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The adequate survival of probiotics in the harsh environment of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract plays a crucial role in the expression of their functional properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the survival of commercial probiotics during digestion using a standardised INFOGEST 2.0 model extended with three food matrices simulating three scenarios for the consumption of probiotics: on an empty stomach, with juice, or with food (porridge). All eight products matched the bacterial content stated on the label. After simulated digestion, we observed an average decrease in viability of 1.6 log10 colony forming units (CFU) when the product was co-digested with water, a 2.5 log10 CFU decrease in the presence of juice, and a 1.2 log10 CFU decrease in the presence of porridge. The survival rate of the probiotics was statistically higher in the test samples with porridge (91.8%) than in those with juice (79.0%). For two products, the number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria strains after digestion was less than <3 × 105 CFU, which can be considered insufficient. The present study has shown that the survival of probiotic strains during GI passage depends not only on their ability to withstand these harsh conditions but may also be influenced by the manufacturing process and by the foods consumed together with the probiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spotted scat Scatophagus argus has a high nutritional value and is among the most widely consumed fish species in Asia. This study was conducted to learn more about the solution for stimulating digestive enzyme synthesis with commercial probiotics. Three different methods of probiotic supplementations of Probai A (Bayer) (feeding - OR, feeding and environment - OE, environment - EN) and control treatment (no probiotic applied) - CT were performed in triplicates by using a completely randomization design method. The results showed no differences in growth performance and survival rates of spotted scat at the fingerling stage among the treatments (p > 0.05). The hepatosomatic index (HSI) and conditional factor did not depend on the probiotic supplementation methods (p > 0.05), but these values had a significant difference between experimental treatments compared to control treatments (p < 0.05). After 15–45 days, only amylase activity in the stomach was significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). Amylase activity in the intestine and trypsin activity in both the stomach and intestine of experimental treatments were significantly higher than those of the control treatment during 15–30 days (p < 0.05), and then no significant differences were found from day 30 to day 45 (p > 0.05). Our findings indicate that probiotic administration through feeding was the best way to increase the growth weight of spotted scat at the fingerling stage. Further research on the mechanism of stimulating digestive enzyme synthesis when probiotics are used in commercial fish seed production is required.

Summary: This research presents a novel approach to develop pigmented probiotic jelly candies by incorporating an orange pigment‐producing Bacillus 63‐11 strain, encapsulated with surface maltodextrin (MDs) or internal coating maltodextrin (MDi) or sodium alginate (SA). The study evaluated the impact of different coating methods on probiotic activities, antagonistic effects, physical properties and consumer acceptance. Results indicated that coating methods did not compromise the probiotic and antagonistic properties of the Bacillus 63‐11 strain. Over a 6‐month period, all coating methods exhibited increased water activity with minimal microbiological changes. MD‐coated candies demonstrated optimal probiotic viability, tolerance and sensory appeal, emphasising colour preferences. SA‐coated candies exhibited lower viability but superior texture. This study demonstrated the successful development of an unconventional jelly candy prototype with implications for commercialisation. The findings underscore the pivotal role of coating material and method in influencing crucial aspects of the candy, offering valuable insights for the market potential of such innovative products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adequate survival of probiotics in the harsh environment of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract plays a crucial role in the expression of their functional properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the survival of commercial probiotics during digestion using a standardised INFOGEST 2.0 model extended with three food matrices simulating three scenarios for the consumption of probiotics: on an empty stomach, with juice, or with food (porridge). All eight products matched the bacterial content stated on the label. After simulated digestion, we observed an average decrease in viability of 1.6 log10 colony forming units (CFU) when the product was co-digested with water, a 2.5 log10 CFU decrease in the presence of juice, and a 1.2 log10 CFU decrease in the presence of porridge. The survival rate of the probiotics was statistically higher in the test samples with porridge (91.8%) than in those with juice (79.0%). For two products, the number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria strains after digestion was less than 5 CFU, which can be considered insufficient. The present study has shown that the survival of probiotic strains during GI passage depends not only on their ability to withstand these harsh conditions but may also be influenced by the manufacturing process and by the foods consumed together with the probiotics.

An important component in the application of biofloc is the presence of probiotic bacteria as a floc-forming agent. This study aimed to analyze the differences in the yield of vannamei shrimp in a biofloc system using commercial probiotics and independent probiotics on a laboratory scale. The study design was a completely randomized design with 3 treatments and 4 replications, including independent probiotics (IP), commercial probiotics (CP), and control (C). PM utilized an independent formula with starter bacteria Lactobacillus casei and PK contained bacteria Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Nitrosomonas sp., Aerobacter sp., Nitrobacter sp. Probiotics were fermented 24 hours before their application to the maintenance medium. A total of 15 shrimp/aquarium measuring 3.29 ± 0.48 g were reared for 27 days after the floc was first formed. The results showed that the growth and feed conversion ratio of vannamei shrimp in the biofloc system was higher than that of the control (P<0.05). The growth and feed conversion ratio between probiotic treatments did not show significantly different results (P>0.05). Survival in treatment and control groups was not significantly different (P>0.05). The observed floc volumes which increased during the rearing of vannamei shrimp were up to 6.50-7.50 mL/L. Several types of organisms found in the flock included nematodes, phytoplankton, copepods, and protozoa. The observed water quality was the same in each treatment except for higher dissolved oxygen and ammonia in the control. This study recommends the use of independent probiotics in vannamei shrimp culture based on biofloc technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upper respiratory infections (URI) are the most frequent illnesses, especially in children. The majority of those infections are prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics, which are associated with various side effects and with the increase in multi-drug-resistant strains. A promising alternative approach is the administration of the probiotic strain Streptococcus salivarius K12 (SSK12) that colonizes the upper respiratory tract (URT) and produces the salivaricins A2 and B, which strongly antagonize the growth of key respiratory pathogens. However, since for food supplements no quality controls of the active probiotic ingredient are mandatory, the efficacy of commercial products containing SSK12 may vary. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro efficacy of several commercial SSK12-containing probiotics, positioned for the prevention of respiratory infections. The parameters evaluated to determine the in vitro efficacy included the viability of the probiotic bacterial strain and the minimum inhibitory dilution (MID) of the probiotic, determined by the agar spot method, against the pathogenic/potential pathogenic bacterial strains Streptococcus pyogenes FF22 and Micrococcus luteus T18. All tests were carried out both 12 and 24 months after manufacturing (AM) for each commercial product. The viability ranged from 9 × 108 to 4.4 × 109 CFU/serving at 12 months AM and from 8.5 × 107 to 2.8 × 109 CFU/serving at 24 months AM. The MID was, in general, positively correlated with the probiotic bacterium viability and varied between the commercial products, ranging from 10−5 to 10−7 at 12 months AM and from 10−4 to 10−7 at 24 months AM. Moreover, the inhibition zones related to the two indicator strains were variable in diameter for different products. The high variation of the in vitro efficacy of commercial products containing SSK12 may explain the different results reported in the literature regarding the clinical benefits of these preparations, and the determination of this parameter may be useful to evaluate the quality of probiotic products containing this bacterial strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the adaptability of commercial probiotics to the biofloc system, as well as the influence on bacterial community, water quality and aquatic animal growth. Two biofloc systems nursing Litopenaeus vannamei postlarvae for 28 days were designed, the control (cBFT) and pBFT with addition of commercial probiotics (containing Bacillus , Clostridium , Enterococcus , Lactobacillus and Rhodopseudomonas). Results showed that at the end of the experiment, only the absolute abundance and the proportion of Bacillus contained in commercial probiotics (2.1 ± 0.8 × 105 genome copies mL−1 and 0.12 ± 0.03%) significantly increased in pBFT compared to those in cBFT (1.7 ± 0.8 × 104 genome copies mL−1 and 0.03 ± 0.02%), respectively (P < 0.05). Absolute abundances and proportions of several autochthonal bacterial genera (i.g., Acinetobacter , Anaerospora , Arthrobacter , Devosia , Luteolibacter , Marivita and Mycobacterium) also significantly elevated in pBFT (P < 0.05). Total suspended solids (TSS) and turbidity (415.2 ± 79.6 mg L−1 and 379.0 ± 86.4 NTU) were significantly higher in pBFT than both parameters in cBFT (118.1 ± 23.9 mg L−1 and 109.4 ± 44.3 NTU), respectively (P < 0.05). Whereas, zootechnical indices (except survival rate) were significantly lower in pBFT than those in cBFT, respectively (P < 0.05). The integrated impact model of commercial probiotics explained 57.9%–77.1% variations of shrimp growth performance, and showed that commercial probiotics as well as some autochthonal bacteria positively correlated with turbidity which in turn negatively correlated with zootechnical indices (P < 0.05). The findings suggested that added probiotics (especially Bacillus) induced changes on the autochthonal bacterial community, leading to changes of water quality which consequently resulted in the depression of growth performance of shrimp. [Display omitted] • Bacillus in the commercial probiotics mixture well adapted to biofloc system. • Commercial probiotics did not show benefit on shrimp growth unexpectedly. • Changes on autochthonal bacterial community alleviated probiotics' effects. • Probiotics alone contributed 8.0%–14.7% of variations on growth performance. • The integrated model explained 57.9%–77.1% of variations on shrimp growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The local pharmacies and shops are brimming with various probiotic products that herald a range of health benefits. The poor quality of probiotic products in both dosage and species is symptomatic of this multi-billion-dollar market making it difficult for consumers to single out reliable ones. This study aims to fill the potential gap in the labeling accuracy of probiotic products intended for human consumption. We describe a combinatorial approach using classical culture-dependent technique to quantify and molecular techniques (16 s rRNA gene sequencing, multilocus sequence, and ribotyping) for strain recognition of the microbial contents. The full gamut of probiotic characteristics including acid, bile and lysozyme tolerances, adhesiveness, anti-pathogenicity, and degree of safeness were performed. Their capacity to endure gastro-intestinal (GIT) stresses and select drugs was assessed in vitro. Our results forced us to declare that the local probiotic market is essentially unregulated. Almost none of the probiotic products tested met the label claim. Some (11%) have no viable cells, and a quarter (27%) showing significant inter-batch variation. A lower microbial count was typical with undesirables constituting a quarter of the total (~ 27%). Half of the products contained antibiotic-resistant strains; the unregulated use of these probiotics carries the risk of spreading antibiotic resistance to gut pathobionts. Poor tolerance to gut conditions and mediocre functionalism make the case worse. The current regulatory systems do not take this discrepancy into account. We recommend an evidence-based regular market surveillance of marketed probiotics to ensure the authenticity of the claims and product effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research were (1) to study the effect of different commercial probiotics on egg weight, albumin percentage, and yolk percentage of crossbreed chicken (cross between male Lohman and native chicken), (2) to determine the commercials probiotics that can give the best influence on egg weight, albumin percentage, and yolk percentage of layer crossbreed. This research was conducted from January to February 2019 at the Laboratory of Integrated Field, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung. Data collection was carried out in the Laboratory of Animal Production and Reproduction, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung. This research used a completely randomized design (CRD), consisting of four treatments and seven replications, namely drinking water (P0: without probiotic, P1: Probiotic A supplementation, P2: Probiotic B supplementation, and P3: Probiotic C supplementation). This research were used 28 eggs from 28 crossbreed chickens at 64 weeks of age and each treatment unit used one egg. The results of this study showed that different commercial probiotics supplementation had no significant effect (P>0.05) on egg weight, albumen percentage, and yolk percentage. The conclusion of this study was that supplementation of commercial probiotics through drinking water has no significant effect on egg weight, percentage of albumin and percentage of yolk, but administration of probiotic B increased egg weight and percentage of yolk of crossbreed chicken (grading up) greater than other treatments.

Disease is a significant constraint faced by aquaculture, and its prevention and control bring together a hub of recent research. Several resources and resorts have been applied to prevent diseases in aquaculture. Probiotics are known to be beneficial natural derivatives that have several benefits in aquaculture. Currently, several commercial probiotics are used in the aquaculture industry that contains one or more live microorganisms. In the aquaculture industry, Bacillus species is one of the most widely used probiotic organisms. They are considered distinctive and are found to be natural members of the gut microbiota of some fish species. The safety of beneficial microorganisms is essential since some of these organisms are reported to harbor traits that might be transferable to their hosts. In this study, the safety of some Bacillus-based commercial probiotics used in aquaculture in terms of virulence and drug resistance were assessed. Commercial Bacillus species after isolation were screened for the presence of virulence genes (nheA, nheB, nheC, hblA, hblC, hblD, cytK, and entFM) and one emetic gene (ces), as well as their resistance to some antibiotics. Most isolates did not possess any of the virulence genes assessed. Nonetheless, three isolates harbored the nheABC and entFM enterotoxin genes, while two had the hblA, hblC, hblD, cytK genes. None of the isolates possessed the ces emetic gene. Antibiotic resistance assessment revealed most of the isolates to be resistant to β-lactam antibiotics, including penicillin, ampicillin, oxacillin, cefuroxime, and ceftriaxone, and also to minocycline.

The bioactivities of two commercially available probiotics and one chemical disinfectant were tested against strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (VP AHPND ) and V. harveyi. This study aimed to determine shrimp pathogenic Vibrios' in vitro and in vivo sensitivities to commercial probiotics and a chemical disinfectant. The probiotics and disinfectant were tested first in vitro, followed by the in vivo trials. Results showed that upon administration of probiotics either through diet or adding into the tank water, the survivability of shrimp was increased during challenge with VP AHPND and V. harveyi. Also, the disinfectant was tested against the same pathogens and showed positive bactericidal effects at 2500 ppm and 5000 ppm. The present findings suggest that adding probiotics to the rearing water or the shrimp feeds effectively prevents infection by lowering the load of pathogenic bacteria. In comparison, the effectiveness of the disinfectant (PUR) depends on its appropriate concentration and timing of application. It is not only limited to rearing water but is also applicable for decontaminating pond liners, tanks, and other paraphernalia., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have no competing interests to declare that are relevant to the content of this article., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This study aimed to establish the impact of commercial probiotics on European catfish growth parameters and water quality in recirculating aquaculture systems. For the study, the European catfish were placed in two tanks with 45 fish in each tank. Average body weight and length at the beginning of the study were 133.0 g and 27.0 cm, respectively. Rearing conditions and feeding regime were identical, and the only difference was that 1 ml of commercial probiotics was poured into the water of one experimental tank every other day. The experiment lasted for 42 days. Weight and length were measured every 2 weeks. After each measurement, European catfish growth parameters, feed conversion ratios, and feed efficiency were established. After the end of the study, it was established that there were significant differences between specific growth speed, daily growth index, feed conversion ratio, and feed efficiency (P < 0.05) for the fish reared in two experimental groups. Statistically significant differences in the water parameters were established among ammonia, nitrite, and dissolved oxygen concentrations (P < 0.05). Differences in temperature, nitrates, and pH were statistically insignificant. The results of this study showed that commercial probiotics can be used in the European catfish culture to enhance water quality, feed efficiency, and growth performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics are ubiquitous, consumption by the general public is common, and the dogma remains that they are beneficial for general and gut health. However, evolving evidence suggests a potentially "harmful" impact of many commercially available probiotics. There is also significant variability in formulations that leads to a lack of a universally acceptable definition of probiotics. In this perspective, we review the flaws with definition, relevant observational and randomized studies that showed both positive and negative impacts on health and disease, unbiased interpretation of key trials, emerging evidence from microbiome and immuno-oncological studies, and impact on systemic immunity. We propose that caution be exercised prior to endorsements of their illness-directed consumption and rampant general usage. As a deeper understanding of the human microbiome accrues and our ability to manipulate this complex ecosystem improves, the probiotic of tomorrow might be the precision tool that deals with diseases on a broad front. Gut microbiome, akin to fingerprints, is indigenous to an individual and 'one size fits all' prescription strategy should be discouraged until a more universally acceptable 'favorable taxa' or a 'personalized probiotic,' to complement an individual's native microbiota, gets fashioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese mitten crab (CMC, Eriocheir sinensi) culture in ponds is a unique aquaculture system. Probiotics are commonly used in the maintenance of the health of pond-cultured CMCs. However, the effects of probiotics on the bacterial community of CMC-culturing water remain unclear. This study utilized 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to assess changes in the bacterial community composition, diversity, assembly, and co-occurrence patterns in CMC-culturing water following probiotic application. The results indicate that the α-diversity of the bacterial community in CMC-culturing water varied with time following probiotic application. The addition of probiotics to the water resulted in an increase in the occurrence of new operational taxonomic units (OTUs). The bacterial community assembly in the CMC-culturing water was shaped by a balance between deterministic and stochastic processes, while commercial probiotics enhanced the proportion of heterogeneous selection. In addition, including OTU2953 (Burkholderiaceae) and OTU3005 (Lactobacillaceae), from the commercial probiotics served as keystone species in the bacterial network of CMC-culturing water. Overall, probiotic application had a significant impact on the bacterial ecology of CMC-culturing water., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of FEMS.)

The aim of the study was to establish the immune response induced by Streptococcus phocae PI80, Bacillus subtilis, and commercial probiotics (Uni-Ecosense, EcoForce, Uni-Hatch) in the shrimp, Penaeus monodon. Total hemocyte count, phenoloxidase activity, nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reductase assay, phagocytic activity, and disease resistance was evaluated for 30 days. Total hemocyte count, phenoloxidase activity, NBT reductase assay, and phagocytic activity significantly increased in juveniles and adults treated with S. phocae PI80, a mixture of S. phocae PI80 and B. subtilis, or a commercial probiotic, but there were no significant differences in live weight of shrimps treated with probiotics or the control. Treatment with S. phocae PI80 plus B. subtilis enhanced survival of shrimps challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Our study demonstrates that administration of S. phocae PI80+B. subtilis at 4.6 × 108 CFU/ml water induced immune modulation, enhanced immune ability, and increased resistance to V. parahaemolyticus in juvenile and adult black tiger shrimp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four species of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from homemade yoghurt samples and defined as Lactobacillus acidophilus Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus plantarum. Each LAB isolate was tested for its tolerance to acidic environments at pH (7.0, 4.0, and 2.0). All lactobacilli isolated tolerated acid while L. bulgaricus was sensitive to pH 2.0. All four bacteria were resistant to ciprofloxacin. Isolates were further tested for their antimicrobial activity against common pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Bacillus subtilis using the agar spot method. These lactic acid bacteria were found to inhibit growth of most pathogens tested. The viability of lactobacilli isolates were not affected by storage (for 6 weeks) at -20°C and 4°C but declined when they were stored at room temperature. Acid tolerance and bacterial antagonistic characteristics of these LAB isolates render them good candidates for consideration as probiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to establish the immune response induced by Streptococcus phocae PI80, Bacillus subtilis, and commercial probiotics (Uni-Ecosense, EcoForce, Uni-Hatch) in the shrimp, Penaeus monodon. Total hemocyte count, phenoloxidase activity, nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reductase assay, phagocytic activity, and disease resistance was evaluated for 30 days. Total hemocyte count, phenoloxidase activity, NBT reductase assay, and phagocytic activity significantly increased in juveniles and adults treated with S. phocae PI80, a mixture of S. phocae PI80 and B. subtilis, or a commercial probiotic, but there were no significant differences in live weight of shrimps treated with probiotics or the control. Treatment with S. phocae PI80 plus B. subtilis enhanced survival of shrimps challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Our study demonstrates that administration of S. phocae PI80+B. subtilis at 4.6 × 108 CFU/ml water induced immune modulation, enhanced immune ability, and increased resistance to V. parahaemolyticus in juvenile and adult black tiger shrimp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to optimize the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) by pure and mixed cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 in milk model media and then characterize the properties of produced AMPs. The optimal conditions for AMPs bio-production by L. acidophilus LA-5, B. lactis BB-12, and their mixed culture were temperatures of 38.71, 42.00, and 39.00 °C, fermentation times of 26.15 h, 60.00 h, and 36.00 h, and yeast extract concentrations of 4.45%, 6.00%, and 5.00% in cheese whey. At optimal conditions, the inhibition activities of AMPs against L. monocytogenes were 14.03 ± 0.68 mm, 13.33 ± 0.81 mm, and 11.02 ± 1.04 mm by L. acidophilus LA-5, B. lactis BB-12, and their mixed culture, respectively. The SDS-page analysis indicated that L. acidophilus LA-5 and B. lactis BB-12 produced AMPs with two and three fractions, respectively. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance tests showed the typical characteristics of a peptide for produced AMPs. The DSC test indicated that produced AMPs had high-temperature stability. These AMPs were bioactive in a wide range of pH (3–9) and temperature (40–100 °C for 30 min). The results of minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration showed that the AMPs had antimicrobial effects against important food-borne pathogens. • Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) production by L. acidophilus (LA-5) and B. lactis (BB-12) in cheese whey was optimized. • Biosynthesized AMPs by LA-5 and BB-12 consisted of two and three fractions, respectively. • LA-5 and BB-12 produced AMPs with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against pathogen bacteria. • Produced AMPs showed high temperature and pH stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the fermentation conditions for in situ production of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) by Bifidobacterium lactis BB12 and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA5 in a milk model medium were optimized. Box–Behnken and combined designs were implemented to find a predictive model for the in situ bioconversion of CLA by pure B. lactis BB12, L. acidophilus LA5, as well as their co-culture. The results showed that under optimal conditions, CLA biosynthesized by B. lactis BB12 and L. acidophilus LA5 are 110.03 ± 4.58 μg/ml and 82.42 ± 3.66 μg/ml, respectively. The functional groups of the produced CLA were also analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, which confirmed the typical characteristics of long-chain fatty acids. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis further showed that both isomers of CLA (cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12) were biosynthesized by B. lactis BB12 and L. acidophilus LA5 in supplemented cheese whey. This study indicated the most important factors affecting the fermentation bioprocess for biosynthesis of CLA by B. lactis BB12 and L. acidophilus LA5 in a low-cost food-grade medium. The findings of this study also showed that pure B. lactis BB12 and L. acidophilus LA5 have a good ability to produce bioactive CLA, but the co-culture of these two commercial probiotics have no synergistic effect on biosynthesis of CLA. • Conjugated linoleic acid was produced by Bifidobacterium lactis BB12 and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA5. • The most significant variables for in situ production of conjugated linoleic acid were obtained. • The predictive models of conjugated linoleic acid biosynthesis by pure and mixed cultures were developed. • The mixed culture showed no advantage to conjugated linoleic acid biosynthesis in comparison with their pure cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]