Volume 15, Issue 2, 2027

Bovine leukemia virus is an RNA virus of the Retrovivridae family. It causes a chronic infectious disease in farm animals that poses a serious threat to global cattle farming. According to phylogenetic studies, the pathogen is classified into 12 genotypes.

This comprehensive bioinformatic analysis featured new bovine leukemia virus isolates (n = 57) sampled from various regions of the Russian Federation with different epizootic situations. The analysis featured both new sequences and old samples from Russia available in the National Center for Biotechnology Information. This large-scale approach made it possible to cover all known genotypes.

G4 genotype was associated with major amino acid substitutions in gp51 (T47A, A73P, R121H in epitope G; S56F in epitope H; I144T in ND2; D166G in CD8⁺). These substitutions provide a selective advantage through immune evasion mechanisms, including escape from humoral immunity, impaired T-cell recognition, and increased receptor affinity. G4 also correlated with rapid progression.

The rapid replacement of G7 by G4 in the Tyumen Region and the general dominance of G4 in Russia were due to a more aggressive course of infection resulting from the genetic ability of the pathogen to adapt to the host immune system. The obtained data underscore the necessity of developing genotype-specific diagnostic systems and implementing routine molecular-genetic monitoring to control the spread of bovine leukemia virus. New data on genetic variability and its impact on genotype-phenotype correlations may help curb the infection.

The escalating environmental concerns associated with traditional plastic packaging materials have prompted a paradigm shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Starch, a naturally abundant and renewable polysaccharide, has emerged as a promising raw material source for the development of biodegradable plastic packaging films. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of starch-based bioplastics, highlighting their potential as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed articles and reviews was conducted in the period of 2022–2024 using Google scholar. We examined the latest research on starch-based bioplastics focusing on the starch structure, extraction, modification, and processing, as well as applications, challenges, and future directions. The data were systematically gathered, evaluated, and organized into logical sections. We also discussed the processing methods employed to fabricate starch-based films, including casting, extrusion, and blown film extrusion. We explored the structural and functional properties of starch, its modification techniques, and its blending with other biopolymers to enhance performance. Furthermore, we examined the physical, mechanical, and barrier properties of starchbased films, as well as their biodegradability and compostability. The challenges and limitations associated with starch-based packaging films include moisture sensitivity and poor mechanical properties. Finally, starch-based packaging films have potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. By providing a comprehensive analysis of starch-based bioplastics, this review stimulates further research and development in this field, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging industry.

Tripe has a high protein level, which could serve as a functional ingredient in the meat industry. Raw and boiled beef tripe and frozen beef meat were examined for proximate composition, mineral and amino acid content, fatty acid profile, protein quality indices, microbiological safety, and functional parameters. Tripe was incorporated into corned beef and sausage formulations, which were analyzed for their nutritional quality, microbial stability, and consumer acceptability. The raw tripe exhibited a favorable pH (6.83 ± 0.08), moderate water holding capacity (58.86%), and acceptable cooking yield (64.88%), indicating functional suitability. The boiled tripe demonstrated a superior protein content (24.15%) and energy value (146.71 kcal/100 g), compared to the raw tripe and frozen beef meat. Mineral analysis showed significantly higher levels of calcium (up to 112.5 mg/100 g), iron (4.19 mg/100 g), and copper (0.28 mg/100 g) in the raw tripe. The boiled tripe had a wellbalanced amino acid profile, with its essential amino acid content (37.98%) exceeding the FAO/WHO standards. It also showed improved protein quality indices, namely the computed protein efficiency ratio of 2.38 and the biological value of 74.19%. Boiling also enhanced the lipid quality by increasing unsaturated fatty acids. Microbial analysis confirmed the safety of the boiled tripe, with pathogen counts below permissible limits. The tripe-based corned beef and sausage showed higher fat, ash, and energy contents than their beef counterparts, while maintaining acceptable protein levels and sensory qualities. Sensory evaluation revealed that the overall acceptability of tripe-based products was comparable to that of traditional meat products. These findings highlight that boiled beef tripe is a safe, nutrient-rich, and sensory-acceptable ingredient. They also support its use as a sustainable, cost-effective ingredient in value-added meat products such as sausages and canned meats.

Plant polyphenols have recently been recognized as promising new-generation prebiotics. However, the concentrations and profiles of polyphenols vary significantly among different plants, so the effects of their extracts on probiotic strains are also highly variable. This study assessed the effects of ethanol and supercritical fluid extracts of black currant and sea buckthorn on the growth of bifidobacteria and their antagonism against intestinal pathogens. Extracts of black currant and sea buckthorn were obtained using reflux ethanol extraction or supercritical fluid extraction. Total phenols in the extracts were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method. Individual phenolic compounds were identified by UV-Vis spectroscopy. Effects of the extracts on bifidobacteria and the intestinal pathogens Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated in monoculture. Antagonism of bifidobacteria against the pathogens was evaluated in coculture in the media with various ethanol extracts. Concentrations of organic acids were determined using HPLC. Phenolic components of the berries had stimulated, neutral, or negative effects on probiotic growth and organic acid production, depending on the type of raw material and the extraction method. Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Bifidobacterium longum were the most sensitive to, and strongly inhibited by, the extracts, while no pronounced growth-stimulating effect was observed for any of the studied bifidobacteria strains. Additionally, the effect of total phenolic concentrations in the extracts on the strain growth was evaluated by diluting the native extracts. Minimum inhibitory concentrations in the ethanol extracts for bifidobacteria ranged from 30 to 140 μg GAE/mL, while those in the supercritical fluid extracts were lower (13–32 μg GAE/mL). The sea buckthorn supercritical fluid extract stimulated Bifidobacterium bifidum growth, while the ethanol extract of sea buckthorn and the supercritical fluid extract of black currant stimulated the growth of Bifidobacterium breve and B. longum subsp. infantis. B. cereus was not sensitive to changes in total phenolic concentrations. The minimum inhibitory concentration of total phenols for S. aureus was the lowest (7 μg GAE/mL) in the supercritical fluid extract of sea buckthorn. The extracts had mostly neutral or positive effects on lactic and acetic acids production by bifidobacteria. The greatest increase in acid concentrations was observed for B. breve in the medium with black currant ethanol extract. The greatest suppression of pathogen growth was achieved by a combination of B. breve with either of the ethanol extracts. The results demonstrate that black currant and sea buckthorn extracts are highly selective prebiotics that exert different effects on the antagonism of bifidobacteria against pathogens. The study revealed the most effective combination of the bifidobacteria and berry extracts against the pathogens, as well as the most effective symbiotic composition.

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) peel is a waste product rich in bioactive components. This study developed and evaluated three experimental formulations of functional dragon peel squash with different acidulants, nutritional values, and sensory profiles. The acidulants were amla juice, citric acid, and lemon juice. The experimental samples were compared with the control sample and analyzed using standard methods, which included the proximate analysis, the Folin-Ciocalteu assay for phenolics, the DPPH assay for antioxidant activity, and a nine-point hedonic scale for sensory evaluation. The color degradation was evaluated over three successive one-week storage intervals. The proximate composition (wet basis) showed that the peel consisted of 92.81% moisture, 1.49% ash, 0.528% protein, 0.20% fat, and 4.9% carbohydrates. The squash showed 40–47°Brix of total soluble solids, pH 2.32–4.83, 0.18–1.5% titratable acidity, and ≤ 108 mg/100 mL ascorbic acid. The sample with amla juice possessed the highest phenolic content (5.20 mg GAE/100 g) and the control has highest antioxidant level (IC50 = 0.725 mg/mL), as well as the lowest microbial load (1.3×10³ CFU/mL) after three weeks of storage. As for the sensory assessment, the amla juice sample was preferred for color and aroma, while the sample with lemon juice received a higher score for taste. The ANOVA test (df = 2.4) showed a stable L* over 21 days, whereas the b* values tended to increase in all four formulations, and the a* value increased in the sample with lemon juice (p < 0.05). The significant change in b* indicated poor storage stability, which is to be improved by reformulation with color stabilizers. In this research, dragon fruit peel was converted into a nutritious and organoleptically attractive squash. This functional beverage offers a sustainable strategy for valorizing agricultural waste.

This study optimized the polyphenol extraction conditions for Cassia fistula L., commonly known as the Osaka tree. Its fruit contains a complex of valuable natural compounds, which remain underexploited in Vietnam and other countries where Osaka trees grow in abundance. Methods employed included phytochemical screening, determination of total phenolic and moisture content, preliminary factor screening, and optimization using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Box-Behnken design, followed by statistical analysis using t-tests, ANOVA, and Tukey’s HSD post-hoc test. Most previous studies focused on testing and evaluating individual extraction parameters, such as temperature, solid-to-solvent ratio, and time. This study comprehensively integrated these factors into a unified optimization model. Based on the design of preliminary diagnostic experiments, the solid-to-solvent ratios ranged from 1:10 to 1:50 (w/v), the extraction temperature was 30–70°C, and the extraction time ranged from 5 to 30 min. The Box-Behnken model combined with response surface methodology made it possible to optimize multiple factors simultaneously. The total polyphenol content reached its highest value of 10.64 mg GAE/g DW under the following optimal conditions: 50°C; 21.15 min extraction time; 1:31.69 (w/v) solid-tosolvent ratio. The model demonstrated high reliability (R2 = 0.94), confirming its industrial potential. The results obtained open up new prospects for sustainable exploitation of natural polyphenols from C. fistula in functional foods and pharmaceuticals.

Garlic is used in traditional medicine due to its diverse bioactive components. The study focused on three garlic varieties, namely the multi-clove Honan and Tawangmangu cultivars and the single-clove Lanang garlic. To evaluate their biochemical profiles, a comprehensive analytical approach was employed, involving LC-MS/MS and HPLC for phenolic compound quantification, GC-FID for fatty acid analysis, and HS-SPME-GC-MS for the identification of volatile organosulfur compounds, followed by PCA and ANOVA for statistical evaluation. This study investigated the biochemical composition of a new Indonesian single-clove garlic variety (Lanang) in comparison with two multi-clove varieties (Honan and Tawangmangu) in order to assess its potential as a traditional medicinal source. A total of 23 phenolic compounds, 9 volatile organosulfur compounds, and 8 types of fatty acids were identified and quantified using UPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS analyses. Lanang garlic exhibited the highest concentration of kainic acid among the phenolic compounds (80.774 μg/g) and showed a dominant presence of such volatile compound as diallyl disulfide (86.41%). Meanwhile, Honan garlic recorded the highest concentrations of most fatty acids, particularly linoleic (27.90%) and oleic acid (17.16%). The principal component analysis revealed that Lanang garlic contributed most significantly to PC1 for volatile compounds (76.90%) and phenolic compounds (69.93%), while Honan garlic did so for fatty acids (88.24%). Tawangmangu garlic showed lower biochemical diversity compared to the other varieties. These findings demonstrate that Lanang garlic has a unique and enriched biochemical profile, particularly in phenolic and volatile compounds, indicating its strong potential as a medicinal garlic variety.

The substitution of imported supplements and flavorings with domestic products is the key to food security in Russia and Belarus. Essential oils are used in a variety of sectors, including medicine, cosmetics, perfumery, food, and confectionery. The depth and rate of their extraction determine the efficiency of the essential oil industry. Cold plasma treatment increases the rate of extraction by 15–20%. The use of this treatment can make Russian producers more competitive in the domestic market, as well as give them a competitive advantage internationally by ensuring high quality. This review examines the use of cold plasma treatment in preparation for essential oil extraction, briefly describing its mechanism of action, as well as process and equipment. The scientific papers published between 2010 and 2025 were subjected to retrospective analysis. Essential oil materials were classified and their essential oil receptacles were examined structurally to determine the type of cold plasma treatment to be used. We analyzed the surface and penetrating cold plasma effects on the morphology and microstructure of material tissues. Cold plasma generation methods were classified and their applications were presented for materials with external and internal essential oil receptacles. We described factors that affect the efficiency of essential oil extraction. Finally, potential applications were outlined for cold plasma technology in essential oil extraction and production of high-quality target products. This review demonstrates the critical importance of developing innovative electrophysical technologies for the food and essential oil industries. Cold plasma treatment of freshly harvested essential oil materials is a promising approach to ensure high extraction efficiency and high quality of the resulting products.

Cashew apples are often discarded after nut extraction, despite their potential for juice production. This study aimed to clarify cashew apple juice using pectinases extracted from the epicarp of papaya cultivar Solo 8. These enzymes were previously purified using ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by dialysis and isoelectric focusing. Cashew apples were sourced from a village plantation in Bondoukou, Gontougo region. Clarification tests were conducted using standard methods. According to the results, the juice clarity improved significantly over 120 minutes: from 44.67% to 83.18% with pectin methylesterase, to 93.32% with polygalacturonase, and to 72.44% with pectin lyase. The browning index and color intensity of the raw juice decreased from 82.98 to 41.69% and from 75.86 to 26.91%, respectively. The vitamin C content declined from 327.82 to 202.94 mg/100 mL (pectin methylesterase), 280.99 mg/100 mL (polygalacturonase), and 208.70 mg/100 mL (pectin lyase). Viscosity reductions were also notable: 67% with pectin methylesterase, 72% with polygalacturonase, and 59% with pectin lyase. Among enzyme combinations, the most effective was a mix of pectin methylesterase (0.087 mg/mL) and polygalacturonase (0.264 mg/mL), which reduced the juice’s viscosity by over 76% and increased its clarity by more than 50%. These findings highlight the potential of papaya-derived pectinases in improving cashew apple juice quality and marketability.

This study investigated the impact of the diet of broiler chickens 10% Sargassum sp. on their productive performance, gut health, and immune status.
The study was conducted in Maracay, Venezuela, and involved 264 Ross broilers distributed between two treatments (control and 10% Sargassum sp.) over three phases (Pre-starter, Starter, and Finisher). A one-way Analysis of Variance design was used, with three replicates of 44 birds.
The inclusion of Sargassum sp. did not significantly affect the final body weight (p > 0.05) (2759.34 vs. 2743.88 g for the control). However, the Sargassum sp. diet demonstrated two noteworthy benefits: it drastically improved the feed conversion ratio in all the phases (e.g., 1.07 vs. 1.53 in the Finisher) and considerably reduced mortality in the Pre-starter phase (6.82 vs. 20.25% for the control). The blood analysis demonstrated a positive hypocholesterolemic effect, with the Sargassum sp. treatment normalizing cholesterol levels and potentially reducing total lipids. However, the drinking water analysis revealed some quality issues (no residual chlorine, high nitrate levels), suggesting a high-stress environment and its possible influence on the overall health and performance results.
The inclusion of 10% Sargassum sp. in the broiler diet improved feed efficiency and early viability in broilers, although its growth-promoting effects may be limited by antinutritional factors (high ash) at this inclusion level.

This study addressed the research gap in the comprehensive elemental profiling and bio-accessibility assessment of various plant parts of two indigenous Carissa carandas (karonda) types.
Fresh fruits, leaves, bark, and roots were freeze-dried, ground, and sieved (300 μm). The samples underwent microwaveassisted digestion with sub-boiled nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide, followed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to quantify 20 elements. The list included major (P, K, Ca, Na, and Mg), minor (B, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, etc.), and toxic trace elements (Ni, Cd, Pb, etc.). The hydrochloric acid extractability was assessed using 0.03 N HCl incubation at 37°C for 4 h to simulate gastric conditions.
The study revealed significant tissue-specific variations in the mineral content: the leaf samples exhibited the highest levels of phosphorus (3,836.69 mg/kg) and magnesium (4,682.87 mg/kg), the fruits were rich in potassium (2,971.64 mg/kg), the bark accumulated high calcium amounts (8,823.55 mg/kg), and roots contained elevated sodium levels (2,129.18 mg/kg). The hydrochloric acid extractability also varied, with potassium and phosphorus showing high extractability in the fruit samples (80.06 and 87.51%, respectively) while magnesium and boron were more extractable in the leaves. Such toxic elements as lead (43.32 mg/kg, roots) and cadmium (1.22 mg/kg, bark) exceeded permissible limits, raising safety concerns.
C. carandas proved to be a potential source of essential minerals, particularly its leaves and fruits, which demonstrated good nutraceutical prospects. The study provides a scientific basis for targeted use of specific C. carandas plant parts with an outlook of in-vivo bioavailability examination.

The development of sleep-enhancing food products can improve sleep quality. Understanding the relationship between food consumption and sleep is essential for selecting suitable ingredients for these products. Electroencephalography is a valuable tool for identifying foods and raw materials used in sleep-promoting products, providing critical insights into their effectiveness. This review examined the relationship between food consumption and sleep based on research from 2004 to 2024 utilizing electroencephalography tools in human and animal models. The effects of food intake on sleep were examined during the initial stage, slow-wave sleep, and the subsequent stage, rapid eye movement, with measurable parameters recorded. The intake quantity and concentration of specific foods or ingredients were analyzed in human and animal models, considering both normal sleep patterns and sleep disorder models. The analysis revealed that foods associated with sleep, as determined by electroencephalography testing, can be classified into six categories: essential oils, Chinese herbal medicines, plant and fungi extracts, tea and cocoa, probiotics and prebiotics in fermented foods, and food supplements. All the food types predominantly influenced the initial stage of sleep, specifically slow-wave sleep during non-rapid eye movement. In contrast, foods containing Chinese herbal medicines or extracts demonstrated a significant effect on the rapid eye movement stage. These findings provide valuable insights into the development of functional foods aimed at improving sleep quality.

Heat treatment induces structural changes in milk proteins, thus affecting the processing suitability of milk powder. Identifying new molecular markers of heat load helps to develop rapid and efficient approaches to milk powder assessment. This study utilized molecular analysis to investigate the impact of thermal treatment on the proteome and peptidome of skim milk. The skim milk samples were subjected to heat treatment at 70, 80, and 90°C for 30 s, while skim milk maintained at 45°C served as control. Two-dimensional electrophoresis made it possible to separate and evaluate protein structural changes. Peptide identification relied on matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), preceded by trypsinolysis. A combination of Raman spectroscopy and principal component analysis visualized the heat-induced spectral responses to evaluate the potential of Raman spectroscopy for tracing the thermal history of milk powder. High pasteurization temperature reduced the number of protein fractions. MALDI-TOF MS identified 30 peptides belonging to seven major milk proteins. Peptide fragments of αS1-casein and β-casein were absent in the control but present in the experimental samples, indicating heat-induced protein transformation. The intermolecular interactions and disruption of the secondary structure of proteins resulted in differences in the isoelectric points. Raman spectroscopy revealed heat-induced changes in the wavenumber ranges of 900–1097, 1328–1437, and 1475–1546 cm–1, attributed to the transformed carbohydrate and proteomic milk profiles. The principal component analysis made it possible to visualize the differences and identify the regions that make the highest contribution to the response. Raman spectroscopy proved to be a reliable technique for developing and validating a rapid approach to assess the degree of heat load in milk.

Mango pulp and by-products are underutilized despite their application potential in the food systems. Our study assessed the physicochemical properties of pulp and by-products of 22 mango varieties to support their added value. We applied the methods developed by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests. Seven varieties had total soluble solids above the Codex Alimentarius threshold of 13.5°Brix, indicating their suitability for juice processing. Non-indigenous varieties exhibited higher titratable acidity and yellowness (b*), the traits desirable for juices and purees. Indigenous arieties had higher redness (a*) and lower acidity, which favor fresh consumption. Among by-products, the peel had the highest crude fiber content of 10.16 ± 1.76%. The seeds recorded the highest potassium and calcium concentrations of 354.90 ± 25.10 and 437.74 ± 35.81 g/100 g, respectively. The principal component analysis explained 87.62% of the total variation: principal component 1 (75.03%) differentiated varieties based on minerals, total soluble solids, and firmness, while principal component 2 (12.59%) accounted for differences in vitamin C and color. The principal component analysis and bootstrap hulls showed that varietal differences stemmed from the intrinsic traits rather than from the indigenous or non-indigenous classification. Kakule and Kapisa varieties appeared on the positive side of principal component 1, reflecting a higher mineral content. Apple mango and Boribo mangoes loaded positively on principal component 2 due to high vitamin C and color attributes. Kagoogwa, Takataka, and Tommy Atkins varieties clustered near the total soluble solids vector, indicating adequate soluble solids for juice processing. Our findings confirm that indigenous mango varieties in Uganda meet the industrial quality standards.

The increasing human population will escalate the demand for meat and alternative meat products. The term “hybrid meat” can be used to define food products that combine conventional animal meat with alternative protein sources, such as plantbased ingredients, insect protein, or cultured cells. These products are designed to reduce the environmental and ethical concerns associated with traditional meat, while retaining the desirable sensory and nutritional qualities. Our review provides a comprehensive analysis of the development, composition, processing technologies, nutritional value, environmental sustainability, consumer acceptance, safety concerns, and regulatory frameworks for hybrid meat. The incorporation of plant proteins, pulses, insect flours, and cultured cells has shown potential to improve dietary fiber, antioxidant content, and lipid profiles without significantly compromising taste or texture. Innovative technologies such as high-moisture extrusion, 3D bioprinting, and fermentation enhance the structural and functional attributes of hybrid meat products. From an environmental perspective, hybrid meat can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and resource use by lowering the total meat content. However, safety issues such as allergenicity, microbial contamination, and chemical residues require thorough monitoring. Regulatory policies are evolving globally to address these challenges, while consumer acceptance hinges on familiarity, sensory quality, and clear labelling. Numerous studies are being conducted to curb the challenges and produce hybrid meat with a specific composition and preserved flavor. As flexitarian diets gain momentum, hybrid meat emerges as a promising transition towards sustainable food systems. It bridges the gap between conventional meat and plant-based alternatives, promoting environmental sustainability.

Oxidative stress induces lens opacity. Extracts of Annona muricata Linn., also known as graviola or soursop, are known for their potential anti-oxidant and curative efficacy. This study focused on the antioxidative and anticataractogenic effects of methanol and aqueous leaf extracts of A. muricata on sodium selenite-induced cataract in rat pups.

The study involved 55 Wistar suckling pups randomly split into 11 groups. Group 1 (normal control) received distilled water. The other groups received a single subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite (30 μmol/kg body weight) to induce oxidative stress in pups on life day 10. Additionally, Group 2 (test control, cataract-untreated) received distilled water, Group 3 (positive control) received vitamin C, Groups 4–7 received 100–250 mg/kg body weight of methanol extract, respectively, and Groups 8–11 received 100–250 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract, respectively, for 21 days.

Compared to the test control, malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower in the treated groups, while glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly higher in the aqueous-extract groups (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in plasma catalase activity across the groups. The rat pups treated with ascorbic acid and both extracts revealed remarkable reduction in the cataractous state.

The methanol and aqueous extracts of A. muricata demonstrated dose-dependent antioxidative and anticataractogenic effects on cataractous rat pups, which makes graviola a promising source of new anticataract drugs.

Members of the genus Pantoea are known for their high ecological plasticity and diverse interactions with plants, ranging from phytopathogenic to commensal, symbiotic, and growth-promoting. Some of its strains have significant biotechnological potential due to their ability to synthesize phytohormones, siderophores, and antimicrobial secondary metabolites. In this study, we aimed to conduct whole-genome sequencing of the strain Pantoea allii B-14727 to identify genetic determinants associated with its antagonistic activity, competitiveness, and colonizing capacity.

The strain under study was initially identified as Pantoea vagans B-14727 by the 16S rRNA gene and deposited at the All-Russian Collection of Industrial Microorganisms at the Kurchatov Institute National Bioresource Center (Russia). However, based on whole-genome sequencing, its species identity was revised as P. allii. Its DNA was extracted with a ZymoBIOMICS DNA Miniprep Kit. Genomic sequencing was performed on the MGIseq-2000 and Polyseq One platforms, with libraries prepared by using standard NEBNext and Barcode/Ligation kits. The strain’s genome was annotated using Bakta software, and its taxonomic identification was performed using GTDB-Tk and the GTDB database.

The P. allii B-14727 genome contained NRPS-independent siderophores (aerobactin and desferrioxamine E), terpene carotenoid clusters, RiPP peptides, and a hybrid PKS/NRPS cluster similar to the biosynthetic pathway of zeamine and its derivatives. Siderophores ensure efficient iron uptake, making the strain more competitive in conditions of iron deficiency. Carotenoids exhibit antioxidant and photoprotective functions, increasing cellular resistance to abiotic stress. The hybrid zeamine cluster contributes to the synthesis of broad-spectrum peptide antibiotics with antibacterial and fungicidal activity.

The biosynthetic systems identified in P. allii B-14727 indicate its pronounced adaptive and competitive potential. However, the strain’s non-virulent status needs to be confirmed prior to further practical applications.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that exert beneficial effects on the host by modulating the gut microbiota and synthesizing bioactive compounds. Of particular importance are metabolites involved in energy metabolism, including compounds of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and B vitamins, which act as coenzymes. This necessitates the search for strains with pronounced metabolic activity and resistance to gastrointestinal conditions. We aimed to comprehensively evaluate the in vitro probiotic potential of specific microbial strains for their subsequent use in dietary supplements and functional foods.

We studied the following strains: Propionibacterium troenii (B-6083, B-6080), Weissella thailandensis (B-10412), Bifidobacterium bifidum (AC-1779), Bifidobacterium longum (AC-1257), Pediococcus acidilactici (B-7509, B-7533), and Enterococcus faecium (B-4054). The commercial probiotics “Hemopropiovit” and “Bifiform” were used as the controls. The strains’ antibiotic resistance was determined by the disk diffusion method, their survival in the gastrointestinal tract was measured spectrophotometrically, their antagonistic activity was analyzed by the agar diffusion method, while the compositions and contents of microbial metabolites were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography.

The strains were sensitive to antibiotics (inhibition zones > 21 mm), with the highest values recorded for B-6083 (50.6 ± 4.1 mm). High resistance to bile was demonstrated by B-7509 and B-7533 (optical density 2.288 ± 0.049 and 2.364 ± 0.028 at 0.5% bile), as well as B-4054 (optical density 1.242 ± 0.005 at 40.0% bile). The strains AC-1257, B-7509, and B-7533 showed resistance to 6.5% NaCl. The most pronounced antagonistic activity was demonstrated by B-6083 against Escherichia coli (inhibition zone 29.47 ± 0.50 mm) and by B-7533 against Bacillus cereus (23.07 ± 0.47 mm). The strains exhibited high metabolic activity such as synthesizing bioactive compounds. The highest content of vitamin B₁ was found in B-10412 (23.10 ± 0.44 mg/g), while succinic acid predominated in B-6080 (432.2 ± 8.2 mg/L). The highest total contents of amino acids were observed in B-7509 (145.2 mg/g) and B-10412 (142.1 mg/g). Some strains showed high probiotic potential by demonstrating resistance to stress factors and exhibiting high antagonistic activity.

The strains B-7509, B-7533, AC-1257, B-10412, B-4054, B-6083, and B-6080 possess significant probiotic potential and may be considered as promising components for dietary supplements and functional foods. However, further research is needed such as in vivo studies in rodents.