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Research Article|Open Access
Effects of urolithin A-producing Streptococcus thermophilus FUA329 fermentation on the composition and antioxidant bioactivities of black tea
Ya-Ling Zhao1,2,3, Rui Tang2,3, Shu Liu1,2,3, Shu-Ting Han1,2,3, Juan Feng2,3, Ke-Xin Chi4, Guang Yang1,2,3, Xiao-Yue Hou1,2,3, Yao-Wei Fang1,2,3()
Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment /Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
China Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
College of Ocean Food and Biochemical Engineering, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
Analytical Instrument Trading Co, Shanghai 200000, China
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Highlights
(1) S. thermophilus FUA329 can be capable of producing the bioactive metabolite urolithin A from ellagic acid.
(2) S. thermophilus FUA329-fermented black tea shows higher antioxidant activity than that of the control.
(3) the black tea fermented with S. thermophilus FUA329 displayed better texture than that of the control.
Graphical Abstract
Streptococcus thermophilus FUA329 metabolized ellagic acid (EA) in black tea into urolithin A (Uro A), which has multiple bioactivities. This study investigated the effects of S. thermophilus FUA329 fermentation on black tea's composition and antioxidant activity. Results showed a significant decrease in tea polyphenol (TP) content within 48 hours, while Uro A was detected at 0.6799 µM and remained stable at 72 hours. The antioxidant activity of FUA329-fermented black tea was higher than that of CGMCC 1.8748-fermented tea. The fermentation also increased the presence of various polyphenols. This strain shows potential as a probiotic for EA biotransformation to Uro A.
Abstract
Streptococcus thermophilus (S. thermophilus) FUA329 metabolized ellagic acid (EA) to urolithin (Uro) A with numerous bioactivities. EA is among the chief phenolics in black tea. In the present study, the effect of the S. thermophilus FUA329 fermentation on the composition and antioxidant bioactivities of black tea were investigated. Tea polyphenol (TP) content, antioxidant activity, physicochemical composition, conversion of EA to Uro A, and changes in polyphenolic compounds during fermentation were determined through HPLC and LC-MS analyses. The TP content of FUA329 fermented black tea decreased significantly within 48 h. Moreover, Uro A, an active substance, was detected in the FUA329-fermented black tea at 0.6799 µM and remained stable at 72 h. In addition, the antioxidant activity of the FUA329-fermented black tea was significantly higher than that of the CGMCC 1.8748-fermented black tea. Various polyphenols such as gallic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, catechin hydrate, rutin, and EA were also detected in the FUA329-fermented black tea. After fermentation with S. thermophilus FUA329, black tea had lower TP content and higher antioxidant activity and polyphenolic compounds. This strain could be developed as a probiotic and used to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of EA biotransformation to Uro A.
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