Ascophillum nodosum and Lithothamnium calcareum and their prebiotic potential on Lactobacillus strains

Functional ingredients became essential for sustainable development to improve health status, prevent disease, and reduce the use of medication. This study aimed to determine the potential prebiotic role of Ascophyllum nodosum and Lithothamnium calcareum using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Limosilactobacillus reuteri as microorganism models. Key bioactive compounds of algae were identified using LC-QTOF-MS/MS. The influence of algae inclusion on the growth of Lactobacilli strains was evaluated. Functional activities of the co-culture were evaluated after 24, 48, 72, and 96 incubation hours. Antioxidant capacity (by ABTS assay) increased for both Lactobacilli cultures, with a PI% increase of 30 % for L. plantarum (p < 0.01) and a PI% increase of 25 % for L. reuteri (p < 0.01). Algal extracts significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) E. coli growth after 48 hrs for L. plantarum and after 72 hrs for L. reuteri. The results suggested that A. nodosum and L. calcareum can be considered valid prebiotics for both strains.