Abstract
Lactobacillus acidophilus 74-2, which is used in probiotic products, was administered, with fructooligosaccharide in a milk-based product, to the second vessel (duodenum/jejunum) of the SHIME reactor, an in vitro simulation of the human intestinal microbial ecology. The main focus of this study was to monitor the changes of the population density of selected bacterial species in the intestine and the changes of metabolic activities during the supplementation of L. acidophilus and fructooligosaccharide in the SHIME reactor. Interestingly, the addition of L. acidophilus 74-2 with fructooligosaccharide gave rise to an increase of bifidobacteria. Moreover, major positive changes occurred in the production of volatile fatty acids: a strong upward trend was observed especially in the case of butyric acid and propionic acid. Furthermore a noticeable increase of β-galactosidase activity was monitored, while the activity of β-glucuronidase, generally considered undesirable, declined.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 22 January 1999 / Received revision: 13 July 1999 / Accepted: 13 August 1999
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Gmeiner, M., Kneifel, W., Kulbe, K. et al. Influence of a synbiotic mixture consisting of Lactobacillus acidophilus 74-2 and a fructooligosaccharide preparation on the microbial ecology sustained in a simulation of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem (SHIME reactor). Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 53, 219–223 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002530050011
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002530050011