Investigation of antimicrobial activity of polyphenol-enriched extracts against probiotic lactic acid bacteria

The antimicrobial activity of polyphenol-enriched extracts from industrial plant by-products (strawberry and bilberry press residues and distilled rose petals) against probiotic lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus – S10 and S19; Lactobacillus rhamnosus – YW and S25; Lactobacillus gasseri – S20; Streptococcus thermophilus – S13 and S32) was investigated. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in most strains tested was found to be relatively high (from 6.25 mg.mL-1 to 12.50 mg.mL-1). The maximum concentration of polyphenols without inhibitory effect (MCWI) ranges from 0.390mg.mL-1 to 0.781mg.mL-1. The results obtained in the present study showed that among the tested lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus – S19, Lactobacillus rhamnosus – YW and Streptococcus thermophilus – S13 had the best growth characteristics in polyphenol-enriched culture medium. These strains had the highest MIC and MCWI values and could be used as starter cultures for polyphenol-fortified fermented milks. Practical applications: The use of polyphenol-enriched extracts from industrial plant by-products (waste) – distilled rose petals (by-products of rose oil production) and strawberry and bilberry press residues (by-products of fruit juice production) contribute for improving the economic effect and for solving environmental problems in food industry. Development of functional fermented milks with combination of probiotic starter cultures and polyphenol extracts is current and perspective direction of food industry.