzheimer’s (AD) and Parkinson’s diseases (PD) are common in older people. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD), anxiety, depression, stress, and cognitive impairment are prevalent among people irrespective of age. The incidence of neurological disorders has been increasing in recent decades. Communication between the gut microbiota and the brain is intrinsically complicated, and it is necessary for the maintenance of the gut, brain, and immune functions of the host. The bidirectional link among the gut, gut microbiota and the brain is designated as the “microbiota–gut–brain axis.” Gut microbiota modulates the host immune system and functions of tissue barriers such as gut mucosa and blood–brain barrier (BBB). Gut microbial dysfunction disturbs the gut–brain interplay and may contribute to various gut disorders, neurocognitive and psychiatric disorders. Probiotics could protect intestinal integrity, enhance gut functions, promote intestinal mucosal and BBB functions, and support the synthesis of brain-derived neurotrophic factors, which enhance neuronal survival and differentiation. Probiotics could be considered an adjunct therapy to manage metabolic and psychiatric diseases. Predominantly, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains are documented as potent probiotics, which help to maintain the bidirectional interactions between the gut and brain. The consumption of probiotics and probiotics containing fermented foods could improve the gut microbiota. The diet impacts gut microbiota, and a balanced diet could maintain the integrity of gut–brain communication by facilitating the production of neurotrophic factors and other neuropeptides. However, the beneficial effects of probiotics and diet might depend upon several factors, including strain, dosage, duration, age, host physiology, etc. This review summarizes the importance and involvement of probiotics and diet in neuroprotection and managing representative neurological disorders, injuries and mood states. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Microbes: Food, Mood and Beyond)
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