Evaluación de la capacidad prebiótica del Biopolímero Bilac®

Abstract

En el presente estudio se buscó evaluar la capacidad prebiótica del biopolímero Bilac® en condiciones in vitro, determinando la capacidad de algunas bacterias probióticas, como Bifidobacterium y Lactobacillus, de utilizar este biopolímero como fuente de carbono. Se comprobó que en un uso conjunto entre probióticos y prebióticos es posible que la viabilidad de estas bacterias se mantenga alta en función del tiempo, para su uso en bebidas y alimentos. Además, el estudio contempló un componente in vivo, en el cual se realizó un estudio clínico en humanos en donde se proporcionó en la dieta de las personas dosis diarias del biopolímero. Los resultados de estos ensayos permitieron concluir que, al consumir este biopolímero en galletas y una bebida láctea, aumenta la microbiota intestinal benéfica, y mantiene o disminuye levemente los coliformes.

Certain chronic non communicable diseases, and gastrointestinal diseases can be prevented and treated with the consumption of functional foods such as probiotics and prebiotics. Previous studies both in vitro and in vivo in animals and humans show the beneficial effect that gives the guest the daily consumption of these foods. Prebiotics include selectively fermentable soluble fibers by the colonic microbiota, prevents intestinal discomfort such as constipation, so its recommended consumption. In Colombia certain types of diarrhea and gastrointestinal diseases in children are cause of mortality. These diseases also affect adults and the elderly, as significant changes occur in the intestinal flora towards a potentially harmful composition. Thus, we have increased the number of studies on prebiotics and probiotics to evaluate the modification of the colonic microbiota towards a favorable this beneficial physiological effects on the host composition. The Bilac® biopolymer obtained at the Institute of Biotechnology of the National University of Colombia presents important for use as prebiotic properties, as it is high in soluble fiber, it is an alpha - glucan, α 2-6 linked a glucooligosaccharide. It has been previously reported to have prebiotic effects glucoligosaccharide because they are non-digestible carbohydrates in the upper gastrointestinal tract, reaching the colon intact where they are fermented by beneficial intestinal microbiota. In the present study aimed to evaluate the ability prebiotic Bilac® biopolymer under in vitro by determining the capacity of some probiotic bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, using this biopolymer as a source of carbon. It was found that in a joint between probiotics and prebiotics use it is possible that the viability of the bacteria is kept high in terms of time, for use in beverages and foods. In addition, the study included an in vivo component, in which a clinical study in humans in which it was provided in the diet of people daily dose of the biopolymer. The results of these tests led to the conclusion that this biopolymer consuming cookies and milk drink, increases beneficial intestinal microbiota, and maintained or slightly decreased coliforms.