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Isolation, functional evaluation, and fermentation process optimization of probiotic Bacillus coagulans
Li Xu1, Zhi Chun Zhan2,3, ShiShen Du1
1State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P.R. China.
Plos One
|November 3, 2023
Summary
A novel Bacillus coagulans strain, X26, shows superior probiotic properties and significantly improves animal body weight. Optimized fermentation achieved high yields, demonstrating its industrial potential for cost-effective production.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Industrial Biotechnology
- Animal Nutrition
Background:
- Bacillus coagulans is a widely utilized probiotic across various industries.
- There is a continuous need for novel probiotic strains with enhanced efficacy and improved industrial fermentation processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel Bacillus coagulans strain (X26) from soil.
- To optimize the fermentation conditions for maximizing the yield and spore rate of B. coagulans X26.
- To evaluate the potential of B. coagulans X26 as an animal supplement.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of B. coagulans X26 from soil samples.
- Comparative analysis of X26's enzyme, acid, and biomass yields against other probiotics and antibiotics.
- Response surface methodology was employed to optimize fermentation parameters (maltose, yeast extract, K2HPO4).
- Fermentation scale-up studies were conducted in flask and industrial fermenters (30-L and 10-T).
Main Results:
- The novel B. coagulans X26 strain demonstrated superior enzyme, acid, and biomass yields.
- X26 significantly improved the body weight of rats in animal trials.
- Optimized fermentation conditions (16.5 g/L maltose, 25.00 g/L yeast extract, 3.5 g/L K2HPO4) predicted and achieved yields of 5.1 × 10^9 CFU/mL.
- Further optimization in industrial fermenters yielded up to 8.7 × 10^9 CFU/mL with high spore rates (>96%) at optimal temperatures (45-55°C).
Conclusions:
- Bacillus coagulans X26 is a promising probiotic agent with significant industrial potential.
- The optimized fermentation process allows for cost-effective, high-yield production of B. coagulans X26.
- X26's demonstrated efficacy as an animal supplement warrants further development.
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