LABBANK – THE FIRST BIOBANK OFAUTOCHTHONOUS PROBIOTIC LACTIC ACID BACTERIA

Abstract

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are a group of bacteria that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and are widely used in fermented foods. They are widespread in nature mainly in raw milk and dairy products. The indigenous microbiota of raw milk directly affects the sensory properties of the raw milk products. The WHO recommends to the use of fermented dairy, meat and vegetables products in the daily diet, as LAB have a great impact on human health. Group for Probiotics and Microbiota – Host Interaction within the Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade has a large collection of LAB (about 5000 various strains) isolated from artisanal autochthonous dairy products produced in a traditional way without the addition starter cultures. The characterization of isolated LAB strains was done by classic microbiological methods and identification by 16S rDNA sequencing. These LAB strains are collected in previously 30 years and stored in refrigerator at -80℃. Until now 23 distinctive LAB strains from LABbank collection have been deposited in the Belgian Coordinated Collection of Microorganisms, University of Ghent, Belgium. The 13 strains have been licensed through license agreements, as the subjects of innovations: -HiraVet probiotic for prevention and treatment of intestinal infections in humans and animals. -Diasolution probiotic for diabetes management. -Lagendairy starter cultures for innovative dairy products for the production of soft white cheese, cheese in brine, yogurt and sour cream. -Sixteen LAB strains are currently the subject of innovations submitted as 2 PoC projects. Our findings illustrate the importance of the research on natural isolates of LAB as a valuable source of strains with novel properties, since they can provide a deeper and more complete insight into the functioning and organization of the comprehensive metabolic system in these bacteria and their impact on human and animal health.