Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026

A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities
Published on: December 25, 2015
Changes in Spirulina's Physical and Chemical Properties during Submerged and Solid-State Lacto-Fermentation
Ernesta Tolpeznikaite1, Vadims Bartkevics2, Anna Skrastina2
1Institute of Animal Rearing Technologies, Faculty of Animal Sciences, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-44307 Kaunas, Lithuania.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to select a lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strain for bio-conversion of Spirulina, a cyanobacteria ("blue-green algae"), into an ingredient with a high concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) for human and animal nutrition. For this purpose, ten different LAB strains and two different fermentation conditions (SMF (submerged) and SSF (solid state fermentation)) were tested. In addition, the concentrations of fatty acids (FA) and biogenic amines (BA) in Spirulina samples were evaluated. It was established that Spirulina is a suitable substrate for fermentation, and the lowest pH value (4.10) was obtained in the 48 h SSF with Levilactobacillus brevis. The main FA in Spirulina were methyl palmitate, methyl linoleate and gamma-linolenic acid methyl ester. Fermentation conditions were a key factor toward glutamic acid concentration in Spirulina, and the highest concentration of GABA (2395.9 mg/kg) was found in 48 h SSF with Lacticaseibacillus paracasei samples. However, a significant correlation was found between BA and GABA concentrations, and the main BA in fermented Spirulina samples were putrescine and spermidine. Finally, the samples in which the highest GABA concentrations were found also displayed the highest content of BA. For this reason, not only the concentration of functional compounds in the end-product must be controlled, but also non-desirable substances, because both of these compounds are produced through similar metabolic pathways of the decarboxylation of amino acids.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Microbes in Food Production
Microbes in the Production of Fermented Foods
Bioreactor Controls-II
Bioreactor Controls-III
Scale-Up Processes
Production of Organic Acids

