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Published on: October 9, 2017
Contribution of Microbiota to Bioactivity Exerted by Bee Bread
Nikos Asoutis Didaras1, Ioanna Karaiskou1, Marios Nikolaidis2
1Microbial Biotechnology-Molecular Bacteriology-Virology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece.
Bee bread (BB) microbiota, analyzed using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), dynamically changes during maturation. This microbial community contributes significantly to BB
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Food Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Bee-collected pollen (BCP) and bee bread (BB) are valuable honey bee products with known health benefits.
- The microbial composition and its role in BB bioactivity remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microbial communities within BB at various maturation stages.
- To determine the contribution of BB microbiota to its enzymatic and antibacterial properties.
Main Methods:
- Utilized culture-independent (Next Generation Sequencing) and culture-dependent methods to analyze BB microbiota.
- Assessed bacterial isolates for enzyme secretion (hemicellulases, cellulases, amylases, proteinases) and dye degradation.
- Evaluated antibacterial activity against common pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Main Results:
- Microbial communities in BB showed dynamic fluctuations during maturation, stabilizing in mature BB.
- A significant number of bacterial isolates exhibited enzyme secretion capabilities, including hemicellulases, cellulases, amylases, and proteinases.
- Many isolates demonstrated antibacterial activity against key pathogens, with artificially fermented samples showing enhanced effects.
Conclusions:
- BB microbiota plays a crucial role in the bioactivity of bee bread.
- The microbial communities within BB represent a promising source for novel antimicrobial agents and enzymes.
- These findings suggest potential applications for BB microbiota in medicine and the food industry.
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