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Article

Sugary Kefir: Microbial Identification and Biotechnological Properties

by
Maria K. Syrokou
1,
Marina Papadelli
2,*,
Ioanna Ntaikou
2,3,
Spiros Paramithiotis
1 and
Eleftherios H. Drosinos
1
1
Laboratory of Food Quality Control and Hygiene, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece
2
Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Peloponnese, 24100 Kalamata, Greece
3
Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Foundation for Research and Technology, 26504 Patra, Greece
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Beverages 2019, 5(4), 61; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/beverages5040061
Submission received: 31 July 2019 / Revised: 16 September 2019 / Accepted: 8 October 2019 / Published: 15 October 2019
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Beverages and Novel Technologies for Their Production)
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Versions Notes

Abstract

:
Background: The aim of the present study was to assess the microecosystem composition of three different fruit kefir grains used for the fermentation of apple juice (NAJ), cherry juice (SCN), and a solution of sugary water, enriched with plums (BSS). Methods: Yeast and bacterial populations were enumerated using classical microbiological techniques, clustered by RAPD-PCR genotyping, and identified by sequencing of the D1/D2 region of 26S-rRNA gene and the V1-V3 region of 16S-rRNA gene, respectively. The caseinolytic/lipolytic activities and the production of antimicrobial compounds were assessed by well diffusion assays. The proteolytic and lipolytic capacity were further assessed by SDS-PAGE and titrimetric assay, respectively. Results: Yeast and bacterial populations were enumerated at 6.28, 6.58, and 6.41 log CFU/g and at 4.32, 4.85, and 4.34 log CFU/g, regarding BSS, NAJ, and SCN, respectively. Saccharomyces cerevisiae dominated all three sugary kefir grains; Kluyveromyces marxianus formed a secondary microbiota in BSS and NAJ. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens dominated NAJ and SCN; Lactobacillus rhamnosus dominated BSS. Four bacteria and nine yeast isolates exhibited proteolytic activity. Forty bacteria and 45 yeast isolates possessed lipolytic activity. No antibacterial activity was detected. Conclusions: Prevalence of yeast over bacterial populations was evident in all samples assessed. Several bacterial and yeast strains exhibited proteolytic and lipolytic activities, making them suitable candidates for inclusion in starter cultures for milk and sugary kefir fermentation.

1. Introduction

Kefir is a self-carbonated, slightly acidic and alcoholic fermented beverage, with yeasty flavor, originating from Caucasian and para-Caucasian regions. It is typically manufactured by transferring kefir grains into a milk-based substrate. Kefir grains are yellowish-white, gelatinous, irregularly formed, variable in size and morphologically resembling small cauliflowers. These grains include a consortium of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (108 CFU/g), yeasts (106–107 CFU/g), and occasionally acetic acid bacteria (105 CFU/g), attached to a polysaccharide matrix, known as kefiran [1].
In addition to using milk, an alternative substrate for kefir production has been the brown sugar solution. Sugary kefir beverage is based on sucrose solution with the addition of kefir grains, dried fruit and optionally some slices of lemon [2]. Although an association of sugary kefir grains with the ginger beer plants that were transferred from the Crimean War in 1855 has been documented, the roots of sugary kefir remain reasonably unclear [3]. Pidoux [4] used the term “sugary kefir grains” to distinguish them from the typical kefir grains.
Sugary kefir grains share plenty similarities with milk kefir grains in relation to their morphological characteristics and microcommunity composition. Many scientific reports have documented the presence of Lactobacillus casei, Lb. hordei, Lb. kefir, Lb. nagelii, Lb. parabuchneri, Lb. paracasei, Lb. rhamnosus, Leuconostoc citreum, and Ln. mesenteroides in sugary kefir grains [2,5,6]. As far as yeasts were concerned, the microcommunity includes Zygotorulaspora florentina, Kluyveromyces lactis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae as the most prevalent species, being accompanied by Hanseniaspora valbyensis, Kazachstania aerobia, Lachancea fermentati, and L. meyersii [2,5].
The aim of this study was to identify the microorganisms present in three different samples of sugary kefir grains, produced by water enriched with sugar and plums, apple juice, and cherry juice. Furthermore, the technological properties associated with its production were studied, such as proteolytic and lipolytic capability, acidification potential, and antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Origin and Types of Sugar Kefir Grains

Τhe sugary kefir grains that were used in the present study were obtained via the conversion of classical milk kefir grains following gradual acclimatization to different substrates. The initial acclimation process from milk to sucrose fermentation lasted 5 days, during which lactose (whole fat milk) was progressively replaced by sucrose (brown sugar solution, BSS). For the preparation of the BSS, 46.5 g of commercial brown sugar (97% purity) was dissolved in 1 L of tap water and was supplemented with 10 g of dry prunes, with net sugar content 38%, resulting thus to a solution of 50.3 ± 0.2 g/L total soluble sugars. The final fermentation test that was used for the isolation of microorganisms (sucrose derived) was conducted with 100% BSS as fermentation media. Subsequently, the sugar kefir grains were used for the fermentation of two different types of commercial juices i.e., sour cherry nectar (SCN) and natural apple juice (NAJ), after gradual acclimation to each new substrate according to the protocol described above.

2.2. Fermentation Tests

All fermentation tests were conducted at static batch conditions, at 25.0 ± 0.2 °C, without initial pH adjustment. Kefir grains, priory acclimated to each substrate for 5 days, were introduced to fresh medium at a ratio of 5%, (w/v, wet basis). After 24 h of fermentation, kefir grains were drained and their weight increase was estimated. The fermentation broth was analyzed in terms of final pH and concentration of fermentation products.

2.3. Yeasts and Lactic Acid Bacteria Enumeration and Isolation

Kefir grains (10 g) were homogenized with 90 mL sterile Ringer solution; serial decimal dilutions were prepared in the same diluent. Enumeration of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts was carried out in De Mann, Rogosa, Sharpe agar (MRS) (LABM, Lancashire, UK) and in Rose-Bengal Chloramphenicol agar (RBC) (LABM) after pouring and spreading of serial dilutions and anaerobic (GasPak, BBL, Cockeysville, MD, USA) incubation at 30 °C for 48 h and aerobic incubation at 25 °C for 5 d, respectively. From each sample, all colonies present in the final dilution were selected and purified by successive subculturing. LAB and yeast isolates were stored at −20 °C in Nutrient broth (LABM), supplemented with 50% glycerol.

2.4. Clustering and Identification of the Isolates

Clustering of both yeast and LAB isolates was performed by PCR-RAPD using UBC155 as primer. More accurately, DNA was extracted according to Doulgeraki et al. [7]; each PCR mix consisted of 0.2 mM dNTPs (Peqlab, Erlangen, Germany), 2.5 mM MgCl2, 1.5 μM primer UBC155 (5′-CTG GCG GCT G-3′) and 2 U Taq polymerase (Kapa Biosystems, MA, USA). Thermocycling conditions included initial denaturation step at 95 °C for 2 min, 10 cycles of (95 °C for 1 min, 45 °C for 1 min decreasing by 1 °C at each cycle to 36 °C, 72 °C for 2 min), then 30 cycles of (95 °C for 1 min, 35 °C for 1 min, 72 °C for 2 min), and a final extension step at 72 °C for 10 min [8]. PCR products were separated by electrophoresis in 1.5% agarose gel in 1.0 × TAE at 100 V for 1.5 h, visualized by ethidium bromide staining and pictured using a GelDoc system (BioRad, Hercules, CA, USA). Bionumerics software (Applied Maths NV, Sint-Martens-Latem, Belgium) was used for conversion, normalization, and further analysis of the genotypic profiles obtained; clustering was obtained using the Dice coefficient and UPGMA analysis. In agreement with Doulgeraki et al. [7], one to three representative bacteria strains from each cluster were subjected to sequencing of the V1-V3 region of 16S-rRNA gene and the D1/D2 region of 26S-rRNA gene, for LAB and yeast isolates, respectively, for species identification.

2.5. Assessment of Technological Properties

2.5.1. Proteolytic Activity

Proteolytic activity of LAB and yeasts isolates was initially screened by an agar well diffusion assay and, in the case of positive result, further analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).
In the first case, LAB and yeast isolates were grown in MRS broth and BHI broth (LAB M) at 30 and 25 °C, respectively, for 24 h. An amount (50 μL) of the cell-free supernatant obtained by centrifugation (12,500 rpm; 15 min; 4 °C) was placed into the wells that were punched into a solidified medium consisting of casein 1.0%, tryptone 0.5%, yeast extract 0.25%, glucose 0.1%, and agar 1.5% (pH 6.9). Incubation took place at 25 and 30 °C for 48 h, for yeasts and LAB, respectively. After incubation, plates were stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue R (Sigma, Chemical Co., St. Louis, ΜΟ, USA); proteolytic activity was indicated by the presence of a clear zone surrounding the inoculated wells. Test was performed in triplicate.
The strains that exhibited proteolytic activity were further tested by SDS-PAGE. Actively growing LAB and yeast cells were inoculated into a broth medium consisted of tryptone 0.5%, yeast extract 0.25%, glucose 0.1%, casein 1% (pH 6.9), and incubated at 30 and 25 °C, respectively, for 48 h. Uninoculated broth served as a blank. Then, the cell-free supernatants were analyzed by SDS-PAGE according to Drosinos et al. [9]. Tests were performed in triplicate.

2.5.2. Lipolytic Activity

Lipolytic activity of LAB and yeasts isolates was initially screened by an agar well diffusion assay and, in the case of positive result, further analyzed by a titrimetric assay. In the first case, LAB and yeast isolates were grown in MRS broth and BHI broth (LAB M) at 30 and 25 °C, respectively, for 24 h. An amount (50 μL) of the cell-free supernatant obtained by centrifugation (12,500 rpm; 15 min; 4 °C) was placed into the wells that were punched into a solidified medium consisting of nutrient agar, tributyrine (1%) and DMSO (0.25%). Incubation took place at 30 and 25 °C for bacterial and yeast strains, respectively, for 10 days. Presence of a transparent zone around the wells was an indicator of lipolysis. Test was performed in triplicate.
The strains that exhibited lipolytic activity were further analyzed by the titrimetric method proposed by Kamzolova et al. [10] with slight modifications. More accurately, actively growing cells of LAB and yeast strains were inoculated into a broth medium consisted of lecithin 0.5%, tributyrine 1%, meat extract 3 g/L and peptone 5 g/L. Incubation took place at 30 and 25 °C for bacterial and yeast strains, respectively, for 7 days. Uninoculated broth served at blank. After incubation, 10 mL of the cell-free supernatant obtained by centrifugation (12,500 rpm; 15 min; 4 °C) was titrated with 50 mM NaOH (to final pH value of 9.0). One unit (U) of lipase activity was defined as the amount of enzyme that catalyzed the release of 1 μmol of fatty acids per mL. The test was performed in triplicate.

2.5.3. Acidification Capacity

LAB acidification capacity was assessed in sterile reconstituted skim milk. More accurately, 10 mL of sterile skim milk was inoculated with overnight bacterial cultures and incubated at 30 °C for 24 h. The pH changes were assessed with a pH meter (WTW, Weilheim, Germany). The acidification capacity was calculated as ΔpH = pH24h − pHinitial. The test was performed in triplicate.

2.5.4. Antimicrobial Activity

The antimicrobial activity of the lactic acid bacteria isolates was carried out with the well diffusion assay according to Drosinos et al. [9]. In brief, cell-free supernatant was obtained from overnight bacterial cultures, neutralized, treated with catalase, and added to the wells that were punched in freshly prepared lawns containing a mixture of 5 strains of L. monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella sp. [11,12]. Growth inhibition exceeding 5 mm around the wells was used as an indicator of antimicrobial activity of the supernatant applied. The test was performed in triplicate.

2.6. Analytical Methods

Sugars were quantified according to DuBois et al. [13]. The pH was measured by a Metrohm 744 pH meter. Ethanol and acetic acid were quantified via HPLC-RI (Shodex) with an Aminex HPΧ–87H column (Biorad) at 60 °C and a cation H micro-guard cartridge (Biorad), with H2SO4 0.006 Ν as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.7 mL/min. Lactic acid was quantified spectrophotometrically at 340 nm using a D-/L-Lactic Acid Assay Kit (Megazyme). The test was performed in triplicate.

3. Results

3.1. Fermentation Tests

Table 1 summarizes the results of fermentation of the three sugary substrates that were tested in this study. The main difference among substrates is the initial pH of the cultures, which was neutral for BSS and quite acidic for SCN and NAJ and the initial concentration of sugar, which was much higher for the juices. As shown, in the case of BSS, 80% of the sugar content was fermented whereas in the cases of SCN and NAJ the uptake of sugars was less than 50%. The distribution of the fermentative products were similar with ethanol being the prominent final product, reaching maximum concentration of 2.14 ± 0.12% (v/v) for SCN. Lactate was also detected in all three beverages in similar concentrations, whereas the presence of acetic acid was not detected.

3.2. Yeast and Bacterial Enumeration in Kefir Grains

Bacterial and yeast populations were enumerated in BSS, NAJ and SCN kefir grains at 4.32, 4.85 and 4.34 log CFU/g, and at 6.28, 6.58, and 6.41 log CFU/g, respectively.
A total of 50 bacterial and 83 yeast isolates were obtained, subjected to RAPD-PCR analysis and effectively separated into several clusters (Figure 1 and Figure 2). More accurately, bacteria were separated into five clusters, designated I to V (Figure 1). The majority of the clusters contained isolates from the same kefir sample with the exception of clusters II and III, which consisted of isolates from apple (NAJ) and cherry (SCN) kefir samples. One to three representative isolates from each cluster were subjected to sequencing of the V1-V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene and the resulting phylogenetic affiliation is exhibited in Table 2. Similarly, yeasts were separated into seven clusters, defined I to VII (Figure 2). The clusters involved yeast isolates from more than one sugary kefir grains, apart from cluster IV, which comprised of isolates from apple (NAJ) kefir sample.
The majority of bacterial isolates (29 of 50) were identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, while the rest 21 were classified as Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Regarding yeasts, the majority of the isolates (64 of 83) were identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae while the remaining 19 were classified as Kluyveromyces marxianus.
Regarding the bacterial and yeast microecosystem composition of the BSS, NAJ and SCN kefir samples, a total of 50 bacterial isolates were obtained, 7 of which were retrieved from NAJ, 22 from SCN, and 21 from BSS kefir grains. B. amyloliquefaciens was the only species isolated from NAJ and SCN kefir grains; on the contrary, Lb. rhamnosus was the only species isolated from BSS kefir grains. As far as yeasts were concerned, a total of 83 yeast isolates were obtained; 38 from NAJ, 26 from SCN, and 19 from BSS kefir grains. S. cerevisiae was the only species isolated from SCN kefir grains. A consortium consisting of S. cerevisiae and K. marxianus was evident in BSS and NAJ kefir grains; in the first case 94.7% of the isolates were assigned to S. cerevisiae and the remaining 5.3% to K. marxianus. Regarding the yeast microbiota of NAJ kefir grains, it consisted of S. cerevisiae (55.3%) and K. marxianus (44.7%).

3.3. Assessment of Technological Properties

3.3.1. Proteolytic Activity

The agar well diffusion assay was performed for 50 bacterial and 83 yeasts isolates and those that provided with positive results were further analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). In the first case, a clear zone of casein hydrolysis, around the wells, indicated the presence of proteolytic activity. The agar plate assay revealed that 4 bacterial and 9 yeast isolates were proteolytic. Regarding the bacterial isolates, three were identified as Lb. rhamnosus (LQC 2014, 2015, 2030) and one as B. amyloliquefaciens (LQC 1990) and originated from BSS and NAJ kefir grains, respectively. As far as yeasts were concerned, three S. cerevisiae (LQC 10184, 10235, 10237) and six K. marxianus isolates (LQC 10179, 10182, 10245, 10246, 10247, 10248) were found proteolytic, all originating from NAJ kefir grains. Then, SDS-PAGE electrophoresis was performed on the positively indicated proteolytic isolates. The protein patterns of the uninoculated broth serving as a blank solution and the ones inoculated with microbial isolates were identical. More accurately, the protein bands corresponding to caseins as1, as2, β, and κ, with molecular weights 23, 25, 24, and 19 kDa, respectively, were clearly visible in all samples, including the blank, indicating absence or partial hydrolysis.

3.3.2. Lipolytic Activity

A total of 50 bacterial and 83 yeast isolates were tested for lipase secretion, by employing a screening technique on agar plates and a subsequent titrimetric analysis, for those assessed as lipolytic. According to the agar plate assay 40 bacterial isolates appeared to possess lipolytic activity, 29 of which were identified as B. amyloliquefaciens and the rest 11 as Lb. rhamnosus. As far as yeasts were concerned, 45 isolates were revealed to possess lipolytic capacity, 29 were assigned to S. cerevisiae, and 16 to K. marxianus. Those having exhibited lipolytic activity were tested for lipase production in liquid medium containing tributyrine and lecithin as emulsifier. The results in AU/mL are presented in Figure 3 and Figure 4 for yeasts and bacteria, respectively. Bacterial isolates showing the highest lipase activity were B. amyloliquefaciens LQC 1990 and Lb. rhamnosus LQC 2023 (10.50 and 10.05 AU/mL, respectively), originating from NAJ and BSS kefir grains, respectively. Bacterial isolates from SCN kefir grains displayed the lowest lipase activity, with the values ranging from 1.05 to 5 AU/mL. Yeast strains retrieved from NAJ and SCN kefir grains presented both, the highest and lowest lipase capabilities. In other words, yeast isolates S. cerevisiae LQC 10237 and LQC 10186, originating from NAJ kefir grains, exhibited lipase activities of 20.85 and 1.05 AU/mL, respectively. Similarly, yeast isolates S. cerevisiae LQC 10199 and LQC 10198, which were obtained from SCN kefir grains, showed lipase activities of 16.05 and 1.45 AU/mL, respectively.

3.3.3. Acidification Capacity

The acidification capacity of the bacterial isolates after 24 h of incubation in reconstituted skim milk, is exhibited in Figure 5. The most prominent acidification, with ΔpH ranging between 0.78 and 1.07 pH units, was displayed by the 21 isolates identified as Lb. rhamnosus. In particular, two Lb. rhamnosus isolates, namely LQC 2018 and LQC 2022, achieved the highest acidifying capacity, with a ΔpH of 1.06 and 1.07, respectively. In contrast, the 29 B. amyloliquefaciens isolates, showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower acidifying activity, with ΔpH values, ranging between 0.12–0.28 pH units.

3.3.4. Antimicrobial Activity

A total of 50 bacterial isolates were screened for the production of antimicrobial compounds against a mixture of 5 strains of L. monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella sp. No such activity was detected.

4. Discussion

In general, the results obtained in the present study regarding the carbohydrate consumption and the metabolite production of BSS, SCN and NAJ are in good agreement with previous studies on sugary kefir beverages, according to which ethanol is the main metabolic product followed by lactate and acetate and in some cases citrate [3]. In the present study citric acid was not quantified but according to the mass balances of sugars to metabolites conversion the presence of other metabolites should indeed be expected. Differences in the final concentrations could be attributed to differences in the microbial consortia but also to the fermentation conditions. For instance, in the study of Randazzo et al. [14], in which the production of kefir beverages from different fresh fruit juices was investigated, higher ethanol concentrations (up to 4.96%, v/v) were reported and also acetate detection was noted in similar concentrations with lactate. It should be noted that Randazzo et al. [14] performed backslopping inoculation instead of direct fermentation via water kefir grains whereas fermentation lasted 48 h and as such sugar consumption was much higher. In the present study fermentations were ceased after 24 h, and consequently lower consumption of carbohydrates and lower concentration of fermentation products were indeed expected.
Previous studies have demonstrated the microbial complexity of sugary kefir grains, mainly composed of LAB, namely Lactobacillus spp., Lactococcus spp., Leuconostoc spp. and Streptococcus spp., yeasts, including Saccharomyces spp., Kluyveromyces spp. and Candida spp. and occasionally acetic acid bacteria. The diverse microbial profile of sugary kefir grains has been attributed to the various geographical regions of the grain preparation and the fermentation conditions [2,3,5,14].
In general, LAB population has been reported to exceed that of yeasts in both milk and sugary kefir grains [1,2,5]. However, there are studies that have either reported similar populations or exhibited the exact opposite, i.e., dominance of yeast population over LAB [15]. The latter was also the case in the present study; yeasts population exceeded the one of LAB by 2 log CFU/g. This can be attributed to the increased sugar concentration due to the gradual replacement of milk with brown sugar solution enriched with plums (BSS) and then apple (NAJ) and cherry juice (SCN).
In the present study, S. cerevisiae was present in all three sugary kefir grains as the predominant yeast, while K. marxianus formed a secondary microbiota in two out of three sugary kefir grains, namely BSS and NAJ kefir grains. Regarding S. cerevisiae, these findings are in agreement with previous studies [3,5,6,16], which confirmed the high prevalence of this yeast species in sugary kefir grains. On the other hand, although K. marxianus presence in sugary kefir grains has been previously reported [16], this yeast is isolated from milk kefir grains more frequently as part of the secondary microbiota [17]. Compared to S. cerevisiae, which cannot ferment lactose, K. marxianus, a lactose-fermenting yeast, may possess a comparative advantage in milk-based substrates. However, in sugary solutions, S. cerevisiae converts sucrose into glucose and fructose, and in milk substrates presence of other microbial species that convert lactose into glucose and galactose may favor its dominance [3]. The presence of both S. cerevisiae and K. marxianus in Tibetan kefir grains was previously demonstrated by Lu et al. [17], who reported S. cerevisiae predominance over time, due to its adaptation to low pH, ability to survive with or without oxygen and its alcohol tolerance. As for K. marxianus, the necessity for oxygen uptake and the antagonistic relationship with S. cerevisiae contributed to its decrease over time. Despite the predominant character of S. cerevisiae in various sugary kefir grains, Gulitz et al. [2] after employing PCR-RAPD analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, reported S. cerevisiae presence as secondary yeast biota in water kefir grains, originating from different regions, while the majority of yeast isolates were identified as Zygotorulaspora florentina. Thus, the geographical origin of the kefir grains seems to determine the microbial profile revealed.
As for bacterial isolates, those originating from NAJ and SCN kefir grains were identified as B. amyloliquefaciens, while the ones from BSS kefir grains were classified as Lb. rhamnosus. B. amyloliquefaciens presence in any type of sugary or milk kefir grains has not been reported so far. On the other hand, presence of Lb. rhamnosus in Thai sugary kefir grains and beverage has been reported by Sarikkha et al. [6]. However, Lb. rhamnosus was identified with less than 97% similarity, compared to those of B. cereus and Gluconobacter japonicus, ranging from 99% to 100%, respectively.
The presence of Lactobacillus spp., Lactococcus spp. and Leuconostoc spp. in sugary kefir grains has been previously reported. Dominance of Lb. hordei and Lb. nagelii and a secondary microbiota consisting of Ln. mesenteroides and Ln. citreum in sugary kefir grains, was reported by Gulitz et al. [2]. Hsieh et al. [18] used a combined approach of culture-dependent and -independent methods and reported the dominance of Ln. mesenteroides in kefir grains fermented with brown sugar, followed by Lb. hordei and Lb. mali at lower levels. Isolation of Lb. kefiri, Lb. kefiranofaciens and Ln. mesenteroides from milk kefir grains, as well as Lb. perolens, Lb. parafarraginis, Lb. diolivorans, and Oenococcus oeni from sugary kefir grains was reported by Zanirati et al. [19]. The microbial complexity of sugary kefir grains was also demonstrated by Magalhães et al. [5], reporting Lb. paracasei as the predominant species, accompanied by a secondary microbiota consisting of Acetobacter lovaniensis, Lb. parabuchneri, Lb. kefiri, and Lactococcus lactis.
B. amyloliquefaciens is a phylogenetically close relative of B. subtilis, whose presence has been verified via phenotypic and genotypic approaches from Tibetan kefir grains [20]. Both B. subtilis and B. amyloliquefaciens species, are often isolated from fermented soy products [21], dairy products [22] and soil as well [23]. Their antibiotic and antimicrobial activity as well as probiotic potential have also been studied [24]. Interestingly, Kort et al. [25] reported that the microbial consortium of S. thermophilus C106 and Lb. rhamnosus yoba 2012 was based on the proteolytic character of the former and its capacity to digest lactose and casein, thus aiding the latter to grow in milk substrates. B. amyloliquefaciens has also been reported as one of the most potent producer of extracellular proteases [21], whose interaction with Lb. rhamnosus could probably overcome the limitations highlighted by Kort et al. [25] and Parker et al. [26].
Acidifying capacity constitutes a determining test for the selection of bacterial strains as starter cultures in dairy fermentations. In our study Lb. rhamnosus isolates exhibited higher capacity than B. amyloliquefaciens strains. Despite the fact that Lb. rhamnosus isolates are not preferred as primary starter cultures in the dairy industry, this species involves some extremely interesting strains, such as Lb. rhamnosus GG, whose probiotic potential has been extensively studied [27]. In a study by Ayad et al. [28] Lb. rhamnosus acidifying activity was characterized as slow, since it is grouped with facultative heterofermentative lactobacilli. In agreement with these results, Sodini et al. [29] confirmed its poor acidification activity, by reporting that more than 20 h were needed for Lb. rhamnosus to reach pH 5.0. In contrast Marroki et al. [30] reported two fast acidifying Lb. rhamnosus strains, which showed values of ΔpH 0.63 and 0.69 pH units after 6 h, as well as 1.87 and 1.96 pH units after 24 h. As for B. amyloliquefaciens, although its probiotic potential has been investigated [21], its acidifying capacity has not been thoroughly assessed.
Proteolysis is considered as one of the most important technological properties, actively participating in texture and flavor development of fermented products. Proteolytic activity of LAB has been studied for a variety of dry fermented meat products during the ripening process [31], dairy products [32] and sourdoughs [33]. In the present study, the initial screening with agar well diffusion assay revealed four proteolytic bacterial isolates, three of which were identified as Lb. rhamnosus and one as B. amyloliquefaciens, as well as nine proteolytic yeast isolates, three of which were identified as S. cerevisiae and six as K. marxianus. However, further analysis by SDS-PAGE revealed no difference in the protein profiles between the uninoculated samples, serving as control, and the ones inoculated with the microbial isolates. Similar results were reported by Kirilov et al. [34] and Dallas et al. [35]. In both studies, the inability of SDS-PAGE to properly depict caseinolytic activity was highlighted and longer incubation times were suggested. On the other hand, SDS-PAGE, applied on LAB isolated from dairy products, after the initial proteolytic screening by an agar well diffusion method, revealed the presence of 3 highly proteolytic isolates identified as Enterococcus faecalis (strains FT132 & FT522) and Lb. paracasei FT700 [36]. SDS-PAGE analysis confirmed their proteolytic capacity, showing the degradation of a-and β-caseins, as well as β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin. In agreement with these findings, El-Ghaish et al. [37] using an agar well diffusion assay, as a screening proteolytic method on lactococci isolated from Egyptian dairy products, followed by further analysis by SDS-PAGE, reported six highly proteolytic isolates, four identified as E. faecalis and two as E. faecium. The proteolytic capacity of Lb. rhamnosus [38,39] as well as B. amyloliquefaciens [40,41,42] have been studied to some extent. In the first case, Moslehishad et al. [38] demonstrated the high protease capacity of Lb. rhamnosus PTCC 1637 in fermented cow and camel milk. In addition, the presence of probiotic cultures Lb. rhamnosus HN001 and Lb. acidophilus NCFM enhanced proteolysis in Edam cheese [39].
Bacillus species produce a wide range of extracellular and intracellular proteases, with subtilisins, a family of alkaline serine endoproteases, being the most extensively studied ones. The extracellular protease capacity is mainly attributed to an alkaline serine protease (subtilisin) and a neutral metalloprotease, while less than 1% to an esterase. As for intracellular proteases, at least two homologous genes have been reported in the genome of B. subtilis coding for serine proteases, intracellular serine protease and secretory subtilisin [43]. Samad et al. [42] reported the protease production by B. amyloliquefaciens B7, originating from fermented fish sauce and its purification with the use of an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS). Wang et al. [40] reported the cloning of a neutral protease encoding gene, Banpr, from B. amyloliquefaciens strain K11. Finally, high protease activity of B. amyloliquefaciens UEF01 endophytic to carnivorous plant Utricularia exoleta R. Br. was also demonstrated by Chaudhuri et al. [41], with the enzyme sharing similarities with alkaline proteases, previously isolated from B. amyloliquefaciens.
As far as yeasts were concerned, they constitute an extremely diverse group, with significant contribution to the formation of aroma and flavor precursors, during fermentation and maturation processes. Their ability to degrade residual lactose, lactate utilization, symbiosis with LAB, and their protein hydrolytic capacity necessitate their use as adjunct microbiota in the production of fermented dairy products. The proteolytic intracellular system of S. cerevisiae includes three categories of proteases, cytosolic proteasome, vacuolar proteases, and finally proteases within the secretory pathway [44]. Several studies have reported the poor proteolytic capacity of S. cerevisiae strains [45]. On the other hand, Klein et al. [46] reported that some yeast isolates, including S. cerevisiae, showed greater peptidase capacity compared to most bacterial species and were more capable of hydrolyzing β-casein phosphorylated peptides. The degradation of as1 and β-casein components of the S. cerevisiae FB7, isolated from blue veined cheeses, has also been stated [47]. Finally, Seredyński et al. [48] reported that S. cerevisiae strains secreted diverse proteases, depending on the availability and quality of the protein substrate.
K. marxianus, an interesting yeast in biotechnology, has been regularly isolated from dairy products due to its ability to assimilate a wide range of sugars, such as lactose. Beniwal et al. [49] reported K. marxianus 6C17 ability to hydrolyze galactose into ethanol, thus verifying its variability in sugar fermentation and thereby its alignment with Crabtree-positive yeasts. However, little is known about its proteolytic capacity. Ramírez-Zavala et al. [50] demonstrated the presence of a K. marxianus-derived serine-carboxypeptidase, an exopeptidase, hydrolyzing C-terminal amino acids from peptides and proteins and proposed its usage as substitute for animal-originating enzymes in food industry. They also reported the isolation of a lysine aminopeptidase, originating from K. marxianus, which catalyzed the removal of n-terminal alkaline residues, mainly lysine. Its strong suppression by bestatin, o-phenanthroline and EDTA, has led to its characterization as a metalloprotease.
Lipolysis, the hydrolysis of triacylglycerols to free fatty acids (FFA) mono- and diglycerides, has been attributed to the presence of lipases and esterases, with the former hydrolyzing esters of longer chain fatty acids, FA, and the latter preferentially acting on esters of shorter chain FFA [51]. Further FFA catabolism leads to the production of impact-aromatic compounds, namely esters, methylketones, lactones and secondary alcohols. Lipolysis in fermented meat products, such as dry-fermented sausages, has been partly attributed to members of Staphylococcus genus and partly to muscle and fat tissue enzymes and is essential for the development of dry-cured sausage flavor [52]. Lipolysis during cheese ripening has also been studied by many authors [53]. However, milk fat lipolysis does not happen in a great range of circumstances, which is the reason why many authors have focused on studying the proteolysis and FFA catabolism, as determining factors for the formation of aroma compounds. Lipolysis has been investigated in fermented products, such as wine [54] and fermented olives [55]. In our study, the lipolytic activity was initially assessed by a screening agar well diffusion assay and further by quantitative evaluation of the lipase activity, a procedure that has been also applied previously [10]. Seven B. amyloliquefaciens and 33 Lb. rhamnosus isolates as well as 29 S. cerevisiae and 16 K. marxianus isolates showed halos around the well and were further analyzed with titrimetric assay. The bacterial strains with the highest lipase activity were LQC 1990 (10.50 AU/mL) and 2023 (10.05 AU/mL), identified as B. amyloliquefaciens and Lb. rhamnosus, respectively. The best lipase producing yeast isolates were LQC 10237 (20.85 AU/mL), 10199 (16.05 AU/mL), 10235 (15.25 AU/mL) and 10248 (13.25 AU/mL), the former two identified as S. cerevisiae and the latter as K. marxianus. At yeast level, S. cerevisiae and K. marxianus strains have been characterized as poor lipase producers [54,55]. Hansen & Jakobsen [47] demonstrated that S. cerevisiae strains isolated from blue veined cheeses could ferment tributyrine and low chain FFA, but not C:14 FFA, thus indicating no lipase activity.
Few studies have elucidated the lipolytic system of K. marxianus. S. cerevisiae and K. marxianus lipolytic activity were investigated by Hernández et al. [56]. In that study the majority of the yeast strains were able to hydrolyze tributyrine, thus exhibiting esterase capability. However, less strains exhibited lipase activity when olive oil was used as substrate. In contrast, Cardoso et al. [57], studying the proteolytic and lipolytic profile of yeasts isolated from traditional Brazilian cheese, revealed that K. marxianus 83F achieved the highest lipase capacity (0.06 ± 0.04 U/mL), while K. marxianus 60P showed β-galactosidase activity.
As far as bacterial isolates were concerned, several authors have reported moderate to none lipolytic activity of Lb. rhamnosus strains [58]. However extended ripening period, contributes to the hydrolysis of considerable amounts of FFA [59]. Weak lipolytic capacity constitutes a beneficial attribute for fermented food products, such as cheese, by inhibiting the development of bitter and rancid aroma-compounds. Falcinelli et al. [60] demonstrated that Lb. rhamnosus administration caused transcriptional modifications in TGs biosynthesis associated genes, namely agpat4, dgat2, and fit2 and probably induced lipolysis. An inhibition of agpat4 and dgat2 transcription, and thus a decline in triglyceride capacity and a reduction of LD aggregation, stimulated by lower levels of fit2 gene, showed the triggering of lipolysis by Lb. rhamnosus.
Bacillus spp. is a well-known producer of valuable extracellular enzymes, such as lipases. In most cases, lipases are induced from lipidic carbon substrates, namely oils, fatty acids and glycerol. From an industrial point of view, lipase production is gaining much attention due to its use as cheap and versatile catalysts in biodiesel processing. Due to the rigid regulation of lipase synthesis, the cloning of lipase genes is often preferred. The first documentation of lipase gene from B. amyloliquefaciens cloning and application in biodiesel production was reported by Cai et al. [61]. B. amyloliquefaciens Nsic-8 lipase gene, lipBA, was isolated from a stinky tofu brine and successfully cloned in E. coli. Saengsanga et al. [62] also reported the cloning of another lip gene from B. amyloliquefaciens E1PA in E. coli and showed the affinity of the inducible alkaline E1PA lipase with wider range of substrates.
Bacteria may produce a wide variety of antimicrobial compounds, such as organic acids, ethanol, hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins. The latter have been in the epicenter of intensive study over the last decades; knowledge on the factors that affect their production, their biochemical properties, as well as their applicability within the context of the hurdle theory, is constantly expanding [63]. The production of bacteriocins from Lb. rhamnosus and B. amyloliquefaciens strains has been reported [64]. Bacteriocin production and sensitivity are strain-dependent properties [65]; the latter may partially explain their in situ limited use. In order to address this limitation, a mixture of strains is increasingly used in screening studies so that detection of antimicrobial compounds of broader range is facilitated. In the present study, no such compounds were detected.
In conclusion, according to the results obtained in the present study, dominance of yeast over bacterial population was evident in all sugary kefir samples assessed and attributed to the elevated carbohydrate concentration, compared to milk kefir. Regarding the technological properties of the isolates, Lb. rhamnosus strains LQC 2014 and 2015 that exhibited potent acidification capacity as well as proteolytic and lipolytic activities along with S. cerevisiae strains LQC 10184, 10235, and 10237 and K. marxianus strains LQC 10179, 10182, 10245, 10246, 10247, and 10248 that exhibited proteolytic and lipolytic activities are suitable candidates for the formation of the microbial consortium that is necessary to drive milk and sugary kefir fermentations.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, M.P., I.N., S.P., E.H.D.; apply of analytical methods, M.K.S., I.N., S.P.; Writing–Original Draft Preparation, M.K.S., M.P., I.N., S.P., Review & Editing M.K.S., M.P., I.N., S.P., E.H.D.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Figure 1. Cluster analysis of RAPD-PCR patterns of bacterial isolates, obtained from apple (NAJ), cherry (SCN) and sugary water (BSS) kefir grains. Distance is indicated by the mean correlation coefficient [r (%)] and clustering was performed by UPGMA analysis. The representative strains selected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing are underlined. Latin numerals designate bacterial species (I, and V: Lb. rhamnosus, II, III and IV: B. amyloliquefaciens).
Figure 1. Cluster analysis of RAPD-PCR patterns of bacterial isolates, obtained from apple (NAJ), cherry (SCN) and sugary water (BSS) kefir grains. Distance is indicated by the mean correlation coefficient [r (%)] and clustering was performed by UPGMA analysis. The representative strains selected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing are underlined. Latin numerals designate bacterial species (I, and V: Lb. rhamnosus, II, III and IV: B. amyloliquefaciens).
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Figure 2. Cluster analysis of RAPD-PCR patterns of yeast isolates, obtained from apple (NJA), cherry (SCN) and sugary water (BSS) kefir grains. Distance is indicated by the mean correlation coefficient [r (%)] and clustering was performed by UPGMA analysis. The representative strains selected for 26S rRNA gene sequencing are underlined. Latin numerals designate yeast species (I, II, III, VI and VII: S. cerevisiae, IV and V: K. marxianus).
Figure 2. Cluster analysis of RAPD-PCR patterns of yeast isolates, obtained from apple (NJA), cherry (SCN) and sugary water (BSS) kefir grains. Distance is indicated by the mean correlation coefficient [r (%)] and clustering was performed by UPGMA analysis. The representative strains selected for 26S rRNA gene sequencing are underlined. Latin numerals designate yeast species (I, II, III, VI and VII: S. cerevisiae, IV and V: K. marxianus).
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Figure 3. Lipase activity in AU/mL of the yeast isolates. Different letters (a–r) indicate statistically significant differences (p < 0.05).
Figure 3. Lipase activity in AU/mL of the yeast isolates. Different letters (a–r) indicate statistically significant differences (p < 0.05).
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Figure 4. Lipase activity in AU/mL of the bacterial isolates. Different letters (a–m) indicate statistically significant differences (p < 0.05).
Figure 4. Lipase activity in AU/mL of the bacterial isolates. Different letters (a–m) indicate statistically significant differences (p < 0.05).
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Figure 5. Acidification capacity of the bacterial isolates after 24 h of incubation in reconstituted skim milk. Different letters (a–e) indicate statistically significant differences (p < 0.05).
Figure 5. Acidification capacity of the bacterial isolates after 24 h of incubation in reconstituted skim milk. Different letters (a–e) indicate statistically significant differences (p < 0.05).
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Table
Table 1. Change of the pH value, carbohydrate consumption and metabolite production after 24 h fermentation at 25 °C of the three sugary substrates employed in this study.
Table 1. Change of the pH value, carbohydrate consumption and metabolite production after 24 h fermentation at 25 °C of the three sugary substrates employed in this study.
SubstratepH0pHfS0 Sugars
(%, w/v)		Sf Sugars
(%, w/v)		Ethanol
(%, v/v)		Lactic Acid
(%, w/v)		Acetic Acid
(mg/L)
BSS6.9 ± 0.014.1 ± 0.015.03 ± 0.20.93 ±0.111.96 ± 0.11162.12 ± 12.09nd
SCN3.9 ± 0.013.5 ± 0.0213.2 ± 0.28.92 ± 0.12.14 ± 0.12148.35 ± 9.46nd
NAJ4 ± 0.013.7 ± 0.019.2 ± 0.16.96 ± 0.10.85 ± 0.04134.13 ± 8.78nd
nd: not detected.
Table
Table 2. Phylogenetic position of yeast and bacterial strains based on sequencing of the D1/D2 region of 26S-and V1-V3 region of 16S rRNA gene, respectively.
Table 2. Phylogenetic position of yeast and bacterial strains based on sequencing of the D1/D2 region of 26S-and V1-V3 region of 16S rRNA gene, respectively.
Strain NumberClosest RelativeIdentity (%)Accession Number
YeastsLQC 10194S. cerevisiae99MG017543.1
LQC 10195S. cerevisiae99MG017587.1
LQC 10196S. cerevisiae99MG017572.1
LQC 10199S. cerevisiae99MG017572.1
LQC 10201S. cerevisiae99MG017587.1
LQC 10202S. cerevisiae99MG017588.1
LQC 10204S. cerevisiae99MG017572.1
LQC 10205S. cerevisiae100JQ964228.1
LQC 10206S. cerevisiae100MG017572.1
LQC 10211S. cerevisiae100MF406146.1
LQC 10216S. cerevisiae100KR069090.1
LQC 10167S. cerevisiae100MG017572.1
LQC 10168S. cerevisiae99JQ964228.1
LQC 10170S. cerevisiae100MF406146.1
LQC 10171S. cerevisiae100MF406146.1
LQC 10176S. cerevisiae99KJ660850.1
LQC 10177K. marxianus99KJ491106.1
LQC 10179K. marxianus99KJ491106.1
LQC 10180K. marxianus100KJ491106.1
LQC 10181S. cerevisiae100MF406146.1
LQC 10182K. marxianus100MH244202.1
LQC 10183S. cerevisiae100KJ660848.1
LQC 10184S. cerevisiae100MG017572.1
LQC 10185S. cerevisiae99MF406146.1
LQC 10187K. marxianus99KJ491106.1
LQC 10188K. marxianus100FJ896141.1
LQC 10217S. cerevisiae100MG017572.1
LQC 10221S. cerevisiae99MG017572.1
LQC 10224S. cerevisiae100MG017587.1
LQC 10225S. cerevisiae99MG017585.1
LQC 10230S. cerevisiae100MF406146.1
LQC 10233S. cerevisiae100MF406146.1
BacteriaLQC 1986B. amyloliquefaciens99KY392912.1
LQC 1993B. amyloliquefaciens98MH045777.1
LQC 2012B. amyloliquefaciens99KY072769.1
LQC 2014Lb. rhamnosus99CP020464.1
LQC 2018Lb. rhamnosus100HQ774719.1
LQC 2023Lb. rhamnosus99CP020464.1
LQC 2024Lb. rhamnosus99CP020464.1
LQC 2031Lb. rhamnosus99LC333198.1
LQC 2032Lb. rhamnosus99LC333198.1
LQC 2034Lb. rhamnosus99LC333198.1
LQC 2008B. amyloliquefaciens99MF953984.1

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Syrokou, M.K.; Papadelli, M.; Ntaikou, I.; Paramithiotis, S.; Drosinos, E.H. Sugary Kefir: Microbial Identification and Biotechnological Properties. Beverages 2019, 5, 61. https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/beverages5040061

AMA Style

Syrokou MK, Papadelli M, Ntaikou I, Paramithiotis S, Drosinos EH. Sugary Kefir: Microbial Identification and Biotechnological Properties. Beverages. 2019; 5(4):61. https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/beverages5040061

Chicago/Turabian Style

Syrokou, Maria K., Marina Papadelli, Ioanna Ntaikou, Spiros Paramithiotis, and Eleftherios H. Drosinos. 2019. "Sugary Kefir: Microbial Identification and Biotechnological Properties" Beverages 5, no. 4: 61. https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/beverages5040061

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