Growth characteristics and bioactivity of probiotics in tofu-based medium during storage

Keat-Hui Ng, Huey‐Shi Lye, Azhar Mat Easa, Min‐Tze Liong

Annals of Microbiology · 2008 · 33 citations · 25 references

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Abstract

Lactobacillus acidophilus FTCC 0291,Lactobacillus bulgaricus FTCC 0411Lactobacillus casei FTCC 0442,Lactobacillus fermentum FTD 13 andBifidobacterium bifidum BB 12 were screened for their α-galactosidase activity over 24 h.Lactobacillus bulgaricus FTCC 0411 andL. fermentum FTD 13 showed highest α-galactosidase specific activity and were selected to be incorporated into tofufa for a storage study of 9 days at 25 and 4 °C. The viability of both probiotics in tofufa exceeded 106 CFU/g and was maintained over storage, mainly contributed by their ability to hydrolyse oligosaccharides and to utilise the reducing sugars produced. The presence of probiotics in tofufa showed an increase in the concentrations of organic acids which led to a decrease in pH levels. This exhibited a preservative effect, where total aerobes and total anaerobes were 2 log10 CFU/g lower than the control. Probiotics in tofufa also liberated peptides with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory properties. Consistent viability and high proteolytic activity of probiotics in tofufa during storage suggested that tofufa is a suitable carrier for live probiotics with bioactive potential.

References

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