Exploitation of Leuconostoc mesenteroides strains to improve shelf life, rheological, sensory and functional features of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L.) fruit puree. (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Di Cagno, Raffaella; Filannino, Pasquale; Vincentini, Olimpia; Lanera, Alessia; Cavoski, Ivana; Gobbetti, Marco
• Is Part Of: Food microbiology. Volume 59(2016:Oct.)
• Page Start: 176
• Page End: 189
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: Opuntia ficus-indica -- Leuconostoc mesenteroides -- Functional foods -- Caco-2 cells; Food Microbiology -- Periodicals; Aliments -- Microbiologie -- Périodiques; Food -- Microbiology; Periodicals; Food -- Microbiology -- Periodicals; Food contamination -- Periodicals; 664.001579
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2016.06.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0740-0020

Abstract

Abstract: Strains of Leuconostoc mesenteroides were identified from raw prickly pear ( Opuntia ficus-indica L.). Five autochthonous strains were selected based on the kinetics of growth and acidification on prickly pear fruit juice, and the capacity to synthesize exo-polysaccharides. All selected Leuc. mesenteroides strains showed an in vitro mucilage-degrading capability. A protocol for processing and storage of fermented prickly pear fruit puree (FP) was set up. Unstarted FP and chemically acidified FP were used as the controls. Starters grew and remained viable at elevated cell numbers during 21 days of storage at 4 °C. Contaminating Enterobacteriaceae and yeasts were found only in the controls. Viscosity and serum separation distinguished started FP compared to the controls. Colour parameters, browning index, sensory attributes, antimicrobial activity, vitamin C and betalains levels were positively affected by lactic acid fermentation. Increase of free radical scavenging activity in ethyl acetate soluble extract suggested an effect of selected strains on phenolic profiles. Started FP markedly inhibited the inflammatory status of Caco-2/TC7 cells, and also contributed to maintaining the integrity of tight junctions. Started FP scavenged the reactive oxygen species generated by H2 O2 on Caco-2 cells. All selected strain variously affected the immunomodulatory activity towards anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Highlights: Leuconostoc mesenteroides strains with pro-technological features were selected. A protocol for processing fermented prickly pear fruit puree was set up. Shelf life, rheological, and sensory features of fruit puree were improved. Started fruit puree markedly inhibited the inflammatory status of Caco-2 cells. Selected strain variously affected the immunomodulatory activity of fruit puree.