METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR PROMOTING HEALTH IN A SUBJECT

Abstract
The present invention provides methods for promoting health in a subject, comprising administering to a subject a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria. In addition the present invention compositions and delivery vehicles for promoting health in a subject, comprising administering to a subject a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides methods, compositions and delivery vehicles for promoting health in a subject, comprising administering to a subject a fermented Brassicaceae product.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prevalence of chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, gut health conditions and certain cancers is increasing globally, fuelled particularly by dramatic rises in developing countries where growing affluence is also associated with an expanding adoption of more Westernised diet and lifestyle patterns. While over consumption of high calorie, easily digested foods and beverages plays an important role, there is growing evidence that changes to the 1014 microbes, comprising over 103 bacterial species (collectively the gut microbiota) of the human large bowel, driven by these dietary patterns also makes a contribution and provides target for preventive and clinical intervention. Diet plays a big part in feeding this hungry gut microbiota, shaping both its structure (the relative proportions of the different species) and its function (genes expressed, metabolites made and their interaction with the subject). Dietary fibre is fermented by the gut microbiota into short chain fatty acids (SCFA). SCFA positively influence the gastrointestinal microenvironment (increases gut health) and other organ sites in the body as they are small enough to enter the blood stream and can be distributed to other sites in the body.


Accordingly, there is a requirement for supplements and nutritional agents that promote health in a subject.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventors have developed methods, compositions and delivery vehicles for promoting health in a subject.


In an aspect, the invention provides a method of promoting health in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product increases the gastrointestinal level of one or more short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the subject.


In an embodiment, Brassicaceae product increases the production of one or more SCFA in the gastrointestinal tract in the subject. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product increases the production of one or more SCFA in the lower gastrointestinal tract of the subject. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product increases the production of one or more SCFA of the colon of the subject. In an embodiment, production of one or more SCFA is increased relative to an unfermented Brassicaceae product.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises an isothiocyanate.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises live lactic acid bacteria from Brassicaceae.


In an aspect, the invention provides a method of promoting the health of the gut microbiome in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.


In an aspect, the invention provides a method of treating and/or preventing microbial dysbiosis in the gastrointestinal tract of a subject, comprising administering to the subject a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.


In an aspect, the invention provides a method of treating and/or preventing inflammation in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.


In an aspect, the invention provides a method of treating and/or preventing diabetes in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.


In an aspect, the invention provides use of a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria in the manufacture of a medicament for promoting health in a subject, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.


In an aspect, the invention provides use of a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria in the manufacture of a medicament for promoting health of the gut microbiome in a subject, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.


In an aspect, the invention provides use of a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria in the manufacture of a medicament for treating and/or preventing microbial dysbiosis in the gastrointestinal tract of a subject, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.


In an aspect, the invention provides use of a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria in the manufacture of a medicament for treating and/or preventing inflammation in a subject, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.


In an aspect, the invention provides use of a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria in the manufacture of a medicament for treating and/or preventing diabetes in a subject, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.


In an aspect, the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation for use in promoting health in a subject.


In an aspect, the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation for use in promoting health of the gut microbiome in a subject.


In an aspect, the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a Brassicaceae product with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation for treating and/or preventing microbial dysbiosis in the gastrointestinal tract of a subject.


In an aspect, the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation for treating and/or preventing inflammation in a subject.


In an aspect, the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation for treating and/or preventing diabetes in a subject.


In an aspect, the invention provides a prebiotic composition comprising a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation, wherein the prebiotic increases the gastrointestinal level of one or more SCFA in a subject.


In an aspect, the invention provides a synbiotic composition comprising a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation, wherein the prebiotic increases the gastrointestinal level of one or more SCFA in a subject.


In an aspect, the invention provides a combined prebiotic and probiotic composition comprising:


i) a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation; and


ii) live lactic acid bacteria.


In an aspect, the invention provides a faecal microbiota suitable for transplantation into a subject, wherein the faecal microbiota is isolated from a subject administered a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.


In an aspect, the invention provides a delivery vehicle for delivering a bioactive to a subject, wherein the delivery vehicle comprises a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.


In an embodiment, the bioactive is selected from one or more or all of: i) a fatty acid, ii) oil, iii) a further prebiotic, and iv) a further probiotic.


In an aspect, the present invention provides a method of preparing a Brassicaceae product comprising:


i) fermenting Brassicaceae material with lactic acid bacteria;


ii) adding a fatty acid and/or oil before or during step i).


In an embodiment, the method further comprises forming an emulsion or suspension.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is pre-treated.


In an embodiment, pre-treating comprises one or more of: i) heating; ii) macerating; iii) microwaving; iv) exposure to high frequency sound waves (ultrasound), v) pulse electric field processing; and vi) high pressure processing.


In an embodiment, pre-treating comprising heating and maceration. In an embodiment, heating occurs before macerating or wherein heating and macerating occur at the same time. In an embodiment, pre-treating comprises heating the Brassicaceae material to a temperature of about 50° C. to about 70° C. followed by maceration.


In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae.


In an aspect, the present invention provides an emulsion or suspension produced by the methods as described herein.


In an aspect, the present invention provides a Brassicaceae product comprising the emulsion or suspension as described herein.


Any embodiment herein shall be taken to apply mutatis mutandis to any other embodiment unless specifically stated otherwise. For instance, as the skilled person would understand examples of lactic acid bacteria outlined above for the methods of the invention equally apply to products of the invention.


The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein, which are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally-equivalent products, compositions and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention, as described herein.


Throughout this specification, unless specifically stated otherwise or the context requires otherwise, reference to a single step, composition of matter, group of steps or group of compositions of matter shall be taken to encompass one and a plurality (i.e. one or more) of those steps, compositions of matter, groups of steps or group of compositions of matter.


The invention is hereinafter described by way of the following non-limiting Examples and with reference to the accompanying figures.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS


FIG. 1. A) Shows the pathways of hydrolysis of glucoraphanin to sulforaphane and sulforaphane nitrile. B) Shows the effects of maceration and fermentation on sulforaphane content (mg/kg, DW) in broccoli puree. C) Shows the effect of fermentation on lactic acid bacteria count (log CFU/gm) of broccoli puree during storage.



FIG. 2. A) Shows the effects of fermentation on the stability of sulforaphane in broccoli puree stored at 4° C. and 25° C. (RT). B) Shows the effects of heat treatment condition on the conversion of glucoraphanin into sulforaphane in broccoli matrix.



FIG. 3. A) Shows the total phenolic content (mg GAE/100 g DW) of raw broccoli and its changes during fermentation and storage at 25° C. and 4° C., respectively. B) Shows the ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) antioxidant capacity (μmol TE/g DW) of raw broccoli and its changes during fermentation and storage at 25° C. and 4° C., respectively.



FIG. 4. Shows the fermentation time taken to reach a pH of 4.4 or lower for different combinations of lactic acid bacteria strains.



FIG. 5. A) Shows sulforaphane yield (μmol/kg DW) under different heat treatment conditions of broccoli with a sealed bag. B) Shows sulforaphane yield (μmol/kg DW) under different heat treatment conditions of broccoli immersed directly in water.



FIG. 6. Shows the comparative effects of the combined effects of maceration, pre-heating and fermentation with just maceration and preheating and maceration, preheating and chemical acidification on sulforaphane yield (μmol/kg DW) just after processing and during storage at 4° C. and 25° C. Samples were pre-treated at 65° C. for 3 min in sealed packs.



FIG. 7. Shows the effect of fermentation and storage on glucoraphanin content. Glucoraphanin content is reduced in fermented samples stored at 25° C. and 4° C. compared to raw samples.



FIG. 8. PLS-DA score plot showing the difference in polyphenolic metabolite profile of raw and fermented broccoli puree.



FIG. 9. Important features differentiating fermented and non-fermented samples identified by PLS-DA. The boxes on the right indicate the relative concentration of the respective metabolites in each group.



FIG. 10. Shows the effect of lactic acid fermentation on metabolite profile of broccoli puree-based on untargeted LC-MS analysis. It demonstrates that fermentation releases bound phytochemicals such as polyphenolic glycosides and glucosinolates and enhances their bioaccessibility.



FIG. 11. Shows a volcano plot indicating metabolites with significant (p<0.05) fold changes after fermentation based on untargeted LC-MS analysis. The top 50 metabolites with significant fold changes and their individual fold changes are recited in Table 8.



FIG. 12. Shows the effect of lactic acid fermentation on broccoli polyphenols based on targeted LC-MS analysis. A 6.6 fold change is observed in chlorogenic acid (2.4 to 15.8 μg/mg), a 23.8 fold increase is observed in sinapic acid (3.6 to 86.6 μg/mg), a 10.5 increase in kaempferol (12.7 to 134.6 μg/mg) and a 0.48 fold decrease is observed in p-coumaric acid.



FIG. 13. Shows the SmaI and NotI restriction enzyme digestion from the genomic DNA of BF1 and BF2 obtained with pulse filed gel electrophoreses.



FIG. 14. Shows that a Brassicaceae product as described herein increases short chain fatty acid production in an in vitro colon fermentation model.



FIG. 15. Shows that a Brassicaceae product as described herein increases short chain fatty acid production in an in vitro colon fermentation model.



FIG. 16. Shows that a Brassicaceae product as described herein increases lactobacilli levels but not E. coli, Bifidobacteria or total bacteria in an in vitro colon fermentation model.



FIG. 17. A) Shows an oxipres trace showing the stability of tuna oil as compared to tuna oil encapsulated in broccoli and broccoli fermented with oil. B) Shows the stability of EPA and DHA encapsulated in non-fermented and fermented broccoli powders during storage at 25° C. C-To-NF, Control broccoli with tuna oil; C-To-F, Control broccoli fermented with tuna oil; Ph-To-NF, Preheated broccoli with tuna oil; Ph-To-F, Preheated broccoli fermented with tuna oil.





KEY TO THE SEQUENCE LISTING

SEQ ID NO:1—ATCC8014 reference nucleotide sequence position 68529.


SEQ ID NO:2—ATCC8014 reference nucleotide sequence position 72030.


SEQ ID NO:3—ATCC8014 reference nucleotide sequence position 10806.


SEQ ID NO:4—B1 alternate nucleotide sequence position 10806.


SEQ ID NO:5—B1 alternate nucleotide sequence position 50276.


SEQ ID NO:6—ATCC8014 reference nucleotide sequence position 19068.


SEQ ID NO:7—B1 reference nucleotide sequence position 4326.


SEQ ID NO:8—ATCC8293 reference nucleotide sequence position 70144.


SEQ ID NO:9—ATCC8293 reference nucleotide sequence position 341498.


SEQ ID NO:10—BF2 reference nucleotide sequence position 341498.


SEQ ID NO:11—ATCC8293 reference nucleotide sequence position 610344.


SEQ ID NO:12—BF2 reference nucleotide sequence position 610344.


SEQ ID NO:13—ATCC8293 reference nucleotide sequence position 843675.


SEQ ID NO:14—BF2 reference nucleotide sequence position 843675.


SEQ ID NO:15—ATCC8293 reference nucleotide sequence position 986279.


SEQ ID NO:16—BF2 reference nucleotide sequence position 986279.


SEQ ID NO:17—ATCC8293 reference nucleotide sequence position 1319558.


SEQ ID NO:18—BF2 reference nucleotide sequence position 1319558.


SEQ ID NO:19—ATCC8293 reference nucleotide sequence position 1418040.


SEQ ID NO:20—BF2 reference nucleotide sequence position 1418040.


SEQ ID NO:21—ATCC8293 reference nucleotide sequence position 1429917.


SEQ ID NO:22—BF2 reference nucleotide sequence position 1429917.


SEQ ID NO:23—ATCC8293 reference nucleotide sequence position 1430314.


SEQ ID NO:24—BF2 reference nucleotide sequence position 1430314.


SEQ ID NO:25—ATCC8293 reference nucleotide sequence position 1430785.


SEQ ID NO:26—BF2 reference nucleotide sequence position 1430785.


SEQ ID NO:27—ATCC8293 reference nucleotide sequence position 1444575.


SEQ ID NO:28—BF2 reference nucleotide sequence position 1444575.


SEQ ID NO:29—ATCC8293 reference nucleotide sequence position 1629328.


SEQ ID NO:30—BF2 reference nucleotide sequence position 1629328.


SEQ ID NO:31—ATCC8293 reference nucleotide sequence position 1665094.


SEQ ID NO:32—BF2 reference nucleotide sequence position 1665094.


SEQ ID NO:33—ATCC8293 reference nucleotide sequence position 1665337.


SEQ ID NO:34—BF2 reference nucleotide sequence position 1665337.


SEQ ID NO:35—ATCC8293 reference nucleotide sequence position 1696196.


SEQ ID NO:36—BF2 reference nucleotide sequence position 1696196.


SEQ ID NO:37—ATCC8293 reference nucleotide sequence position 1760925.


SEQ ID NO:38—BF2 reference nucleotide sequence position 1760925.


SEQ ID NO:39—ATCC8293 reference nucleotide sequence position 1760994.


SEQ ID NO:40—BF2 reference nucleotide sequence position 1760994.


SEQ ID NO:41—ATCC8293 reference nucleotide sequence position 1761069.


SEQ ID NO:42—BF2 reference nucleotide sequence position 1761069.


SEQ ID NO:43—ATCC8293 reference nucleotide sequence position 1857246.


SEQ ID NO:44—BF2 reference nucleotide sequence position 1857246.


SEQ ID NO:45—ATCC8293 reference nucleotide sequence position 1887567.


SEQ ID NO:46—BF2 reference nucleotide sequence position 1887567.


SEQ ID NO:47—ATCC8293 reference nucleotide sequence position 1887711.


SEQ ID NO:48—BF2 reference nucleotide sequence position 1887711.


SEQ ID NO:49—ATCC8293 reference nucleotide sequence position 1960134.


SEQ ID NO:50—BF2 reference nucleotide sequence position 1960134.


SEQ ID NO:51—ATCC8293 reference nucleotide sequence position 1997007.


SEQ ID NO:52—BF2 reference nucleotide sequence position 1997007.


SEQ ID NO:53—ATCC8293 reference nucleotide sequence position 986375.


SEQ ID NO:54—BF2 reference nucleotide sequence position 986375.


DETAILED DESCRIPTION
General Techniques and Definitions

Unless specifically defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein shall be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art (e.g., enzyme, fermentation, inoculation).


The term “and/or”, e.g., “X and/or Y” shall be understood to mean either “X and Y” or “X or Y” and shall be taken to provide explicit support for both meanings or for either meaning.


Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.


As used herein, the term “about”, unless stated to the contrary, refers to +/−10%, more preferably +/−5%, even more preferably +/−1%, of the designated value.


As used herein, the term “subject” is any animal. In one example, the animal is a vertebrate. For example, the animal is a mammal, avian, arthropod, chordate, amphibian or reptile. Exemplary subjects include but are not limited to human, fish, prawns, primate, livestock (e.g. sheep, cow, chicken, horse, donkey, pig), companion animals (e.g. dogs, cats), laboratory test animals (e.g. mice, rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters), captive wild animal (e.g. fox, deer). In one example, the mammal is a human.


As used herein, the terms “treating” or “treatment” include administering a effective amount of a product, composition or delivery vehicle as described herein sufficient to reduce or eliminate at least one symptom of a specified disease or condition.


As used herein, the terms “prevent” or “preventing” include administering a effective amount of a product, composition or delivery vehicle as described herein sufficient to stop or hinder the development of at least one symptom of a specified disease or condition.


As used herein, “microbiome” refers to the microorganisms in a particular environment which can include the body or a part of the body of a subject. For example, the gut microbiome refers to the community of microorganism in the gut.


As used herein, “microorganism” or “microorganisms” refers to microscopic organisms including bacterial, viral, fungal or eukaryotic organisms.


As used herein “gastrointestinal tract” refers to at least a portion of the gastrointestinal tract. In an embodiment, the portion of the gastrointestinal tract is selected from a portion of the stomach, duodenum, small intestine, large intestine, colon, rectum, cecum, and ileum. In an embodiment, the portion of the gastrointestinal tract is selected from a portion of the small intestine, large intestine and colon.


As used herein “lower gastrointestinal tract” refers to at least a portion of the lower gastrointestinal tract. In an embodiment, the portion of the lower gastrointestinal tract is selected from a portion of the large intestine, cecum, colon and rectum.


As used herein “upper gastrointestinal tract” refers to at least a portion of the upper gastrointestinal tract. In an embodiment, the portion of the upper gastrointestinal tract is selected from a portion of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.


Promoting Health

The present invention provides methods, compositions and delivery vehicles for promoting the health of a subject comprising a Brassicaceae product. As used herein “health” refers to the condition of a subject's body and the extent to which the subjects body is resistant to an illness or free from an illness.


As used herein “promoting health” refers to increasing, enhancing, inducing, and/or stimulating resistance or resilience to an illness or a reduction in one or more symptoms of an illness.


As used herein “resistance” refers to the insensitivity to a disturbance. As used herein “resilience” refers to the rate of the recovery after a disturbance.


In an embodiment, promoting health comprises treating or preventing a condition in a subject.


In an embodiment, promoting health comprises treating or preventing one or more symptoms of a condition selected from: diabetes, inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, allergy and cancer.


In an embodiment, promoting health comprises promoting one or more of: gut health, immune system health, cardiovascular health, central nervous system function, cognition, metabolic health, skeletal health, liver health, blood sugar control and skin health.


In an embodiment, promoting gut health comprises reducing or preventing one or more symptoms of a gut health associated condition selected from one or more of: irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, colorectal cancer, gut leakiness, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), gastroenteritis, gut microbial dysbiosis, reduced gut microbial diversity, antibiotic treatment, post-surgery recovery, food intolerance, diarrhoea, gastritis, diverticulitis, flatulence, constipation, functional gut disorders and functional gastrointestinal and motility disorders.


In an embodiment, the functional gut disorder is selected from one or more of: functional abdominal bloating/distension, functional constipation, functional diarrhoea, unspecified functional bowel disorder, opioid-induced constipation, centrally mediated abdominal pain syndrome, narcotic bowel syndrome, opioid-induced hyperalgesia, functional pancreatic sphincter of oddi disorder, biliary pain, faecal incontinence, functional anorectal pain, and functional defecation disorders.


In an embodiment, the functional gastrointestinal and motility disorders is selected from one or more of: gastroesophageal reflux disease, intestinal dysmotility, intestinal pseudo-obstruction, small bowel bacterial overgrowth, constipation, outlet obstruction type constipation (pelvic floor dyssynergia), diarrhoea, faecal incontinence, hirschsprung's disease, gastroparesis and achalasia.


In an embodiment, promoting health comprises promoting health of the gut microbiome in a subject. In an embodiment, promoting health of the gut microbiome comprises one or more of: increasing the level and/or activity of one or more beneficial bacteria, decreasing or maintaining the level and/or activity of one or more non-beneficial bacteria, increasing the resistance of the gut microbiome, increasing the resilience of the gut microbiome, and increasing the diversity of the gut microbiome. As used herein “resistance of the gut microbiome” refers to the insensitivity of the gut microbiome to a disturbance. As used herein “resilience of the gut microbiome” refers to the rate of the recovery of the gut microbiome after a disturbance (e.g. a disturbance may reduce the number or type of microorganism in the microbiome).


In an embodiment, the beneficial bacteria is selected from one or more or all of: lactic acid bacteria, Bifidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Baciullus, Streptococcus, Escherichia and Enterococcus.


In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is selected from one or more of the genera selected from: Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, Lactococcus, Streptococcus, Aerococcus, Camobacterium, Enterococcus, Oenococcus, Sporolactobacillus, Tetragenococcus, Vagococcus and Weissella. In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is selected from one or more or all of: Lactobacillus plantarum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus pentosus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactococus lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus reuteri, Pediococcus pentosaceus and Pedicoccus acidilacti. In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is selected from one or more or all of: i) BF1 deposited under V17/021729 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia; ii) BF2 deposited under V17/021730 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia; iii) B1 deposited under V17/021731 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia; iv) B2 deposited under V17/021732 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia; v) B3 deposited under V17/021733 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia; vi) B4 deposited under V17/021734 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia; and vii) B5 deposited under V17/021735 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia.


In embodiment, the Bifidobacteria is selected from one or more of: Bifidobacteria adolescentis, Bifidobacteria animalis, Bifidobacteria bifidum, Bifidobacteria breve, Bifidobacteria infantis, Bifidobacteria longum, and Bifidobacteria thermophilum.


In embodiment, the Baciullus is selected from one or more of: Baciullus cereus, Baciullus clausii, Baciullus coagulans, Baciullus licheniformis, Baciullus pumulis and Baciullus subtilis.


In embodiment, the Streptococcus is Streptococcus thermophiles. In embodiment, the Escherichia is beneficial strain of Escherichia coli.


In embodiment, the Enterococcus is Enterococcus faecium.


In an embodiment, the non-beneficial bacteria is a pathogenic strain of bacteria.


In an embodiment, the non-beneficial bacteria is a pathogenic strain of bacteria selected from one or more of: Escherichia coli, Enterococcus, Helicobacter pylori, Clostridium, Vibrio cholerae, Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridium, Fusobacterium, Staphylococcus (e.g. pneumoniae), Legionella, Haemophilus, Pseudomonas, Prevotella, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Shigella, Listeria.


In an embodiment, non-beneficial bacteria is a pathogenic strain of Escherichia coli.


In an embodiment, promoting gut health comprises modulating microbial diversity in the gastrointestinal tract of a subject. In an embodiment, modulating microbial diversity comprises increasing microbial diversity. This may occur, for example after a disturbance which reduces the microbial diversity of the gastrointestinal tract.


In an embodiment, promoting gut health comprises treating and/or preventing microbial dysbiosis in the gastrointestinal tract of a subject. As used herein “microbial dysbiosis” refers to an imbalance in the microbiome that is associated with a disease, precedes a disease or occurs as the result of a disease. The imbalance, for example, could be a gain or loss of members of the microbiome community or changes in relative abundance of members of the microbiome community.


In an embodiment, promoting gut health comprises increasing the production of one or more short chain fatty acids including salts or esters thereof (SCFA) in the gastrointestinal tract in the subject. In an embodiment, the production of one or more SCFA is increased in the lower gastrointestinal tract of the subject. In an embodiment, the production of one or more SCFA is increased in the colon of the subject. In an embodiment, the production of one or more SCFA is increased in the subject administered a fermented Brassicaceae product as described herein compared an unfermented Brassicaceae product.


It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that production of SCFA in the gastrointestinal tract of a subject can be assessed with standard methods in the research field for measuring SCFA in faecal slurries.


Prebiotic

In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product as described herein comprises a prebiotic. As used herein a “prebiotic” refers to a group of nutrients that are degraded by the gut microbiota. Prebiotics result in changes in the composition and/or activity of the gastrointestinal microbiota conferring benefits upon the health of the host (e.g. gut health).


In an embodiment, the prebiotic is converted into one or more SCFA. SCFA positively influence the gastrointestinal microenvironment (increase gut health), in particular the lower gastrointestinal tract including the colon, and distal organ sites as they are small enough to enter the blood and can be delivered to e.g. the central nervous system, immune system and cardiovascular system.


In an embodiment, the prebiotic increases health in the subject by increasing the level of one or more SCFA in the gastrointestinal tract in the subject. In an embodiment, the prebiotic increases the production of one or more SCFA in the gastrointestinal tract in the subject. In an embodiment, the prebiotic increases the production of one or more SCFA in the lower gastrointestinal tract of the subject. In an embodiment, the prebiotic increases the production of one or more SCFA in the colon of the subject.


In an embodiment, the prebiotic increases health in the subject by increasing the level of one or more SCFA in the colon of the subject.


In an embodiment, the SCFA is selected from one or more or all of: butyrate (butanoate), propionate (propanoate), acetate (ethanoate), formate (methanoate), isobutyrate (2-Methylpropanoate), valerate (pentanoate), isovalerate (3-methylbutanoate), caproate (hexanoate), formic acid (methanoic acid), acetic acid (ethanoic acid), propionic acid (propanoic acid), butyric acid (butanoic acid), isobutyric acid (2-methylpropanoic acid), valeric acid (pentanoic acid), isovaleric acid (3-methylbutanoic acid), and caproic acid (hexanoic acid).


In an embodiment, the SCFA is selected from one or more or all of: butyrate, propionate, and acetate. In an embodiment, the SCFA is butyrate. In an embodiment, the SCFA is propionate In an embodiment, the SCFA is acetate.


In an embodiment, the total SCFA level is increased about 30% to about 70% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, the total SCFA level is increased about 38% to about 65% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, the total SCFA level is increased about 40% to about 60% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, the total SCFA level is increased about 40% to about 55% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae.


In an embodiment, the butyrate level is increased about 30% to about 70% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, the butyrate is increased about 38% to about 65% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, the butyrate level is increased about 40% to about 60% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, the butyrate level is increased about 40% to about 55% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae.


In an embodiment, the propionate level is increased about 30% to about 70% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, the propionate is increased about 38% to about 65% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, the propionate level is increased about 40% to about 60% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, the propionate level is increased about 40% to about 55% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae.


In an embodiment, the acetate level is increased about 30% to about 70% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, the acetate is increased about 38% to about 65% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, the acetate level is increased about 40% to about 60% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, the acetate level is increased about 40% to about 55% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae.


In an embodiment, the prebiotic increases the SCFA level about 5 to about 48 hours after administration. In an embodiment, the prebiotic increases the SCFA level about 10 to about 24 hours after administration.


Probiotic

As used herein a “probiotic” refers to live microorganism which when administered in an adequate amount confers a health benefit to the host (subject). In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product as described herein comprises a probiotic.


In an embodiment, the probiotic is autochthonous to the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the probiotic is an autochthonous probiotic present on the Brassicaceae material before fermentation. In an embodiment, the probiotic is an allochthonous probiotic added to the Brassicaceae material after fermentation. In an embodiment, the probiotic is the same microorganism used for fermentation. In an embodiment, the probiotic is not active in the fermentation step. In an embodiment, the probiotic is an exogenous probiotic added to the Brassicaceae material before or during fermentation. In an embodiment, the probiotic is an exogenous probiotic added to the Brassicaceae material after fermentation.


In an embodiment, the probiotic is selected from one or more or all of: lactic acid bacteria, Bifidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Baciullus, Streptococcus, Escherichia, Enterococcus, and Saccharomyces.


In an embodiment, the probiotic is selected from one or more of the genera selected from: Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, Lactococcus, Streptococcus, Aerococcus, Carnobacterium, Enterococcus, Oenococcus, Sporolactobacillus, Tetragenococcus, Vagococcus and Weissella. In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is selected from one or more or all of: Lactobacillus plantarum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus pentosus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactococus lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus reuteri, Pediococcus pentosaceus and Pedicoccus acidilacti. In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is selected from one or more or all of: i) BF1 deposited under V17/021729 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia; ii) BF2 deposited under V17/021730 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia; iii) B1 deposited under V17/021731 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia; iv) B2 deposited under V17/021732 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia; v) B3 deposited under V17/021733 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia; vi) B4 deposited under V17/021734 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia; and vii) B5 deposited under V17/021735 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia.


In embodiment, the Bifidobacteria is selected from one or more of: Bifidobacteria lactis, Bifidobacteria adolescentis, Bifidobacteria animalis, Bifidobacteria bifidum, Bifidobacteria breve, Bifidobacteria infantis, Bifidobacteria longum, and Bifidobacteria thermophilum. In embodiment, the Bifidobacteria is Bifidobacteria animalis. In embodiment, the Bifidobacteria is Bifidobacteria lactis.


In embodiment, the Baciullus is selected from one or more of: Baciullus cereus, Baciullus clausii, Baciullus coagulans, Baciullus licheniformis, Baciullus pumulis and Baciullus subtilis.


In embodiment, the Streptococcus is Streptococcus thermophiles. In embodiment, the Escherichia is beneficial strain of Escherichia coli.


In embodiment, the Enterococcus is Enterociccus faecium.


In embodiment, the Saccharomyces is Saccharomyces cerevisiae.


In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria was isolated from a Brassica oleracea. In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria was isolated from broccoli. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that this includes direct isolation or indirect isolation (e.g. isolated from an original source and cultivated a number of passages, optionally cryogenically stored, before use). In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria was isolated from Australian broccoli. In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is selected from: i) a Leuconostoc mesenteroides; ii) a Lactobacillus plantarum; iii) a Lactobacillus pentosus; iv) a Lactobacillus rhamnosus; v) a combination of i) and ii); vi) a combination of i), ii) and iii); and vii) a combination of i), ii) and iv). In one embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is selected from one or more or all of BF1, BF2, B1, B2, B3, B4 and B5. In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is B1. In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is B2. In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is B3. In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is B4. In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is B5. In an embodiment, the probiotic is a capsule, tablet, powder or liquid.


In an embodiment, the probiotic is Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. In an embodiment, the probiotic is Akkermansia muciniphila. In an embodiment, the probiotic is microencapsulated as described in WO 2005030229. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product as described herein comprises a combined prebiotic and probiotic.


Synbiotic

In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product as described herein comprises a prebiotic and a probiotic which are synbiotic. As used herein a “synbiotic” refer to a composition comprising a prebiotic and probiotic which results in a synergistic effect. Synbiotics were developed to overcome possible survival difficulties for probiotics. In an embodiment, the synbiotic improves the shelf life of a live microorganism. In an embodiment, a synbiotic improves the delivery of a live microorganism (e.g. passage of the upper gastrointestinal tract). In an embodiment, a synbiotic improves the survival of live microorganism (e.g. by providing a preferred food source for metabolism by the microorganism). In an embodiment, the composition or delivery vehicle as described herein comprises a prebiotic and a probiotic which are synbiotic


Brassicaceae

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the methods as described herein are suitable for producing a fermented product from any Brassicaceae material. As used herein, “Brassicaceae” refers to members of the Family Brassicaceae commonly referred to as mustards, cruicifers or the cabbage family. A person skilled in the art would appreciate that material can be from more than one Brassicaceae.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae is selected from the genus Brassica or Cardamine. In an embodiment, the Brassica is selected from Brassica balearica, Brassica carinata, Brassica elongate, Brassica fruticulosa, Brassica hilarionis, Brassica juncea, Brassica napus, Brassica narinosa, Brassica nigra, Brassica oleracea, Brassica perviridis, Brassica rapa, Brassica rupestris, Brassica septiceps, and Brassica tournefortii.


In an embodiment, the Brassica is Brassica oleracea.


In an embodiment, the Brassica is selected from Brassica oleracea variety oleracea (wild cabbage), Brassica oleracea variety capitate (cabbage), Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (bok Choy), Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis (napa cabbage), Brassica napobrassica (rutabaga), Brassica rapa var. rapa (turnip), Brassica oleracea variety alboglabra (kai-lan), Brassica oleracea variety viridis (collard greens), Brassica oleracea variety longata (jersey cabbage), Brassica oleracea variety acephala (ornamental kale), Brassica oleracea variety sabellica (kale), Brassica oleracea variety palmifolia (lacinato kale), Brassica oleracea variety ramose (perpetual kale), Brassica oleracea variety medullosa (marrow cabbage), Brassica oleracea variety costata (tronchuda kale), Brassica oleracea variety gemmifera (brussels sprout), Brassica oleracea variety gongylodes (kohlrabi), Brassica oleracea variety italica (broccoli), Brassica oleracea variety botrytis (cauliflower, Romanesco broccoli, broccoli di torbole), Brassica oleracea variety botrytis x italica (broccoflower), and Brassica oleracea variety italica x alboglabra (Broccolini).


In an embodiment, the Brassica is Brassica oleracea, variety italica (broccoli).


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae is selected from Cardamine hirsuta (bittercress), Iberis sempervirens (candytuft), Sinapis arvensis (charlock), Armoracia rusticana (horseradish), Pringlea antiscorbutica (Kerguelen cabbage), Thlaspi arvense (pennycress), Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus (radish), Eruca sativa (rocket), Anastatica hierochuntica (rose of Jericho), Crambe maritima (sea kale), Cakile maritima (sea rocket), Capsella bursa-pastoris (shepherd's purse), sweet alyssum, Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress), Nasturtium officinale (watercress), Sinapis alba (white mustard), Erophila verna (whitlow grass), Raphanus raphanistrum (wild radish), Isatis tinctoria (woad), and Nasturtium microphyllum (yellow cress).


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae has a high level of one or more glucosinolate/s. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae has been selectively bred to have a high level of one or more glucosinolate/s. In an embodiment, “high level” of a glucosinolate can comprise a higher level of a glucosinolate than shown in Table 2 of Verkerk et al. (2009) in the corresponding Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, a high level of glucosinolate is a level of glucosinolate higher than 3400 μmol/kg dry weight. In an embodiment, a high level of glucosinolate is a level of glucosinolate higher than 4000 mol/kg dry weight. In an embodiment, a high level of glucosinolate is a level of glucosinolate higher than 5000 mol/kg dry weight. In an embodiment, a high level of glucosinolate is a level of glucosinolate higher than 8000 mol/kg dry weight. In an embodiment, a high level of glucosinolate is a level of glucosinolate higher than 10,000 mol/kg dry weight. In an embodiment, a high level of glucosinolate is a level of glucosinolate higher than 12,000 μmol/kg dry weight. In an embodiment, a high level of glucosinolate is a level of glucosinolate higher than 15,000 mol/kg dry weight. In an embodiment, a high level of glucosinolate is a level of glucosinolate higher than 18,000 mol/kg dry weight. In an embodiment, a high level of glucosinolate is a level of glucosinolate higher than 20,000 μmol/kg dry weight. In an embodiment, a high level of glucosinolate is a level of glucosinolate higher than 25,000 mol/kg dry weight. In an embodiment, a high level of glucosinolate is a level of glucosinolate higher than 30,000 mol/kg dry weight. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae has been genetically modified or subjected to biotic or abiotic stress to have a high level of one or more glucosinolate/s. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the Brassicaceae can be modified by any method known to a person skilled in the art.


In an embodiment, the glucosinolate is glucoraphanin (4-Methylsulphinylbutyl glucosinolate). In an embodiment, the glucosinolate is glucobrassicin (3-Indolylmethyl glucosinolate).


As used herein “Brassicaceae material” refers to any part of the Brassicaceae, including, but not limited to, the leaves, stems, flowers, florets, seeds, and roots or mixtures thereof.


A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the methods as described herein are suitable for use with different volumes of Brassicaceae material, for example, but not limited to, at least 30 kg, or at least 50 kg, or at least 80 kg, or at least 100 kg, or at least 1,000 kg, or at least 2,000 kg, or at least 5,000 kg, or at least 8,000 kg, or at least 10,000 kg, or at least 15,000 kg, or at least 20,000 kg.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material has been washed. As used herein “washing” removes visible soil and contamination. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material has been sanitized. As used herein “sanitized” refers to a reduction of pathogens on the Brassicaceae material.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae is mixed with other plant material. In an embodiment, the other plant material is vegetable or fruit material. In an embodiment, the vegetable is a carrot or beetroot.


Pre-Treatment

As use herein “pre-treatment” or “pre-treating” the Brassicaceae material increases the bioavailability of one or more components in the Brassicaceae material.


In an embodiment, the component is fibre. In an embodiment, the component is a prebiotic and/or prebiotic precursor. In an embodiment, the prebiotic is selected from one or more or all of: dietary fibre (insoluble/soluble), oligosaccharides, cellulose, hemicellulose, pecticoligosaccharide, resistant starch beta-glucans and pectin.


In an embodiment, the component is an antimicrobial component. In an embodiment, the antimicrobial component is a glucosinolate.


In an embodiment, the component is a bioactive peptide. In an embodiment, the peptide has angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitory activity.


In an embodiment, the component is a polyphenol. As used herein, “polyphenol” refers to a compound comprising more than one phenolic hydroxyl group. In an embodiment, the polyphenol is selected from one or more of: anthocyanins, dihydrochalcones, flavan-3-ols, flavanones, flavones, flavonols and isoflavones, curcumin, resveratrol, benzoic acid, phenyl acetic acid, hydroxycinnamic acids, coumarins, napthoquinones, xanthones, stilbenes, chalcones, tannins, phenolic acids, and catechins (e.g. epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECg), epicatechin (EC), and their geometric isomers gallocatechin gallate (GCg), gallocatechin (GC), catechin gallate (Cg) and catechin.


In an embodiment, pre-treating alters the activity of one or more indigenous plant enzymes (eg cell-wall degrading enzymes such as pectinase, xylanases, cellulases), with consequent effects of nutritional properties of fibre and the accessibility of plant bioactives.


In an embodiment, pre-treating comprises one or more of the following: i) heating; ii) macerating; iii) microwaving; iv) exposure to high frequency sound waves (ultrasound), v) pulse electric field processing and vi) high pressure processing. In an embodiment, the temperature of the Brassicaceae material does not exceed about 75° C. during pre-treating.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated in a fuel based heating system, an electricity based heating system (i.e. an oven or ohmic heating), radio frequency heating, high pressure thermal processing or a steam based heating system (indirect or direct application of steam). In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated in a sealed package (e.g. in a retort pouch). In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated in an oven, water bath, bioreactor, stove, water blancher, or steam blancher. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated via high pressure thermal heating. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is via ohmic heating. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is via radio frequency heating. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is blanched in water. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated via high pressure thermal processing. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is placed in a sealed package for high pressure thermal processing.


In an embodiment, pre-treating comprises heating the Brassicaceae material to about 50° C. to about 70° C. In an embodiment, pre-treating comprises heating the Brassicaceae material to about 50° C. to about 65° C. In an embodiment, pre-treating comprises heating the Brassicaceae material to about 50° C. to about 60° C. In an embodiment, heating comprises heating the Brassicaceae material to about 55° C. to about 70° C. In an embodiment, heating comprises heating the Brassicaceae material to about 60° C. to about 70° C. In an embodiment, heating comprises heating the Brassicaceae material to about 65° C. to about 70° C. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated for about 30 seconds. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated for about 1 minute. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated for about 2 minutes. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated for about 3 minutes. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated for about 4 minutes. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated for about 5 minutes.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated in a sealed package for about 1 min at about 60° C. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated in a sealed package for about 2 mins at about 60° C. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated in a sealed package for about 3 mins at about 60° C. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated in a sealed package for about 4 mins at about 65° C. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated in a sealed package for about 1 min at about 65° C. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated in a sealed package for about 2 mins at about 65° C. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated in a sealed package for about 3 mins at about 65° C. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated in a sealed package for about 4 mins at about 65° C.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated in water for about 1 min at about 60° C. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated in water for about 2 mins at about 60° C.


In an embodiment, heating comprises steaming the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, pre-treating comprises steaming the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is steamed to a temperature of about 50° C. to about 70° C. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is steamed to a temperature of about 60° C. to about 70° C. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is steamed for at least about 30 seconds. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is steamed for at least about 1 minute. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is steamed for at least about 2 minutes. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is steamed for at least about 3 minutes. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is steamed for at least about 4 minutes. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is steamed for at least about 5 minutes.


In an embodiment, pre-treating comprises macerating the Brassicaceae material. As used herein “macerating”, “macerated” or “macerate” refers to breaking the Brassicaceae material into smaller pieces. In an embodiment, macerating comprising decompartmentalizing at least about 30% to about 90% of the cells of the Brassicaceae material to allow myrosinase access to its substrate glucosinolates. In an embodiment, macerating comprising decompartmentalizing at least about 40% to about 90% of the cells of the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, macerating comprising decompartmentalizing at least about 50% to about 90% of the cells of the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, macerating comprising decompartmentalizing at least about 60% to about 90% of the cells of the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, macerating comprising decompartmentalizing at least about 70% to about 90% of the cells of the Brassicaceae material. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that decompartimentalizing a cell comprising breaking open the cell wall and disrupting the compartmentalization of organelles within a cell.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is macerated with a blender, grinder or pulveriser. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is macerated so that at least about 80% of the Brassicaceae material is of a size of about 2 mm or less. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is macerated so that at least about 80% of the Brassicaceae material is of a size of about 1 mm or less. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is macerated so that at least about 80% of the Brassicaceae material is of a size of about 0.5 mm or less. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is macerated so that at least about 80% of the Brassicaceae material is of a size of about 0.25 mm or less. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is macerated so that at least about 80% of the Brassicaceae material is of a size of about 0.1 mm or less. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is macerated so that at least about 80% of the Brassicaceae material is of a size of about 0.05 mm or less. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is macerated so that at least about 80% of the Brassicaceae material is of a size of about 0.025 mm or less. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is macerated so that at least about 80% of the Brassicaceae material is of a size of about 0.01 mm or less. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is macerated so that about 50% to about 90% of the Brassicaceae material is of a size of about 2 mm or less. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is macerated so that about 60% to about 80% of the Brassicaceae material is of a size of about 2 mm or less. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is macerated so that about 50% to about 90% of the Brassicaceae material is of a size of about 1 mm or less. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is macerated so that about 60% to about 80% of the Brassicaceae material is of a size of about 1 mm or less. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated to a temperature of about 50° C. to about 70° C. during maceration. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated to a temperature of about 55° C. to about 70° C. during maceration. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated to a temperature of about 60° C. to about 70° C. during maceration. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated to a temperature of about 65° C. to about 70° C. during maceration.


In an embodiment, pre-treating comprises heating and macerating the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, pre-treating produces a puree. As used herein a “puree” refers to Brassicaceae material blended to the consistency of a creamy paste or liquid.


A person skilled in the art will appreciate that “microwaves” or “microwaving” heats a substance such as Brassicaceae material by passing microwave radiation through the substance. In an embodiment, pre-treating comprises microwaving the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, Brassicaceae material is pre-treated in a consumer microwave or industrial microwave. In an embodiment, the industrial microwave is a continuous microwave system, for example, but not limited to the MIP 11 Industrial Microwave Continuous Cooking Over (Ferrite Microwave Technologies). In an embodiment, pre-treating comprises microwaving the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is microwaved at about 0.9 to about 2.45 GHz. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is microwaved for at least about 30 seconds, or at least about 1 minute, or at least about 2 minutes, or at least 3 minutes.


In an embodiment, pre-treating comprises exposing the Brassicaceae material at low to medium frequency ultrasound waves. In an embodiment, pre-treating comprises exposing the Brassicaceae material with thermosonication (low to medium frequency ultrasound waves with heat of about 30° C. to about 60° C.). In an embodiment, the ultrasound waves are generated with an industrial scale ultrasonic processor. In an embodiment, the ultrasonic processor is a continuous or batch ultrasonic processor. In an embodiment, the ultrasonic processor is for example, but not limited to, UIP500hd or UIP4000 (Hielscher, Ultrasound Technology). In an embodiment, the ultrasounds waves are at a frequency of about 20 kHz to about 600 kHz. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is exposed to sound waves for at least about 30 seconds, or at least about 1 minute, or at least about 2 minutes, or at least about 3 minutes, or about 5 minutes.


In an embodiment, pre-treating comprises exposing the Brassicaceae material to pulse electric field processing. Pulse electric field processing is a non-thermal processing technique comprising the application of short, high voltage pulses. The pulses induce electroporation of the cells of the Brassicaceae material enhancing the access of myrosinase to glucosinolates. In an embodiment, pulse electric field processing heats the Brassicaceae material to a temperature of about 40 to about 70° C. In an embodiment, pulse electric field processing heats the Brassicaceae material to a temperature of about 50° C. to about 70° C. In an embodiment, pulse electric field processing heats the Brassicaceae material to a temperature of about 60° C. to about 70° C. In an embodiment, pulse electric field processing comprises treating the Brassicaceae material with voltage pulses of about 20 to about 80 kV.


In an embodiment, pre-treating comprises exposing the Brassicaceae material to high pressure processing. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is in a sealed package during high pressure processing. In an embodiment, high pressure processing comprises treating the Brassicaceae material with isostatic pressure at about 100 to about 800 MPa. In an embodiment, high pressure processing comprises treating the Brassicaceae material with isostatic pressure at about 100 to about 600 MPa. In an embodiment, high pressure processing comprises treating the Brassicaceae product with isostatic pressure at about 350 to about 550 MPa. In an embodiment, high pressure processing comprises treating the Brassicaceae product with isostatic pressure at about 300 to about 400 MPa. In an embodiment, heat treatment comprises heating the sample to a temperature of about 60° C. to about 121° C. In an embodiment, heat treatment comprises heating the sample to a temperature of about 65° C. to about 100° C. In an embodiment, heat treatment comprises heating the sample to a temperature of about 65° C. to about 80° C. In an embodiment, heat treatment comprises heating the sample to a temperature of about 65° C. to about 75° C.


In an embodiment, pre-treating converts about 10% to about 90% of a glucosinolate to an isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, pre-treating converts about 20% to about 80% of a glucosinolate to an isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, pre-treating converts about 30% to about 70% of a glucosinolate to an isothiocyanate.


Preparation of an Emulsion or Suspension

In an aspect, the present invention provides a method of preparing a Brassicaceae product comprising:


i) fermenting Brassicaceae material with lactic acid bacteria;


ii) adding a fatty acid and/or oil before or during step i).


In an embodiment, the method further comprises forming an emulsion or suspension.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is pre-treated as described herein. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is pre-treated by heating as described herein. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is heated to about 50° C. to about 70° C.


In an embodiment, the fatty acid and/or oil is added before step i). In an embodiment, the fatty acid and/or oil is added during step i). In an embodiment, the fatty acid and/or oil is added before pre-treatment. In an embodiment, the fatty acid and/or oil is added during pre-treatement. In an embodiment, the fatty acid and/or oil is added after pre-treatment. In an embodiment, the fatty acid and/or oil is added after pre-treatment and before step i).


In an aspect, the present invention provides an emulsion or suspension produced by the method as described herein.


In an aspect, the present invention provides a Brassicaceae product comprising the emulsion or suspension as described herein.


As used herein “emulsion” refers to a dispersion of droplets/particles of one liquid in another in which it is not soluble or miscible. In one embodiment, the droplets are fatty acid and/or oil dispersed in the aqueous mixture. In an embodiment, the emulsion is a wet emulsion. In an embodiment, the emulsion is dried into powder. In an embodiment, the emulsion is extruded. In an embodiment, the emulsion is extruded with a powder matrix.


In an embodiment, droplets produced by the methods described herein are about 0.2 μm to about 10 μm. In an embodiment, droplets produced by the methods described herein are about 1 μm to about 10 μm. In an embodiment, droplets produced by the methods described herein are about 2 μm to about 8 μm. In an embodiment, droplets produced by the methods described herein are about 2 μm to about 4 μm.


In an embodiment, the mean droplet size is about 0.2 μm to about 10 μm. In an embodiment, the mean droplet size is about 1 μm to about 10 μm. In an embodiment, the mean droplet size is about 2 μm to about 8 μm. In an embodiment, the mean droplet size is about 2 μm to about 4 μm.


As used herein “suspension” refers to dispersion of droplets/particles of one substance throughout the bulk of another substance. In one embodiment, the droplets are a fatty acid and/or oil dispersed in the aqueous mixture.


As used herein producing or forming an emulsion or suspension refers to entrapment or encapsulation of a substance in the aqueous mixture reducing the exposure of the substance to degradation. In an embodiment, the substance is a fatty acid and/or oil.


In an embodiment, the fatty acid and/or oil is heated when it is added to the aqueous mixture in step ii) as described herein. In an embodiment, the fatty acid and/or oil is heated to about 30° C. to about 80° C. In an embodiment, the fatty acid and/or oil is heated to about 40° C. to about 70° C. In an embodiment, the fatty acid and/or oil is heated to about 45° C. to about 65° C. In an embodiment, the fatty acid and/or oil is heated to about 50° C. to about 60° C.


In an embodiment, forming an emulsion or suspension as described comprises mixing of the fatty acid and/oil with an aqueous mixture comprising the Brassicaceae material.


In an embodiment, mixing comprises agitation under high shear. In an embodiment, mixing comprises homogenization to obtain a small droplet size. In an embodiment, droplets produced by homogenization are about 0.2 μm to about 10 μm in diameter. In an embodiment, droplets produced by homogenization are about 1 μm to about 10 μm in diameter. In an embodiment, droplets produced by homogenization are about 2 μm to about 8 μm in diameter. In an embodiment, droplets produced by homogenization are about 2 μm to about 4 μm in diameter. In an embodiment, homogenization forms a homogenous emulsion.


As used herein, the term “fatty acid” refers to a carboxylic acid (or organic acid), often with a long aliphatic tail, either saturated or unsaturated. Typically fatty acids have a carbon-carbon bonded chain of at least 4 carbon atoms (C4) or at least 8 carbon atoms (C8) in length, more preferably at least 12 carbons in length. Preferred fatty acids of the invention have carbon chains of 18-22 carbon atoms (C18, C20, C22 fatty acids), more preferably 20-22 carbon atoms (C20, C22) and most preferably 22 carbon atoms (C22). Most naturally occurring fatty acids have an even number of carbon atoms because their biosynthesis involves acetate which has two carbon atoms. The fatty acids may be in a free state (non-esterified) or in an esterified form such as part of a triglyceride, diacylglyceride, monoacylglyceride, acyl-CoA (thio-ester) bound or other bound form. The fatty acid may be esterified as a phospholipid such as a phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol or diphosphatidylglycerol forms. In an embodiment, the fatty acid is esterified to a methyl or ethyl group, such as, for example, a methyl or ethyl ester of a C20 or C22 polyunsaturated fatty acid. Preferred fatty acids are the methyl or ethyl esters of eicosatrienoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid or docosahexaenoic acid, or the mixtures eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, or eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, or eicosapentaenoic acid and docosapentaenoic acid.


In an embodiment, the fatty acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid. As used herein “polyunsaturated fatty acid” refers to a fatty acid that contains more than one double bond in its backbone. In an embodiment, the polyunsaturated fatty acid is selected from one or more of: an omega-3, omega-6, or omega-9. In an embodiment, the polyunsaturated fatty acid is an omega-3. In an embodiment, the polyunsaturated fatty acid is an omega-6. In an embodiment, the polyunsaturated fatty acid is an omega-9. In an embodiment, the omega-3 is selected from one or more of: hexadecatrienoic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, stearidonic acid, eicosatrienoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, heneicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, tetracosapentaenoic acid, and tetracosahexaenoic acid. In an embodiment, the omega-3 is selected from one or more or all of eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. In an embodiment, the omega-6 is selected from one or more of: linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, eicosadienoic acid, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, docosadienoic acid, adrenic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid, and tetracosapentaenoic acid. In an embodiment, the omega-9 is selected from one or more of: oleic acid, eicosenoic acid, mead acid, erucic acid, and nervonic acid.


In an embodiment, the fatty acid is in an oil.


As used herein “oil” refers to a viscous liquid that is hydrophobic and lipophilic and not miscible with water.


In an embodiment, the oil is an unsaturated oil.


In an embodiment, the oil is a Plantae oil. In an embodiment, the oil is a vegetable oil. In an embodiment, the oil is an animal oil. In an embodiment, the animal oil is a marine oil or fish oil.


In an embodiment, the oil is selected from one or more of: fish oil, krill oil, marine oil, algal oil, microbial oil, canola oil, crustacean oil, mollusc oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, soya oil, borage oil, evening primrose oil, safflower oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil, pumpkinseed oil, hemp seed oil, wheat germ oil, palm oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, medium chain triglycerides (MCT) and grapeseed oil. In an embodiment, the canola oil comprises one or more long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which can be obtained from transgenic Brassica encoding the required elongases and desaturases (see, for example, WO 2015/089587).


In an embodiment, the fish oil is selected from one or more of: tuna oil, herring oil, mackerel oil, anchovy oil, sardine oil, cod liver oil, and shark oil.


As used herein “microbial oil” also known as “single cell oil” is an oil produced by a micorbe. For example, the microbe is a yeast, fungus, microalgae or bacteria. In an embodiment, yeast is selected from one or more of: R. toruloides 32489, R. toruloides ATCC 10788, Cryptococcus curvatus, Candida curvata, Cryptococcus albidus, Lipomyces starkeyi and Rhodotorula glutinis. In an embodiment, the fungus is selected from one or more of: Aspergillus oryzae, Mortierella isabellina, and Humicola lanuginose. In an embodiment, the microalge is selected from one or more of: Botryococcus braunii, Mucor circinelloides, Aspergillus niger, Cylindrotheca sp., Chlorella sp., Nitzschia sp., Schizochytrium sp., Crypthecodinium cohnii, Nannochloropsis sp., Neochloris oleoabundans, and Nannochloris sp. In an embodiment, the bacteria is selected from one or more of: Arthrobacter sp., Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and Rhodococcus opacus.


In an embodiment, the mollusc is abalone.


In an embodiment, the essential oil is selected from one or more of: oregano oil, mint oil, basil oil, rosemary oil, tea tree oil, time oil, camphor oil, cardamon oil, citrus oil, clove oil, and/or saffron oil.


In an embodiment, the oil comprises dairy fats.


In an embodiment, the oil is olive oil.


In an embodiment, the oil is sunflower oil.


In an embodiment, the oil is canola oil.


In an embodiment, the oil comprises one or more bioactive/s and/or bioactive precursor/s. Thus, in some embodiments, the oil acts as a bioactive carrier. In an embodiment, the bioactive and/or bioactive precursor is added to the oil before the oil is added to the aqueous mixture. In an embodiment, the bioactive and/or bioactive precursor is infused in oil in step ii) of the method as described herein. In an embodiment, the bioactive and/or a bioactive precursor is infused in oil in step iii) of the method as described herein. In an embodiment, the bioactive and/or bioactive precursor is from the biomass and/or further biomass as described herein. In an embodiment, the bioactive and/or bioactive precursor is not from the biomass and/or further biomass.


Fermentation

Brassicaceae material, optionally pre-treated, is fermented as described herein to produce a fermented Brassicaceae product. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is optionally mixed with a fatty acid and/or oil before fermentation. As used herein, “fermentation” refers to the biochemical breakdown of the Brassicaceae material by lactic acid bacteria. In an embodiment, fermentation with lactic acid bacteria is performed using the addition of exogenous lactic acid bacteria. In an embodiment, fermentation increases the quantity and bioavailability of one or more components in the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the component is a prebiotic and/or prebiotic precursor. dietary fibre (insoluble/soluble), oligosaccharides, cellulose, hemicellulose,


In an embodiment, the prebiotic is selected from one or more or all of: dietary fibre, oligosaccharides, exopolysaccharides, oligofructose, cellulose, hemicellulose resistant starch, beta-glucans and dextran. In an embodiment, the oligosaccharides are selected from one or more or all of: gluco-oligosaccharides fructo-oligosaccharides galacto-oligosaccharide, trans-galacto-oligosaccharides. In an embodiment, the exopolysaccharides are homopolysaccharides and/or heteropolysaccharides.


In an embodiment, the component is a bioactive peptide. In an embodiment, the peptide is an antimicrobial peptide (e.g. bacteriocins or those described in Pacheco-Cano et al., 2017). In an embodiment, the peptide has angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitory activity.


As used herein, “lactic bacteria” or “lactic acid bacteria” are bacteria that produce lactic acid as an end product of carbohydrate fermentation, and can include, but are not limited to including bacteria from the genera Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, Lactococcus, Streptococcus, Aerococcus, Carnobacterium, Enterococcus, Oenococcus, Sporolactobacillus, Tetragenococcus, Vagococcus and Weissella. In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria comprises myrosinase activity. In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is from the genera Leuconostoc. In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is from the genera Lactobacillus.


In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is selected from one or more of Lactobacillus plantarum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus pentosus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactococus lactis, Pediococcus pentosaceus and Pedicoccus acidilacti.


In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material has been pre-treated as described herein. In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria was derived from an isolate obtained from Brassica oleracea. In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria was derived from an isolate obtained from broccoli. As used herein “derived from” means isolated directly from or indirectly from a culture derived from an indicated source which has subsequently been passaged in culture (e.g. an isolate initially isolated from broccoli which has subsequently been passaged a number of times in in vitro cell culture). In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria was isolated from broccoli leaves. In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria was isolated from broccoli stem. In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria was isolated from broccoli puree. In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria was isolated from Australian broccoli.


In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria lacks myrosinase activity.


In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is a Lactobacillus.


In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is selected from: i) a Leuconostoc mesenteroides; ii) a Lactobacillus plantarum; iii) a Lactobacillus pentosus; iv) a Lactobacillus rhamnosus; v) a combination of i) and ii); vi) a combination of i), ii) and iii); and vii) a combination of i), ii) and iv).


In one embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is Leuconostoc mesenteroides. In an embodiment, the Leuconostoc mesenteroides is ATCC8293. In an embodiment, the Leuconostoc mesenteroides is BF1 and/or BF2. In an embodiment, the Leuconostoc mesenteroides lacks myrosinase activity.


In one embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is Lactobacillus plantarum. In an embodiment, the Lactobacillus plantarum lacks myrosinase activity.


In one embodiment, about 50% of the lactic acid bacteria is Leuconostoc mesenteroides and about 50% of the lactic acid bacteria is Lactobacillus sp.


In one embodiment, about 50% of the lactic acid bacteria is Leuconostoc mesenteroides and about 50% of the lactic acid bacteria is Lactobacillus plantarum. In an embodiment, the Lactobacillus plantarum is selected from one or more or all of B1, B2, B3, B4 and B5. In an embodiment, the Lactobacillus plantarum is B1. In an embodiment, the Lactobacillus plantarum is B2. In an embodiment, the Lactobacillus plantarum is B3. In an embodiment, the Lactobacillus plantarum is B4. In an embodiment, the Lactobacillus plantarum is B5.


In an embodiment, fermentation occurs in the presence of at least 2, or at least 3, or at least 4, or at least 5, or at least 6 strains of lactic acid bacteria selected from BF1, BF2, B1, B2, B3, B4 and B5.


In one embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is a recombinant bacteria modified to produce a high level of myrosinase activity compared to a control bacteria lacking the modification. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the recombinant lactic acid bacteria is produced by any technique known to a person skilled in the art.


In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is stressed, for example but not limited to, heat stress, cold stress, sub-lethal ultrasonic waves e.g. about 20 to about 2000 MHz, high pressure, dynamic high pressure or pulsed-electric field, to increase myrosinase activity and the activity of polysaccharide degrading enzymes compared to a control lactic acid bacteria that has not been stressed.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is inoculated with at least about 105 CFU/g of a lactic acid bacteria as described herein. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is inoculated with at least 106 about CFU/g of a lactic acid bacteria as described herein. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is inoculated with at least about 107 CFU/g of a lactic acid bacteria as described herein. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is inoculated with at least about 108 CFU/g of a lactic acid bacteria as described herein. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material has been pre-treated.


In an embodiment, fermentation is at about 20° C. to about 34° C. In an embodiment, fermentation is at about 22° C. to about 34° C. In an embodiment, fermentation is at about 24° C. to about 34° C. In an embodiment, fermentation is at about 24° C. to about 30° C. In an embodiment, fermentation is at about 34° C. to about 34° C. In an embodiment, fermentation is at about 25° C. In an embodiment, fermentation is at about 30° C. In an embodiment, fermentation is at about 34° C.


In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 8 hours to about 17 days. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 8 hours to about 14 days. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 8 hours to about 7 days. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 8 hours to about 5 days. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 8 hours to about 4 days. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 8 hours to about 3 days. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 8 hours to about 30 hours. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 8 to about 24 hours. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 10 hours to about 24 hours. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 10 days. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 9 days. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 8 days. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 7 days. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 4 days. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 6 days. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 5 days. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 72 hours. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 60 hours. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 45 hours. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 30 hours. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 24 hours. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 20 hours. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 18 hours. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 15 hours. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 16 hours. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 14 hours. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 12 hours. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 10 hours. In an embodiment, fermentation is for about 8 hours. In an embodiment, the fermentation culture is stirred. In an embodiment, stirring is intermittent. In an embodiment, stirring is continuous. In a particularly preferred embodiment, fermentation is for 15 hours with intermittent stirring. In a particularly preferred embodiment, fermentation is for 24 hours with intermittent stirring.


In an embodiment, the fermentation reaction is complete when the composition reaches a pH of about 4.5 to about 3.8. In an embodiment, the fermentation reaction is complete when the composition reaches a pH of about 4.5 to about 3.6. In an embodiment, the fermentation reaction is complete when the composition reaches a pH of about 4.5 to about 4.04. In an embodiment, the fermentation reaction is complete when the composition reaches a pH of about 4.3 to about 4.04. In an embodiment, the fermentation reaction is complete when the composition reaches a pH of 4.5 or less, or 4.4 or less, or 4.3 or less, or 4.04 or less, or 3.8 or less. In an embodiment, the fermentation reaction is complete when the composition reaches a pH of 4.5 or less. In an embodiment, the fermentation reaction is complete when the composition reaches a pH of 4.4 or less.


In an embodiment, if present fermentation reduces the number of one or more or all of: E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria. In an embodiment, if present fermentation reduces the CFU/g of one or more or all of: E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria.


In an embodiment, no salt is added to the fermentation culture.


In an embodiment, fermentation increases the extractable glucosinolate content compared to the extractable glucosinolate content in the pre-treated Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, fermentation increases the extractable glucosinolate content compared to the extractable glucosinolate content in the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, fermentation increases the extractable glucosinolate content is increased by about 100% to about 500% compared to the extractable glucosinolate content in the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, fermentation increases the extractable glucosinolate content by about 200% to about 450% compared to the extractable glucosinolate content in the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, fermentation increases the extractable glucosinolate content by about 250% to about 450% compared to the extractable glucosinolate content in the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, fermentation increases the extractable glucosinolate content by about 300% to about 400% compared to the extractable glucosinolate content in the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, fermentation increases the extractable glucosinolate content by about 300% compared to the extractable glucosinolate content in the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, fermentation increases the extractable glucosinolate content by about 400% compared to the extractable glucosinolate content in the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the glucosinolate is glucoraphanin


Acidification

The pre-treated material can by acidified to improve the microbial safety and stability (susceptibility to microbial degradation) of the product. Acidification can be achieved by the addition of organic acids, such as, but not limited to lactic, acetic, ascorbic, and citric acid. In embodiment, acidification can be achieved with the addition of glucono-delta-lactone. In an embodiment, acidification comprises lowering the pH to a pH of about 4.4 to about 3.4. In an embodiment, acidification comprises lowering the pH to a pH of 4.5, or 4.4, or 4.2, or 4, or 3.8, or 3.6, or 3.4 or less. In an embodiment, acidification comprises lowering the pH to a pH of 4.4 of less.


Post-Treatment

In an embodiment, after fermentation or acidification the Brassicaceae product can be post-treated to inactivate microbes that for example contribute to degradation of the product or a pathogenic if consumed.


As used herein “post-treatment” or “post-treating” refers to treatment of the Brassicaceae product after fermentation. As used herein “microbes” refers to bacterial, viral, fungal or eukaryotic activity that can result in degradation or spoilage of the Brassicaceae product. As used herein “inactivate” or “inactivation” of microbes refers to reducing the viable microbes by about 1 to about 7 logs. In an embodiment, the viable microbes are reduced by about 1 to 6 logs. In an embodiment, the viable microbes are reduced by about 2 to 6 logs. In an embodiment, the viable microbes are reduced by about 3 to 6 logs.


A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the post treatment can be any method that inactivates microbes, including for example, heat treatment, UV treatment, ultrasonic processing, pulsed electric field processing or high pressure processing. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is post-treated with heat processing. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is post-treated with high pressure processing. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is in a sealed package during post-treatment. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is in a sealed package during high pressure processing. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is in a sealed package during heat treatment. In an embodiment, high pressure processing comprises treating the Brassicaceae material with isostatic pressure at about 100 to about 800 MPa. In an embodiment, high pressure processing comprises treating the Brassicaceae product with isostatic pressure at about 300 to about 600 MPa. In an embodiment, high pressure processing comprises treating the Brassicaceae product with isostatic pressure at about 350 to about 550 MPa. In an embodiment, high pressure processing comprises treating the Brassicaceae product with isostatic pressure at about 300 to about 400 MPa. In an embodiment, heat treatment comprises heating the sample to a temperature of about 60° C. to about 121° C. In an embodiment, heat treatment comprises heating the sample to a temperature of about 65° C. to about 100° C. In an embodiment, heat treatment comprises heating the sample to a temperature of about 65° C. to about 80° C. In an embodiment, heat treatment comprises heating the sample to a temperature of about 65° C. to about 75° C.


A further probiotic may be added to the Brassicaceae product before or after post treatment. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that post-treatment can be performed before or after drying as described below.


Sugar/Lyoprotectants/Cryoprotectants

In an embodiment, a sugar is added to the Brassicaceae product as described herein. In an embodiment, the added sugar is about 0.5% to about 40% of the final composition. In an embodiment, the added sugar is about 0.5% to about 30% of the final composition. In an embodiment, the added sugar is about 4% to about 25% of the final composition. In an embodiment, the added sugar is about 6% to about 20% of the final composition. In an embodiment, the added sugar is about 8% to about 18% of the final composition. In an embodiment, the added sugar is about 10% to about 15% of the final composition.


In an embodiment, the sugar may act as a lyoprotectant or cryoprotectant in a drying, cooling or freezing process. In an embodiment, the sugar is a simple sugar. In an embodiment, the sugar is selected from a monosaccharide, disaccharide or polysaccharide.


In an embodiment, a lyoprotectant/cryoptotectant is added to the Brassicaceae product as described herein. In an embodiment, the lyoprotectant/cryoprotectant is a monosaccharide, disaccharide or polysaccharide, polyalcohol or a derivative thereof. In an embodiment, the lyoprotectant/cryoprotectant is selected from one or more of: trehalose, sucrose, glycerol, maltodextrin and mannitol.


In an embodiment, the added lyoprotectant/cryoptotectant is about 0.5% to about 40% of the final composition. In an embodiment, the added lyoprotectant/cryoptotectant is about 0.5% to about 30% of the final composition. In an embodiment, the added lyoprotectant/cryoptotectant is about 4% to about 25% of the final composition. In an embodiment, the added lyoprotectant/cryoptotectant is about 6% to about 20% of the final composition. In an embodiment, the added lyoprotectant/cryoptotectant is about 8% to about 18% of the final composition. In an embodiment, the added lyoprotectant/cryoptotectant is about 10% to about 15% of the final composition.


Drying

In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product as described herein is partially dried or dried to reduce the water content and/or water activity. In an embodiment, the method as described herein comprises drying the Brassicaceae product to reduce the water content to about 1 to about 14%. In an embodiment, the method as described herein comprises drying the Brassicaceae product to reduce the water content to about 1 to about 13%. In an embodiment, the method comprises drying the Brassicaceae product to reduce the water content to about 1 to about 12%. In an embodiment, the method comprises drying the Brassicaceae product to reduce the water content to about 1 to about 10%. In an embodiment, the method comprises drying the Brassicaceae product to reduce the water content to about 2 to about 8%. In an embodiment, the method comprises drying the Brassicaceae product to reduce the water content to about 2 to about 6%. In an embodiment, the method comprises drying the Brassicaceae product to reduce the water content to about 2 to about 4%. In an embodiment, the method comprises drying the Brassicaceae product to reduce the water content to about 2 to about 3%.


In an embodiment, the method as described herein comprises drying the Brassicaceae product to reduce the water activity to a low water activity to about 0.1 to about 0.7. In an embodiment, the method comprises drying the Brassicaceae product to reduce the water activity to a low water activity to about 0.2 to about 0.6. In an embodiment, the method comprises drying the Brassicaceae product to reduce the water activity to a low water activity to about 0.2 to about 0.5. In an embodiment, the method comprises drying the Brassicaceae product to reduce the water activity to a low water activity to about 0.3 to about 0.4. In an embodiment, the method comprises drying the Brassicaceae product to reduce the water activity to a low water activity of about 0.4.


In an embodiment, the method as described herein comprises drying the Brassicaceae product to form a powder. Drying may include for example spray drying, freeze-drying (lyophilisation or cryodesiccation), tray drying, drum drying, roller drying, fluid bed drying, impingement drying, refractance windows drying, thin-film belt drying, vacuum microwave drying, ultrasonic-assisted drying, extrusion porosification technology or any other method known to a person skilled in the art.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is dried to produce a mean dry particle size of about 10 μM to about 4000 μM. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is dried to produce a mean dry particle size of about 10 μM to about 3000 μM. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is dried to produce a mean dry particle size of about 20 μM to about 2000 μM. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is dried to produce a mean dry particle size of about 10 μM to about 1000 μM. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is dried to produce a mean dry particle size of about 10 μM to about 500 μM.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is dried by spray drying (e.g. a Drytec laboratory spray dryer) to form a powder. For example, the Brassicaceae product is dried using a Drytec laboratory spray dryer with a rotary atomiser, ultrasonic nozzle or twin fluid nozzle at 2.0-4.0 bar atomising pressure by heating the feed to 60° C. prior to atomisation and the inlet and outlet air temperatures were 180° C. and 80° C., respectively. In an embodiment, the spray dryer has a granulation function. In an embodiment, the spray dryer is mounted with a granulation dryer.


In an embodiment, spray drying produces individual particles or agglomerates of particles.


In an embodiment, spray drying produces a mean dry particle size of about 10 μM to about 3000 μM. In an embodiment, spray drying produces a mean dry particle size of about 20 μM to about 2000 μM. In an embodiment, spray drying produces a mean dry particle size of about 10 μM to about 1000 μM. In an embodiment, spray drying produces a mean dry particle size of about 10 μM to about 500 μM.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is dried by freeze-drying to form a powder. In an embodiment, a cryoprotectant is added to the Brassicaceae product before freeze drying. In an embodiment, the cryoprotectant is a monosaccharide, disaccharide or polysaccharide, polyalcohol or a derivative thereof. In an embodiment, the cryoprotectant is selected from one or more of: trehalose, sucrose, glycerol, maltodextrin and mannitol.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is dried by drum drying to form a powder.


In an embodiment, the powder comprises about 5% to about 50% oil w/w. In an embodiment, the powder about 10% to about 50% oil w/w. In an embodiment, the powder comprises about 20% to about 50% oil w/w. In an embodiment, the powder comprises about 20% to about 50% oil w/w. In an embodiment, the powder comprises about 20% to about 40% oil w/v. In an embodiment, the powder comprises about 20% to about 30% oil w/w.


In an embodiment, the powder comprises particles of about 20 μm to about 1200 μm. In an embodiment, the powder comprises particles of about 100 μm to about 900 μm. In an embodiment, the powder comprises particles of about 400 μm to about 700 μm. In an embodiment, the powder comprises particles of about 500 μm to about 600 μm. In an embodiment, the powder comprises particles of about 1000 μm. In an embodiment, the powder is milled to further reduce the particle size. In an embodiment, milling may reduce the particle size to less than about 10 μm, or less than about 8 μm, or less than about 6 μm, or less than about 4 μm, or less than about 2 μm.


Isolated Strains and Starter Cultures

In an embodiment, the present invention provides isolated strains of lactic acid bacteria suitable for use in the methods, compositions and delivery vehicles as described herein.


In an embodiment, the present invention provides an isolated strain of lactic acid bacteria selected from:


i) BF1 deposited under V17/021729 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia;


ii) BF2 deposited under V17/021730 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia;


iii) B1 deposited under V17/021731 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia;


iv) B2 deposited under V17/021732 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia;


v) B3 deposited under V17/021733 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia;


vi) B4 deposited under V17/021734 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia; and


vii) B5 deposited under V17/021735 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia.


In an embodiment, the present invention provides an isolated strain of Leuconostoc mesenteroides comprising genomic DNA which when cleaved with SmaI and/or NotI produces a SmaI and/or NotI fingerprint identical to BF1 or BF2. The SmaI and NotI fingerprints for BF1 and BF2 are shown in FIG. 13.


In an embodiment, the present invention provides an isolated strain of Lactobacillus plantarum comprising genomic DNA which when cleaved with SmaI and/or NotI produces a SmaI and/or NotI fingerprint identical to B1, B2, B3, B4 or B5.


In an embodiment, the present invention provides an isolated strain of Leuconostoc mesenteroides comprising one or more or all of the polymorphisms listed in Table 18 or 19 that differs from ATCC8293. In an embodiment, the isolated strain of Leuconostoc mesenteroides comprises 5 or more of the polymorphisms listed in Table 18 or 19 that differs from ATCC8293. In an embodiment, the isolated strain of Leuconostoc mesenteroides comprises 10 or more of the polymorphisms listed in Table 18 or 19 that differs from ATCC8293. In an embodiment, the isolated strain of Leuconostoc mesenteroides comprises 15 or more of the polymorphisms listed in Table 18 or 19 that differs from ATCC8293. In an embodiment, the isolated strain of Leuconostoc mesenteroides comprises 19 or more of the polymorphisms listed in Table 18 or 19 that differs from ATCC8293. In an embodiment, the isolated strain of Leuconostoc mesenteroides comprises 20 or more of the polymorphisms listed in Table 19 that differs from ATCC8293. In an embodiment, the isolated strain of Leuconostoc mesenteroides comprises 30 or more of the polymorphisms listed in Table 19 that differs from ATCC8293. In an embodiment, the isolated strain of Leuconostoc mesenteroides comprises 50 or more of the polymorphisms listed in Table 19 that differs from ATCC8293. In an embodiment, the isolated strain of Leuconostoc mesenteroides comprises 80 or more of the polymorphisms listed in Table 19 that differs from ATCC8293. In an embodiment, the isolated strain of Leuconostoc mesenteroides comprises 100 or more of the polymorphisms listed in Table 19 that differs from ATCC8293. In an embodiment, the isolated strain of Leuconostoc mesenteroides comprises 150 or more of the polymorphisms listed in Table 19 that differs from ATCC8293. In an embodiment, the isolated strain of Leuconostoc mesenteroides comprises 200 or more of the polymorphisms listed in Table 19 that differs from ATCC8293. In an embodiment, the isolated strain of Leuconostoc mesenteroides comprises 300 or more of the polymorphisms listed in Table 19 that differs from ATCC8293. In an embodiment, the isolated strain of Leuconostoc mesenteroides comprises 400 or more of the polymorphisms listed in Table 19 that differs from ATCC8293.


In an embodiment, the present invention provides an isolated strain of Lactobacillus plantarum comprising one or more or all the polymorphisms listed in Table 13, Table 14, Table 15, Table 16 or Table 17 that differs from ATCC8014. In an embodiment, the present invention provides an isolated strain of Lactobacillus plantarum comprising 5 or more of the polymorphisms listed in Table 13, Table 14, Table 15, Table 16 or Table 17 that differs from ATCC8014. In an embodiment, the present invention provides an isolated strain of Lactobacillus plantarum comprising 10 or more of the polymorphisms listed in Table 13, Table 14, Table 15, Table 16 or Table 17 that differs from ATCC8014. In an embodiment, the present invention provides an isolated strain of Lactobacillus plantarum comprising 15 or more of the polymorphisms listed in Table 13, Table 14, Table 15, Table 16 or Table 17 that differs from ATCC8014. In an embodiment, the present invention provides an isolated strain of Lactobacillus plantarum comprising 20 or more of the polymorphisms listed in Table 13, Table 14, Table 15, Table 16 or Table 17 that differs from ATCC8014. In an embodiment, the present invention provides an isolated strain of Lactobacillus plantarum comprising 25 or more of the polymorphisms listed in Table 13, Table 14, Table 15, Table 16 or Table 17 that differs from ATCC8014. In an embodiment, the present invention provides an isolated strain of Lactobacillus plantarum comprising 30 or more of the polymorphisms listed in Table 13, Table 14, Table 15, Table 16 or Table 17 that differs from ATCC8014. In an embodiment, the present invention provides an isolated strain of Lactobacillus plantarum comprising 35 or more of the polymorphisms listed in Table 13, Table 14, Table 15, Table 16 or Table 17 that differs from ATCC8014. In an embodiment, the present invention provides an isolated strain of Lactobacillus plantarum comprising 40 or more of the polymorphisms listed in Table 13, Table 14, Table 15, Table 16 or Table 17 that differs from ATCC8014.


In an embodiment, the present invention provides a starter culture for producing a Brassicaceae product, a prebiotic, a combined prebiotic and probiotic, or a synbiotic comprising one or more of the isolated strains as described herein. As used herein a “starter culture” is a culture of live microorganisms for fermentation. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a starter culture for producing a Brassicaceae product, a prebiotic, a combined prebiotic and probiotic, or a synbiotic comprising lactic acid bacteria selected from one or more or all of:


i) BF1 deposited under V17/021729 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia;


ii) BF2 deposited under V17/021730 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia;


iii) B1 deposited under V17/021731 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia;


iv) B2 deposited under V17/021732 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia;


v) B3 deposited under V17/021733 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia;


vi) B4 deposited under V17/021734 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia; and


vii) B5 deposited under V17/021735 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is inoculated with at least about 105 CFU/g of a starter culture as described herein. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is inoculated with at least 106 about CFU/g of a starter culture as described herein. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is inoculated with at least about 107 CFU/g of a starter culture as described herein. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is inoculated with at least about 108 CFU/g of a starter culture as described herein. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is inoculated with at least about 1010 CFU/g of a starter culture as described herein. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material is inoculated with about 105 CFU/g to about 1010 CFU/g of a starter culture as described herein.


Glucosinolates

As used herein “glucosinolate” refers to a secondary metabolite found at least in the Brassicaceae family that share a chemical structure consisting of a 13-D-glucopyranose residue linked via a sulfur atom to a (Z)-N-hydroximinosulfate ester, plus a variable R group derived from an amino acid as described in Halkier et al. (2006). Examples of glucosinolates are provided in Halkier et al. (2006) and Agerbirk et al. (2012). The hydrolysis of glucosinolate can produce isothiocyanates, nitriles, epithionitrile, thiocyanate and oxazolidine-2-thione (FIG. 1A). Many glucosinolates play a role in plant defence mechanisms against pests and disease.


Glucosinolates are stored in Brassicaceae in storage sites. As used herein, a “storage site” is a site within the Brassicaceae where glucosinolates are present and myrosinase is not present.


As used herein “myrosinase” also referred to as “thioglucosidase”, “sinigrase”, or “sinigrinase” refers to a family of enzymes (EC 3.2.1.147) involved in plant defence mechanisms that can cleave thio-linked glucose. Myrosinases catalyze the hydrolysis of glucosinolates resulting in the production of isothiocyanates. Myrosinase is stored sometimes as myrosin grains in the vacuoles of particular idioblasts called myrosin cells, but have also been reported in protein bodies or vacuoles, and as cytosolic enzymes that tend to bind to membranes. Thus, in an embodiment, myrosinase is stored in a myrosin cell in Brassicaceae.


In an embodiment, pre-treating as described herein improves the access of myrosinase to a glucosinolate. As used herein “improves the access” or “access is improved” refers to increasing the availability of glucosinolate to the myrosinase enzyme allowing for the production of an isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, access is improved by the release of a glucosinolate from a glucosinolate storage site. In an embodiment, the glucosinolate storage site is mechanically ruptured (i.e. by maceration) or enzymatically degraded. In an embodiment, glucosinolate is released from a glucosinolate storage site by the activity of one or more polysaccharide degrading enzymes e.g. a cellulase, hemicellulase, pectinase and/or glycosidase. In an embodiment, access is improved by allowing the entry of myrosinase into a glucosinolate storage site. In an embodiment, access is improved by the release of myrosinase from myrosin cells. In an embodiment, about 10% to about 90% of a glucosinolate is released from a glucosinolate storage site. In an embodiment, about 10% to about 80% of a glucosinolate is released from a glucosinolate storage site. In an embodiment, about 30% to about 70% of a glucosinolate is released from a glucosinolate storage site. In an embodiment, about 40% to about 60% of a glucosinolate is released from a glucosinolate storage site. In an embodiment, about 45% to about 55% of a glucosinolate is released from a glucosinolate storage site.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material comprises one or more glucosinolate/s selected from an aliphatic, indole or aromatic glucosinolate.


In an embodiment, the aliphatic glucosinolate is selected from one or more of glucoraphanin (4-Methylsulphinylbutyl or glucorafanin), sinigrin (2-Propenyl), gluconapin (3-Butenyl), glucobrassicanapin (4-Pentenyl), progoitrin (2(R)-2-Hydroxy-3-butenyl, epiprogoitrin (2(S)-2-Hydroxy-3-butenyl), gluconapoleiferin (2-Hydroxy-4-pentenyl), glucoibervirin (3-Methylthiopropyl, glucoerucin (4-Methylthiobutyl), dehydroerucin (4-Methylthio-3-butenyl, glucoiberin (3-Methylsulphinylpropyl), glucoraphenin (4-Me thylsulphinyl-3-butenyl), glucoalyssin (5-Methylsulphinylpentenyl), and glucoerysolin (3-Methylsulphonylbutyl, 4-Mercaptobutyl).


In an embodiment, the indole glucosinolate is selected from one or more of glucobrassicin (3-Indolylmethyl), 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin (4-Hydroxy-3-indolylmethyl), 4-methoxyglucobrassicin (4-Methoxy-3-indolylmethyl), and neoglucobrassicin (1-Methoxy-3-indolylmethyl).


In an embodiment, the indole glucosinolate is selected from one or more of Glucotropaeolin (Benzyl) and Gluconasturtiin (2-Phenylethyl).


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae material comprises one or more glucosinolate/s selected from benzylglucosinolate, allylglucosinolate and 4-methylsulfinylbutyl. In an embodiment, the glucosinolate is glucoraphanin (4-Methylsulphinylbutyl). In an embodiment, the glucosinolate is glucobrassicin (3-Indolylmethyl).


In an embodiment, pre-treating as described herein increases the extractable glucosinolate content compared to the extractable glucosinolate content of the Brassicaceae material before pre-treatment.


As used herein “extractable glucosinolate content” refers to the level of glucosinolate accessible in the Brassicaceae material for conversion to isothiocyanate. Excluding conversion into nitriles and other compounds the expected maximum yield of isothiocyanate from 1 mole of glucosinolate is 1 mole of isothiocyanate (1 mole of glucosinolate can maximally be converted to 1 mole of isothiocyanate, 1 mole of glucose and 1 mole of sulphate ion). Thus, in one example, the extractable glucoraphanin content of a commercial broccoli cultivar is 3400 μmol glucoraphanin/kg dw and the expected maximum yield of sulforaphane from the commercial broccoli cultivar is 3400 μmol sulforaphane/kg dw.


Isothiocyanates

As used herein “isothiocyanate” refers to sulphur containing phytochemicals with the general structure R—N═C═S which are a product of myrosinase activity upon a glucosinolate and bioactive derivatives thereof. In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate is sulforaphane (1-isothiocyanato-4-methylsulfinylbutane). In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate is allyl isothiocyanate (3-isothiocyanato-1-propene). In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate is benzyl isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate is phenethyl isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate is 3-Butenyl isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate is 5-vinyl-1,3-oxazolidine-2-thione. In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate is 3-(methylthio)propyl isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate is 3-(methylsulfinyl)-propyl isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate is 4-(methylthio)-butyl isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate is 1-methoxyindol-3-carbinol isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate is 2-phenylethyl isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate is iberin.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product, further comprises one or more isothiocyanate bioactive derivative/s or oligomers thereof. In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate bioactive derivative is a derivative of any of the isothiocyanates as described herein. In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate bioactive derivative is a derivative of sulforaphane. In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate bioactive derivative is a derivative of iberin. In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate bioactive derivative is a derivative of allyl isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate bioactive derivative is indole-3-caribinol. In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate bioactive derivative is methoxy-indole-3-carbinol. In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate bioactive derivative is ascorbigen. In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate bioactive derivative is neoascorbigen.


Fermented Brassicaceae Product

In an embodiment, a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria (also referred to as a fermented Brassicaceae product) as described herein comprises a higher level of a prebiotic and/or a prebiotic precursor compared to the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises a prebiotic as described herein. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises a prebiotic and a probiotic as described herein. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises a prebiotic and a probiotic which are synbiotic as described herein.


In an embodiment, fermented Brassicaceae product produced by the methods as described herein comprises a higher level of isothiocyanate compared to the Brassicaceae material. For example, macerated broccoli from a commercial broccoli cultivar has a sulforaphane concentration of ˜800 μmol/Kg dw (˜149.8 mg/Kg dw), fermented macerated broccoli has a sulforaphane concentration of ˜1600 μmol/Kg dw (˜278.8 mg/Kg dw) and pre-treated and fermented broccoli produced using the methods as described herein has a sulforaphane concentration of ˜13100 μmol/Kg dw (˜2318.7 mg/Kg dw).


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 4 times more isothiocyanate than macerated Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 6 times more isothiocyanate than the macerated Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 8 times more isothiocyanate than the macerated Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 10 times more isothiocyanate than the macerated Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 12 times more isothiocyanate than the macerated Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 14 times more isothiocyanate than the macerated Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 16 times more isothiocyanate than the macerated Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 17 times more isothiocyanate than the macerated Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 4 times to about 17 times more isothiocyanate than the macerated Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 4 times to about 16 times more isothiocyanate than the macerated Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 8 times to about 16 times more isothiocyanate than the macerated Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 10 times to about 16 times more isothiocyanate than the macerated Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 12 times to about 16 times more isothiocyanate than the macerated Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 14 times to about 16 times more isothiocyanate than the macerated Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate is sulforaphane.


In an embodiment, the level of isothiocyanate present in the Brassicaceae product is higher than what would be expected from the extractable glucosinolate content of the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 1 times the expected maximum yield of isothiocyanate based on the extractable glucosinolate content. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 2 times the expected maximum yield of isothiocyanate based on the extractable glucosinolate content. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 3 times the expected maximum yield of isothiocyanate based on the extractable glucosinolate content. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 3.8 times the expected maximum yield of isothiocyanate based on the extractable glucosinolate content. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 4 times the expected maximum yield of isothiocyanate based on the extractable glucosinolate content. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 1 times to about 4 times the expected maximum yield of isothiocyanate based on the extractable glucosinolate content. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 1 times to about 3.8 times the expected maximum yield of isothiocyanate based on the extractable glucosinolate content. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 2 times to about 3.8 times the expected maximum yield of isothiocyanate based on the extractable glucosinolate content. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 2 times to about 3 times the expected maximum yield of isothiocyanate based on the extractable glucosinolate content.


In an embodiment, the level of sulforaphane present in the Brassicaceae product is higher than what would be expected from the extractable glucoraphanin content of the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 1 times the expected maximum yield of sulforaphane based on the extractable glucoraphanin content. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 2 times the expected maximum yield of sulforaphane based on the extractable glucoraphanin content. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 3 times the expected maximum yield of sulforaphane based on the extractable glucoraphanin content. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 3.8 times the expected maximum yield of sulforaphane based on the extractable glucoraphanin content. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 4 times the expected maximum yield of sulforaphane based on the extractable glucoraphanin content. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 1 times to about 4 times the expected maximum yield of sulforaphane based on the extractable glucoraphanin content. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 1 times to about 3.8 times the expected maximum yield of sulforaphane based on the extractable glucoraphanin content. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 1 times to about 3 times the expected maximum yield of sulforaphane based on the extractable glucoraphanin content. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 2 times to about 3 times the expected maximum yield of sulforaphane based on the extractable glucoraphanin content.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 100 mg/kg dw to about 7000 mg/kg dw of isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 500 mg/kg dw to about 7000 mg/kg dw of isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 1000 mg/kg dw to about 7000 mg/kg dw of isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 1600 mg/kg dw to about 4000 mg/kg dw of isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 1600 mg/kg dw to about 3000 mg/kg dw of isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 2000 mg/kg dw to about 4000 mg/kg dw of isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 2000 mg/kg dw of to about 7000 mg/kg dw of isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 3000 mg/kg dw isothiocyanate to about 7000 mg/kg of isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 2300 mg/kg dw of the isothiocyanate.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 100 mg/kg dw of the isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 200 mg/kg dw of the isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 250 mg/kg dw of the isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 300 mg/kg dw of the isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 350 mg/kg dw of the isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 400 mg/kg dw of the isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 450 mg/kg dw of the isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 500 mg/kg dw of the isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 550 mg/kg dw of the isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 600 mg/kg dw of the isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 650 mg/kg dw of the isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 700 mg/kg dw of the isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 1000 mg/kg dw of the isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 2000 mg/kg dw of the isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 3000 mg/kg dw of the isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 4000 mg/kg dw of the isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 5000 mg/kg dw of the isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 6000 mg/kg dw of the isothiocyanate. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 7000 mg/kg dw of the isothiocyanate.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 100 mg/kg dw of sulforaphane. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 150 mg/kg of sulforaphane. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 200 mg/kg dw of sulforaphane. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 250 mg/kg of sulforaphane. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 300 mg/kg dw of sulforaphane. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 350 mg/kg dw of sulforaphane. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 400 mg/kg dw of sulforaphane. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 450 mg/kg dw of sulforaphane. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 500 mg/kg dw of sulforaphane. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 550 mg/kg dw of sulforaphane. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 600 mg/kg dw of sulforaphane. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 650 mg/kg dw of sulforaphane. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 700 mg/kg dw of sulforaphane. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 1000 mg/kg of sulforaphane dw. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 2000 mg/kg dw of sulforaphane. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 3000 mg/kg dw of sulforaphane. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 4000 mg/kg dw of sulforaphane. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 5000 mg/kg dw of sulforaphane. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 6000 mg/kg dw of sulforaphane. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 7000 mg/kg dw of sulforaphane.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 5% more total fibre than the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 10% more total fibre than the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 15% more total fibre than the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 20% more total fibre than the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 4% more protein than the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 6% more protein than the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 8% more protein than the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 10% more protein than the Brassicaceae material.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 10% less carbohydrate than the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 20% less carbohydrate than the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 30% less carbohydrate than the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 40% less carbohydrate than the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 45% less carbohydrate than the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 48% less carbohydrate than the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 10% to about 48% less carbohydrate than the Brassicaceae material.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises an increased level of polyphenolic glycosides compared to the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the polyphenolic glycosides are anthocyanin glycosides. In an embodiment, the polyphenolic glycosides are phenolic acid glycosides. In an embodiment, the polyphenolic glycosides are phenolic acids.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises an increased level of glucosinolates compared to the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the glucosinolate is glucoraphanin. In an embodiment, glucoraphanin is increased at least about 25 fold. In an embodiment, the glucosinolate is glucobrassicin. In an embodiment, the glucobrassicin is increased by 26 times. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises indole-3-carbinol. In an embodiment, indol-3carbinol is increased at least about 2 fold in the Brassicaceae product compared to the macerated Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, indol-3-carbinol is increased at least about 3 fold in the Brassicaceae product compared to the macerated Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises ascorbigen. In an embodiment, ascorbigen is increased at least about 2 fold in the Brassicaceae product compared to the macerated Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, ascorbigen is increased at least about 3 fold in the Brassicaceae product compared to the macerated Brassicaceae material.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises an increased level of one or more of ferullic acid, syringic acid, phenyllactic acid, chlorogenic acid rutin, sinapic acid, methyl syringate, hesperetin, quercetin and kaempferol compared to the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises an increased level of chlorogenic acid compared to the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, chlorogenic acid is increased about 6.6 fold. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises an increased level of sinapic acid compared to the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, sinapic acid is increased about 23.8 fold. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises an increased level of kaempferol compared to the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, kaempferol is increased about 10.5 fold.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises an decreased level of one or more of protocatechuic acid, gallic acid, 4,hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, 2,3dihydroxybenzoic acid, p-cuomaric acid, cinnamic acid, catechin, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid compared to the Brassicaceae material.


In an embodiment, about 40% of a glucosinolate present in the Brassicaceae material is converted to an isothiocyanate in the Brassicaceae product. In an embodiment, about 50% of a glucosinolate present in the Brassicaceae material is converted to an isothiocyanate in the Brassicaceae product. In an embodiment, about 60% of a glucosinolate present in the Brassicaceae material is converted to an isothiocyanate in the Brassicaceae product. In an embodiment, about 70% of a glucosinolate present in the Brassicaceae material is converted to an isothiocyanate in the Brassicaceae product. In an embodiment, about 80% of a glucosinolate present in the Brassicaceae material is converted to an isothiocyanate in the Brassicaceae product. In an embodiment, about 90% of a glucosinolate present in the Brassicaceae material is converted to an isothiocyanate in the Brassicaceae product. In an embodiment, about 95% of a glucosinolate present in the Brassicaceae material is converted to an isothiocyanate in the Brassicaceae product. In an embodiment, about 97% of a glucosinolate present in the Brassicaceae material is converted to an isothiocyanate in the Brassicaceae product. In an embodiment, about 98% of a glucosinolate present in the Brassicaceae material is converted to an isothiocyanate in the Brassicaceae product. In an embodiment, about 99% of a glucosinolate present in the Brassicaceae material is converted to an isothiocyanate in the Brassicaceae product. In an embodiment, about 100% of a glucosinolate present in the Brassicaceae material is converted to an isothiocyanate in the Brassicaceae product. In an embodiment, about 40% to about 100% of a glucosinolate present in the Brassicaceae material is converted to an isothiocyanate in the Brassicaceae product. In an embodiment, about 40% to about 80% of a glucosinolate present in the Brassicaceae material is converted to an isothiocyanate in the isothiocyanate containing Brassicaceae product.


In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate in the Brassicaceae product is stable for at least a week, or for at least two weeks, or for at least 3 weeks, or for at least 4 weeks, or for at least 6 weeks, or for at least 8 weeks, or for at least 10 weeks, or for at least 12 weeks, or for at least 14 weeks when stored at about 4° C. to about 25° C. In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate in the Brassicaceae product is stable for at least 4 weeks when stored at about 4° C. to about 25° C. In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate in the Brassicaceae product is stable for at least 8 weeks when stored at about 4° C. to about 25° C. In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate in the Brassicaceae product is stable for at least 12 weeks when stored at about 4° C. to about 25° C.


As used herein “stable” refers to no decrease or only a minor decrease in isothiocyanate concentration when stored at 4° C. for six weeks. In an embodiment, a minor decrease refers to a decrease in isothiocyanate concentration of about 1% to about 30%. In an embodiment, a minor decrease refers to a decrease in isothiocyanate concentration of about 5% or less. In an embodiment, a minor decrease refers to a decrease in isothiocyanate concentration of about 10% or less. In an embodiment, a minor decrease refers to a decrease in isothiocyanate concentration of about 15% or less. In an embodiment, a minor decrease refers to a decrease in isothiocyanate concentration of about 20% or less. In an embodiment, a minor decrease refers to a decrease in isothiocyanate concentration of about 30% or less. Isothiocyanate analysis can be performed by any method know to a person skilled in the art and for example as shown in Example 1 for sulforaphane.


In an embodiment, the isothiocyanate is sulforaphane.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is resistant to yeast, mould and/or coliform growth for at least a week, or for at least two weeks, or for at least 3 weeks, or for at least 4 weeks, or for at least 6 weeks, or for at least 8 weeks, or for at least 10 weeks, or for at least 12 weeks, or for at least 14 weeks when stored at about 4° C. to about 25° C.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is resistant to yeast, mould and/or coliform growth for at least 4 weeks when stored at about 4° C. to about 25° C. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is resistant to yeast, mould and/or coliform growth for at least 8 weeks when stored at about 4° C. to about 25° C. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is resistant to yeast, mould and/or coliform growth for at least 12 weeks when stored at about 4° C. to about 25° C.


As used herein “resistant” to yeast, mould and/or coliform growth means that <1 Log CFU/g of yeast, mould and/or coliform is detectable in the sample after the above listed time periods using the methods described in Example 1. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 20 g/100 gdw to about 32 g/100 gdw total fibre. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 20 g/100 gdw total fibre. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 25 g/100 gdw total fibre. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 28 g/100 gdw total fibre. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 29 g/100 gdw total fibre. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 30 g/100 gdw total fibre. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises about 32 g/100 gdw total fibre.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises an ORAC antioxidant capacity of about 14000 μmol TE/100 gdw to about 19000 μmol TE/100 gdw. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises an ORAC antioxidant capacity of about 14000 μmol TE/100 gdw. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises an ORAC antioxidant capacity of about 15000 μmol TE/100 gdw. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises an ORAC antioxidant capacity of about 16000 μmol TE/100 gdw. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises an ORAC antioxidant capacity of about 17000 μmol TE/100 gdw. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises an ORAC antioxidant capacity of about 18000 mol TE/100 gdw. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises an ORAC antioxidant capacity of about 18695 μmol TE/100 gdw. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises an ORAC antioxidant capacity of about 19000 mol TE/100 gdw.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises a total polyphenol content of about 1750 mg GAE/100 gdw to about 2600 mg GAE/100 gdw. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises a total polyphenol content of about 1750 mg GAE/100 gdw. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises a total polyphenol content of about 2000 mg GAE/100 gdw. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises a total polyphenol content of about 2100 mg GAE/100 gdw. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises a total polyphenol content of about 2200 mg GAE/100 gdw. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises a total polyphenol content of about 2300 mg GAE/100 gdw. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises a total polyphenol content of about 2360 mg GAE/100 gdw.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises a total titratable acidity of about 0.9% to about 1.1% lactic acid equivalent. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises a total titratable acidity of about 1.1% lactic acid equivalent.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises a total protein content of about 23 g/100 gdw to about 39 g/100 gdw. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises a total protein content of about 23 g/100 gdw to about 30 g/100 gdw. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises a total protein content of about 25 g/100 gdw. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises a total protein content of about 27 g/100 gdw. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises a total protein content of about 28 g/100 gdw. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises a total protein content of about 29 g/100 gdw. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises a total protein content of about 30 g/100 gdw. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises a total protein content of about 32 g/100 gdw.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises at least about 100 mg/kg dw of an isothiocyanate and one or more or all of the following.


i) total fibre at about 29 to about 36 g/100 gdw;


ii) an ORAC antioxidant capacity of about 15000 to about 18695 μmol TE/100 gdw;


iii) a total polyphenol content of about 2310 to about 2600 mg GAE/100 gdw;


iv) a total titratable acidity of about 0.9 to about 1.1% lactic acid equivalent;


v) a total protein content of about 27 to about 39 g/100 gdw; and


vi) Leuconostoc mesenteroides and/or Lactobacillus plantarum.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is produced from broccoli.


In an embodiment, Brassicaceae product increases the production of one or more SCFA in the gastrointestinal tract in the subject. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product increases the production of one or more SCFA in the lower gastrointestinal tract of the subject. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product increases the production of one or more SCFA in the colon of the subject. In an embodiment, production of one or more SCFA is increased relative to an unfermented Brassicaceae product.


In an embodiment, the total SCFA level is increased about 30% to about 70% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, the total SCFA level is increased about 38% to about 65% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, the total SCFA level is increased about 40% to about 60% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, the total SCFA level is increased about 40% to about 55% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae.


In an embodiment, the butyrate level is increased about 30% to about 70% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, the butyrate is increased about 38% to about 65% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, the butyrate level is increased about 40% to about 60% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, the butyrate level is increased about 40% to about 55% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae.


In an embodiment, the propionate level is increased about 30% to about 70% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, the propionate is increased about 38% to about 65% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, the propionate level is increased about 40% to about 60% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, the propionate level is increased about 40% to about 55% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae.


In an embodiment, the acetate level is increased about 30% to about 70% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, the acetate is increased about 38% to about 65% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, the acetate level is increased about 40% to about 60% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae. In an embodiment, the acetate level is increased about 40% to about 55% compared to administration of unfermented Brassicaceae.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product increases the SCFA level about 5 to about 48 hours after administration. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product increases the SCFA level about 10 to about 24 hours after administration.


The Brassicaceae products as described herein can comprise a live probiotic as described herein. In an embodiment, fermentation of the Brassicaceae product as described herein increases the stability of the probiotic in the composition compared to a probiotic in an unfermented Brassicaceae product. In an embodiment, the fatty acid as described herein in the Brassicaceae product as described herein increases the stability of the probiotic in the Brassicaceae product compared to Brassicaceae product lacking an added fatty acid.


In an embodiment, the probiotic is a Bifidobacterim lactis. In an embodiment, the probiotic is a Bifidobacterim anamalis.


The Brassicaceae products as described herein can comprise live lactic acid bacteria which can aid the conversion of glucosinolate present in the Brassicaceae product to an isothiocyanates during digestion of a glucosinolate containing product in a subject (i.e. they act as a probiotic). In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is a Leuconostoc mesenteroide. In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is Lactobacillus sp. In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is Lactobacillus plantarum.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises lactic acid bacteria at a concentration of at least about 102 CFU/g. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises lactic acid bacteria at a concentration of at least about 102 CFU/g. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises lactic acid bacteria at a concentration of at least about 105 CFU/g. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises lactic acid bacteria at a concentration of at least about 106 CFU/g. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises lactic acid bacteria at a concentration of at least about 107 CFU/g. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises lactic acid bacteria at a concentration of at least about 108 CFU/g. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises lactic acid bacteria at a concentration of at least about 109 CFU/g.


In an embodiment, live lactic acid bacteria are present in the Brassicaceae product for at least 10 days when stored at about 4° C. to about 25° C. In an embodiment, live lactic acid bacteria are present in the Brassicaceae product at least 20 days when stored at about 4° C. to about 25° C. In an embodiment, live lactic acid bacteria are present in the Brassicaceae product at least 30 days when stored at about 4° C. to about 25° C. In an embodiment, live lactic acid bacteria are present in the Brassicaceae product at least 40 days when stored at about 4° C. to about 25° C. In an embodiment, live lactic acid bacteria are present in the Brassicaceae product at least 50 days when stored at about 4° C. to about 25° C. In an embodiment, live lactic acid bacteria are present in the Brassicaceae product at least 60 days when stored at about 4° C. to about 25° C. In an embodiment, live lactic acid bacteria are present in the Brassicaceae product at least 70 days when stored at about 4° C. to about 25° C. In an embodiment, live lactic acid bacteria are present in the Brassicaceae product at least 80 days when stored at about 4° C. to about 25° C. In an embodiment, live lactic acid bacteria are present in the Brassicaceae product at least 85 days when stored at about 4° C. to about 25° C. In an embodiment, live lactic acid bacteria are present in the Brassicaceae product at least 90 days when stored at about 4° C. to about 25° C.


In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is a Lactobacillus sp. In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is Lactobacillus plantarum. In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is Leuconostoc mesenteroides. In an embodiment, the bacteria are present at a concentration of at least about 107 CFU/g.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises one or more fatty acids or oils as described herein. In an embodiment, the one or more fatty acids or oils are resistant to oxygen degradation. In an embodiment, the one or more fatty acids or oils has a longer IP compared the one or more fatty acids or oils in a non-fermented Brassicaceae product. In an embodiment, the one or more fatty acids or oils has a longer IP compared the one or more fatty acids or oils in a non-fermented Brassicaceae product, when the oil is added prior to fermentation.


As used herein, the term “resistant to oxygen degradation”, “resistant to degradation by oxygen” or similar phrases, refers to reducing the susceptibility of a fatty acid or an oil to oxidation. In an embodiment, the susceptibility of the fatty acid or oil to oxidation is reduced by entrapping or encapsulating the substance to reduce exposure to oxygen. In an embodiment, this includes entrapping or encapsulating the substance with molecules with oxygen sequestration ability. Assessment of oxidative resistance may be performed by any method known to a person skilled in the art. For example, the oxidative resistance of a fatty acid or an oil may be based on the oxidation of oil with oxygen under pressure. In such a test, the consumption of oxygen, results in a pressure drop during the test which is due to the uptake of oxygen by the sample during oxidation. The oxidation rate is accelerated when carried out at elevated pressure and temperature. In an embodiment, the oxidative resistance is assessed using an Oxipres (e.g. a Mikrolab Aarhus A/S apparatus Hojbjerg, Denmark). In an embodiment, an emulsion, suspension and/or powder containing a fatty acid or an oil (e.g. polyunsaturated oils) is exposed to high temperature and high oxygen pressure. In an embodiment, the oxidative resistance is assessed at 80° C. and 5 bar initial oxygen pressure. In an embodiment, the induction period (IP, h) is determined, which is related to oxidative stability of the samples. A longer IP (h) indicates that athe sample is more resistant (more stable in the presence of oxygen) to oxidation during storage. Other methods for measuring oxidation include, for example, peroxide value, para-anisidine value and headspace analysis of volatiles (eg aldehydes such as propanal and EE-2,4-heptadienal which are secondary oxidation products from oxidation of omega-3 fatty acids) and change in % individual unsaturated fatty acids (e.g. EPA and DHA) in stored samples.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises one or more bacteriocin/s produced by lactic acid bacteria. In an embodiment, the bacteriocin is a Class I bacteriocin. In an embodiment, the bacteriocin is a Class II bacteriocin. In an embodiment, the bacteriocin is a Class III bacteriocin. Examples of bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria can be found in Alvarez-Sieiro et al. (2016).


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is a food product. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is a nutraceutical. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is a supplement. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is a food ingredient. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is a probiotic. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is an animal feed. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is an animal feed is in aquaculture feed. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product may be added to an animal feed e.g. Novacq prawn feed (CSIRO). The animal can be an aquatic animal such as fish, prawns or livestock. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is a pesticide. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is a cosmeceutical. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is topically formulated.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is a solid, liquid, emulsion, capsule, tablet, pill. puree or a powder. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is dried to a powder after fermentation. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is freeze dried after fermentation. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is microencapsulated as described in WO2005030229 after fermentation. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is formulated as a pill.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product as described herein may be microencapsulated as described in WO0174175. In an embodiment, the compositions as described herein may be microencapsulated as described in WO2014169315.


Compositions

The present invention provides compositions comprising a fermented Brassicaceae product. In an embodiment, the composition is a food product. In an embodiment, the composition is a nutraceutical. In an embodiment, the composition is a supplement. In an embodiment, the composition is a food ingredient. In an embodiment, the composition comprises a prebiotic. In an embodiment, the composition comprises a prebiotic and a probiotic. In an embodiment, the composition is an animal feed. The animal can be an aquatic animal such as fish, prawns or livestock. In an embodiment, the composition is a pharmaceutical composition. In an embodiment, the composition is an emulsion or a suspension. In an embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. Suitable excipients include, for example, fillers such as sugars, including lactose, sucrose, mannitol, or sorbitol; cellulose preparations such as, for example, maize starch, wheat starch, rice starch, potato starch, gelatin, gum tragacanth, methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose; or others such as: polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP or povidone) or calcium phosphate. In an embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions as described herein may comprise one or more further active ingredients.


Delivery Vehicle

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a vehicle for delivering a bioactive to a subject, wherein the vehicle comprises a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.


In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product comprises one or more or all of: i) a prebiotic, ii) a prebiotic and a probiotic, and iii) a prebiotic and a probiotic which are synbiotic


In an embodiment, the delivery vehicle stabilizes (reduces the degradation or loss) of a bioactive during storage and/or delivery. In an embodiment, the delivery vehicle, in instances where the bioactive is a live microorganism (e.g. a probiotic), improves the viability of the microorganism compared to the microorganism administered without the delivery vehicle.


In an embodiment, the bioactive is selected from one or more or all of:


i) a fatty acid, ii) oil, iii) a further prebiotic, and iv) a further probiotic.


Examples of fatty acid and oils are described in the “addition of fatty acid and/or oil” section of the specification.


In an embodiment, the further prebiotic is selected from one or more or all of: dietary fibre, oligosaccharides, exopolysaccharides, oligofructose, cellulose, hemicellulose resistant starch, beta-glucans pectin, inulin and dextran.


In an embodiment, the oligosaccharides are selected from one or more or all of: gluco-oligosaccharides fructo-oligosaccharides galacto-oligosaccharide, pecticoligosaccharide trans-galacto-oligosaccharides.


In an embodiment, the exopolysaccharides are homopolysaccharides and/or heteropolysaccharides.


In an embodiment, the vehicle improves the viability of a probiotic. In an embodiment, the vehicle improves the viability of the further probiotic.


As used herein, “viability” refers to a probiotics ability to survive or live successfully. An improvement in the viability of the probiotic can be an improvement during storage (e.g. an increase in hrs or days the probiotic can be stored before use) and/or improvement during delivery of the probiotic to another organism. In an embodiment, an improvement in the viability of the probiotic refers to an increase in viability of the probiotic when passing through the upper gastrointestinal tract. In an embodiment, the viability is increased by about 0.5 log to about 5 log compared to delivery without the vehicle. In an embodiment, the viability is increased by about 0.5 log to about 4 log compared to delivery without the vehicle. In an embodiment, the viability is increased by about 0.5 log to about 3 log compared to delivery without the vehicle. In an embodiment, an improvement in the viability if the probiotic refers to an increase in the delivery of the probiotic to the lower gastrointestinal tract. In an embodiment, delivery of the probiotic to the lower gastrointestinal tract is increased by 0.5 log to about 5 log compared to delivery without the vehicle. In an embodiment, delivery of the probiotic to the lower gastrointestinal tract is increased by 0.5 log to about 4 log compared to delivery without the vehicle. In an embodiment, delivery of the probiotic to the lower gastrointestinal tract is increased by 0.5 log to about 3 log compared to delivery withough the vehicle.


In an embodiment, the vehicle protects the probiotic during passage through the upper gasterintestinal tract. As used herein “protects” or “protecting” refers to reducing the suceptability of a probitic to damage and/or death caused by exposure to gastrointestinal digestive enzyme or digestive juices during passage through the upper gastrointestinal tract. In an embodiment, protects refers to reducing the suceptability of a probiotic to damage or death caused by gastric enzymes, gastric juices and/or bile during passage throught the upper gastrointestinal tract. In an embodiment, protecting the probiotic during passage through the upper gastrointestinal tract increases the amount of viabile probiotic delivered to the lower gastrointestinal tract.


In an embodiment, the probiotic of further probiotic is autochthonous to the Brassicaceae material. In an embodiment, the probiotic or further probiotic is an autochthonous probiotic is present on the Brassicaceae material before fermentation. In an embodiment, the probiotic or further probiotic is an allochthonous probiotic added to the Brassicaceae material after fermentation.


In an embodiment, the probiotic or further probiotic is selected from one or more or all of: lactic acid bacteria, Bifidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Baciullus, Streptococcus, Escherichia, Enterococcus, Saccharomyces.


In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is selected from one or more of the genera selected from: Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, Lactococcus, Streptococcus, Aerococcus, Camobacterium, Enterococcus, Oenococcus, Sporolactobacillus, Tetragenococcus, Vagococcus and Weissella. In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is selected from one or more or all of: Lactobacillus plantarum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus pentosus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactococus lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus reuteri, Pediococcus pentosaceus and Pedicoccus acidilacti. In an embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria is selected from one or more or all of: i) BF1 deposited under V17/021729 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia; ii) BF2 deposited under V17/021730 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia; iii) B1 deposited under V17/021731 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia; iv) B2 deposited under V17/021732 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia; v) B3 deposited under V17/021733 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia; vi) B4 deposited under V17/021734 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia; and vii) B5 deposited under V17/021735 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia.


In embodiment, the Bifidobacteria is selected from one or more of: Bifidobacteria adolescentis, Bifidobacteria animalis, Bifidobacteria bifidum, Bifidobacteria breve, Bifidobacteria infantis, Bifidobacteria longum, and Bifidobacteria thermophilum.


In embodiment, the Baciullus is selected from one or more of: Baciullus cereus, Baciullus clausii, Baciullus coagulans, Baciullus licheniformis, Baciullus pumulis and Baciullus subtilis.


In embodiment, the Streptococcus is Streptococcus thermophiles. In embodiment, the Escherichia is beneficial strain of Escherichia coli.


In embodiment, the Enterococcus is Enterociccus faecium.


In embodiment, the Saccharomyces is Saccharomyces cerevisiae


Administration

A variety of routes of administration are possible for the methods, compositions and delivery vehicles as described herein, including but not limited to enteral, dietary, parenteral, and topically. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product is administered enterally. As used herein “enterally” or “enteral” comprises passing through the gastrointestinal tract. In an embodiment, enteral administration comprises oral administration. In an embodiment, enteral administration comprises rectal administration. In an embodiment, rectal administration may be selected from one or more of: suppository, enema, via colonoscope or other medical equipment and faecal transplantation. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product as described herein is administered parenterally. In an embodiment, the Brassicaceae product as described herein is administered topically.


In an embodiment, the present invention provides a faecal microbiota suitable for transplantation into a subject, wherein the faecal microbiota was isolated from a subject administered a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.


In an embodiment, the present invention provides a digesta microbiota suitable for transplantation into a subject, wherein the faecal microbiota was isolated from a subject administered a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.


EXAMPLES
Example 1—Methods
Chemicals and Reagents

HPLC grade methanol, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) were purchased from Merck (Damstadt, Germany). Folin-Ciocalteu's reagent, sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), gallic acid, fluorescein sodium salt and dibasic-potassium phosphate were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (St. Louis, Mo., USA). Sodium dihydrogen phosphate, 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid (trolox), 2,20-azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) were purchased from Sapphire Bioscience (Redfern, NSW, Australia).


Lactic Acid Bacteria

Lactic acid bacteria used during fermentation were selected from one or more of:


LP: Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC8014;


LGG: Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC53103;


B1: Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from broccoli deposited under V17/021731 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia;


B2: Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from broccoli deposited under V17/021732 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia;


B3: Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from broccoli deposited under V17/021733 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia;


B4: Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from broccoli deposited under V17/021734 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia;


B5: Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from broccoli deposited under V17/021735 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia;


BF1: Leuconostoc mesenteroides isolated from broccoli puree deposited under V17/021729 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia;


BF2: Leuconostoc mesenteroides isolated from broccoli puree BF2 deposited under V17/021730 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia;


BP: pooled BF1, BF2; and


LAB: pooled B1, B2, B3, B4 and B5.


BF1 and BF2 were identified as Leuconostoc mesenteroides via a 16s-RNA sequence (Australian Genome Research Facility; data not shown). B1 to B5 were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum based on 16S-RNA sequence. The identity of all the isolates were confirmed by whole genome sequence analysis.


Isolation of Lactic Acid Bacteria from Broccoli and Broccoli Puree


The above Lactobacillus plantarum B1, B2, B3, B4 and B5 were isolated from broccoli leaves and stem. The leaves and stem were washed with water and homogenised with added peptone saline using a stomacher. The soaking solution was serially diluted and spread plated on De Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) agar. The plates were incubated under anaerobic condition for 48 to 72 hrs at 37° C. for isolating presumptive mesophilic lactic acid bacteria. Based on different colonial morphology on MRS plates, colonies were isolated, cultivated in MRS broth, screened using staining and biochemical characterisation techniques, and kept frozen with glycerol at −80° C. The isolates were identified at species level using 16s RNA sequencing at AGRF.


For the isolation of Leuconostoc mesenteroides BF1 and BF2, broccoli floret puree was used after serial dilution instead of the suspension described above for the isolation from broccoli leaves.


Preparation of Starter Cultures

The lactic acid bacteria strains, Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Lactobacillus plantarum, were isolated from broccoli and identified by Australian Genome Research Facility Ltd. To obtain the primary culture, lactic acid bacteria cultures which were stored at −80° C. were inoculated into 10 mL of MRS broth (Oxoid, Victoria, Australia) and incubated at 30° C. for 24 h to obtain an initial biomass of 8 log colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL). Two mL of each primary inoculum was inoculated into 200 mL of MRS broth and incubated for 24 hrs at 30° C. The cultures were collected by centrifugation at 2000 g for 15 min at 4° C., washed twice with sterile phosphate buffer saline (PBS), and all the Lactobacillus plantarum cultures were mixed together and all the Leuconostoc mesenteroides cultures were mixed together. The two culture suspensions were diluted to 10 log CFU/ml and were mixed at the same volumetric proportion and stored with glycerol at −80° C. until use as a mixed starter culture for broccoli fermentation.


Fermentation Method

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. ssp. Italic; 30 kg) florets were cut approximately 2 cm from the crown, shredded to smaller pieces and, were macerated with Milli-Q water in ratio of 3:2 for 1 min using magic bullet blender. The broccoli slurry, was mixed well and placed into sterile plastic bottles (200 mL) with screw lids. Each bottle of broccoli puree (200 mL) was inoculated with the prepared starter culture at an initial concentration of 8 log CFU/g. The fermentation experiment was carried out in 48 bottles in parallel at 30° C., until a pH value of about 4.0 was reached (Day 4). After the fermentation phase was completed, 3 samples were taken out as the Day 0 storage samples, the other samples were separated to two lots for the storage experiments: one lot was stored in a refrigerator (4° C.) and another stored in room thermostated at 25° C. Samples were periodically taken over 12 weeks for microbiological, physicochemical and phytochemical analyses. The fermented broccoli puree was compared with raw broccoli puree which was stored at −20° C. after homogenization and puree samples incubated for the same period of time as the fermented samples without inoculation by LAB.


Sampling

For time course experiments, sampling was performed at days 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90, and on days 14, 28, 42, 56, 70 and 84 for samples stored at 25° C. and 4° C., respectively. Sampling was performed in triplicate with color measured on the surface and pH measured immediately after opening the fermentation bottles. Thereafter, samples were taken for microbiological analysis and titratable acidity analysis. The remaining material was separated into two parts, the first portion was frozen and freeze dried, ground to fine powder and stored in a desiccator for further analyses, and the second part was frozen and kept at −20° C. until glucoraphanin and sulforaphane analyses.


Microbiological Analysis

For microbial analysis, three different media were used to measure CFU per g broccoli puree of the different microorganisms; the plate counts for total lactic acid bacteria on DeMan-Rogosa-Sharp (MRS) agar, for total enterobacteria on violet red bile glucose agar (VRBGA), and the yeasts and mould on potato dextrose agar (PDA). For each sample, serial dilution of the broccoli suspension in sterilized peptone saline diluent were made and 0.1 mL of the dilutions were plated onto agar plates in duplicates. After aerobic incubation at 25° C. for 72 h (PDA), 37° C. for 24 h (VRBGA), and anaerobic incubation at 30° C. for 72 h (MRS), respectively, the CFU were counted.


Determination of pH and Titratable Acidity

The pH value was determined directly in fermentation bottles containing broccoli puree by a pH meter (PHM240, MeterLab). Titratable acidity (TA) of broccoli samples was measured with an Automatic titrator (Titralab 854 titration manager, Radiometric Analytical, France). In brief, diluted broccoli puree (10 mL) was titrated using 0.1 M NaOH to the end point pH=8.1 and the result obtained was expressed as gram equivalent of lactic acid per liter of sample in accordance with the following equation:







TA


(

g
/
L

)


=


[

v
×
acid





factor
×
1000

]


sample





volume






where, v is titer volume of NaOH. The acid factor for lactic acid is 0.009.


Total Protein and Color Analyses

The total protein content of broccoli samples was determined as total nitrogen content multiplied by 6.25. Total nitrogen content of broccoli was analyzed using a Dumas combustion method with LECO TruMac apparatus (LECO Corporation, Michigan, USA). The color indexes (L, a, b) of fermented broccoli sample were determined using a Chroma meter CR-200 tristimulus colorimeter (Minolta, Osaka, Japan). The color values obtained were expressed as lightness/darkness (as L*), redness/greenness (a*) and yellow/blueness (b*). The total color difference (ΔE) was calculated according to the following equation:





ΔE=[(L*−L0)2+(a*−a0)2+(b*−b0)2]1/2


where, L0, a0, b0 are color values of fresh unfermented broccoli.


Determination of Total Polyphenol Content

The total phenolic content (TPC) was measured spectrophotometrically using the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method (Singleton and Rossi, 1965) with modifications. Briefly, 50 mg of broccoli powder was suspended in 10 mL of acidified (1% HCl) methanol/water (70:30, v/v) solution and extracted in ultrasonic bath (IDK technology Pty Ltd, VIC, Australia) for 8 min. The extracts were kept for 16 h at 4° C. and filtered with 0.2 μM filter and stored at 4° C. until analysis. 1 mL of 0.2 N Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, 800 μL of sodium carbonate solution (7.5% p/v) and 180 μL Milli-Q grade water were added to the extract (20 μL). After 1 h of incubation in the dark at 37° C., the absorbance was measured at 765 nm in triplicates using a spectrophotometer (UV-1700 Pharma Spec, SHIMADZU). Gallic acid was used as a standard and TPC was expressed as the gallic acid equivalent (GAE) in mg per 100 g of fresh weight (mg GAE/100 g FW) based on a standard curve developed using known concentrations of gallic acid.


Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity Assay

Freeze-dried broccoli powder (10 mg) was suspended in 10 mL of methanol/water (80:20, v/v), the extraction solvent. The slurry was extracted at 650 rpm on a Heidolph Multi-Reax (John Morris Scientific, NSW, Australia) at room temperature for an hour. Then it was centrifuged at 25,000 g for 15 min in 4° C., the supernatant was collected, and was ready for analysis after 100× dilution with 75 mM potassium phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). ORAC analysis was conducted according to the procedure reported by Huang et al. (2002) with minor modifications. The assay was carried out in opaque 96-well plates (dark optical bottom, Waltham, Mass., USA). The assay reactants included 81.6 nM of fluorescein, 153 mM of AAPH, Trolox standard of different concentration (100, 50, 25, 12.5, and 6.25 μM), and 75 mM phosphate buffer as the blank. The reactants were added in the following order: 25 μL of diluted sample; either 25 μL of 75 mM phosphate buffer, 25 μL Trolox standard and 150 μL fluorescein. After adding the fluorescein, the plate was incubated at 37° C. for 10 min and then the AAPH (25 μL) was added. Immediately after addition of AAPH, the plate was placed in the fluorescence plate reader (BMG Labtech ClarioStar, Germany) and the fluorescence was measured every 3 min until it decreased to less than 5% of original fluorescence. The ORAC values were calculated as the area under the curve (AUC) and expressed as micromoles of trolox equivalent (TE) per gram dry weight of broccoli (μmol TE/g DW). Each sample was assayed triplicate.


Sulforaphane Analysis

The extraction of sulforaphane from broccoli matrix was conducted following the methods of Li et al. (2012) with some modification. In brief, frozen broccoli (2 g) was mixed with 2 mL of Milli-Q water and vortexed for 1 min. Then 20 mL ethyl acetate was added to the slurry followed by sonication for 5 min and shaking for 20 min at 4° C. The slurry was then centrifuged at 15,000 g for 10 min, and the supernatant was collected. Then another 15 mL ethyl acetate was added to the precipitate to carry out the second extraction. Pooled extracts from each sample were evaporated to dryness with a vacuum spin dryer (SC250EXP, Thermo Fisher Scientific, CA, USA) at room temperature, and stored at −20° C. until analysis. The concentration of sulforaphane was determined using an Acquity™ Ultra Performance LC system (Waters Corporation, Milford, Mass., USA), which is equipped with a binary solvent delivery manager and a sample manger. Chromatographic separations were performed on a 2.1×50 mm, Acquity BEH C18 chromatography column. The mobile phase A and B were 0.1% formic acid in millique water and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile, respectively. The gradient elution system consisted of mobile phase A (0.1% formic acid in millique water) and B (0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile) and separation was achieved using the following gradient: 0-2 min, 10% B; 2-5 min, 20% B; 5-10 min, 10% B. The column temperature was kept constant at 30° C. The flow-rate was 0.350 mL/min and the injection volume was 54.


Prior to analysis, all samples were dissolved in 1 mL 30% acetonitrile, and filtered through a 0.22 μm membrane filter (Merk Millipore, Billerica, Mass., USA). The identification of each peak was based on the retention time and the chromatography of authentic standards. The concentrations of each compound were calculated according to a standard curve, and the results were expressed as micromoles per kilogram DW (μmol/kg DW) of broccoli.


Glucoraphanin Analysis

The extraction of glucoraphanin from raw or fermented broccoli was carried out according to the method of Cai and Wang (2016) with some modification. Accordingly, to 2 g of frozen broccoli puree, 10 mL of boiling Milli-Q water was added, and the mixture was incubated for 5 min in a boiling water bath. It was then cooled and centrifuged at 15000×g for 15 min, and the supernatant was collected. The precipitate was extracted once more with 8 mL of boiling water. Pooled extracts from each sample were evaporated to dryness with a vacuum spin dryer (Speedvac SC250EXP, Thermo Fisher Scientific, CA, USA) at 3° C., and stored at −20° C. until analysis. The concentration of glucoraphanin was quantified using an Alliance HPLC instrument (Waters Corporation, Milford, Mass., USA) equipped with Photo Diode Array Detector 2998. A HPLC column—Luna® 3 μM Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography (HILIC) 200° A (100×4.6 mm; Phenomenex, Torrance, Calif., USA) was used for the analysis at a column temperature of 25° C. The mobile phase consisted of an acetonitrile/water (85:15, v/v) with 30 mM Ammonium formate (solution A) and acetonitrile (solution B) with the following isocratic flow program: solution A 70%; solution B 30%. Other chromatographic conditions included a constant flow rate of 2.0 mL/min, an injection volume of 100 μL, a run time of 8 min, and detection wavelength of 235 nm. Prior to analysis, all samples were dissolved in 1 mL solvent A, and filtered through a 0.22 μm membrane filter (Merk Millipore, Billerica, Mass., USA). The identification of each peak was based on the retention time and the chromatography of an authentic glucoraphanin standard. The concentrations of glucoraphanin were calculated using a standard curve, and the results were expressed as micromoles glucoraphanin per kilogram DW (μmol/kg DW) of broccoli.


Statistical Analysis

All experiments were conducted in triplicate and the results were expressed as mean values. A one-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) was applied to evaluate the significance of the differences among the mean values at 0.05 significance level (p<0.05). The statistical analysis was conducted using the statistical software, SPSS 16.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Ill., USA).


Example 2—Microbial Analysis of Lactic Acid Bacteria Fermented Broccoli Florets

The fermentation of broccoli puree was carried out as described in the fermentation section of Example 1. The counts of total lactic acid bacteria were lower for raw broccoli compared to inoculated broccoli as showed in Table 1. After 4 days of fermentation, the pH of the sample reached 4.04 and fermentation was stopped, and the fermented sample before storage experiments was taken as the Day 0 sample. It is clear from Table 1 and FIG. 1C that the counts of total lactic acid bacteria of the Day 0 sample were significantly increased (8 log CFU/g) compared to the raw broccoli. During the first two weeks of storage, the viable number of total lactic acid bacteria increased to the highest values of 9 log CFU/g for samples stored at both 25° C. and 4° C. (Table 1 and Table 2). During storage at 25° C., the total lactic acid bacteria counts increased to 9 log CFU/g at Day 10 and slowly declined during storage to 5 log CFU/g by Day 50, and declined further to almost undetectable level after Day 70. In contrast, the LAB count in the samples stored at 4° C. remained high (6 log CFU/g) even after storage for 84 days.









TABLE 1







Microbiological and physicochemical changes of fermented broccoli during the storage at room temperature (25° C.).













Microbial loads (Log CFU/g)


TP (mg/
Color


















MRS
PDA
VRBGA
pH
TA (g/L)
g, FW)
L
a
b
ΔE





Raw
2.4 ± 0.2
2.5 ± 0.1
3.4 ± 0.1
6.33 ± 0.00
 4.8 ± 0.2
26.9 ± 0.0
48.4 ± 0.4
−13.2 ± 0.1
17.2 ± 0.2



broccoli












Day 0
8.4 ± 0.2
<1
<1
4.04 ± 0.00
10.7 ± 0.7
29.6 ± 0.8
48.5 ± 0.7
 −2.1 ± 0.1
13.6 ± 0.6
11.7


Days 10
9.4 ± 0.1
<1
<1
3.87 ± 0.02
14.4 ± 0.2
27.8 ± 0.8
47.7 ± 0.8
 −1.1 ± 0.2
12.2 ± 0.5
13.1


Days 20
6.2 ± 0.3
<1
<1
3.76 ± 0.02
14.7 ± 0.2
30.5 ± 0.8
47.1 ± 0.5
 −1.1 ± 0.0
12.5 ± 0.2
13


Days 30
6.2 ± 0.1
<1
<1
3.78 ± 0.00
15.1 ± 0.3
29.7 ± 1.2
47.2 ± 0.2
 −1.0 ± 0.1
10.9 ± 0.5
13.8


Days 40
6.1 ± 0.4
<1
<1
3.79 ± 0.02
15.1 ± 0.4
28.8 ± 1.1
46.3 ± 0.5
 −0.8 ± 0.1
11.0 ± 0.9
14


Days 50
5.1 ± 0.6
<1
<1
3.75 ± 0.00
15.2 ± 0.5
28.5 ± 0.1
45.8 ± 0.5
 −0.9 ± 0.1
11.0 ± 0.2
14


Days 60
2.4 ± 0.1
<1
<1
3.76 ± 0.01
15.4 ± 0.3
27.3 ± 0.6
45.4 ± 0.1
 −0.9 ± 0.1
10.5 ± 0.1
14.3


Days 70
1.5 ± 0.1
<1
<1
3.76 ± 0.01
15.7 ± 0.1
27.7 ± 0.2
45.3 ± 0.5
 −0.9 ± 0.1
 9.9 ± 0.4
14.7


Days 80
<1
<1
<1
3.76 ± 0.01
15.7 ± 0.7
28.3 ± 0.2
45.9 ± 0.1
 −0.9 ± 0.1
 9.7 ± 0.1
14.6


Days 90
<1
<1
<1
3.71 ± 0.01
15.7 ± 0.3
28.7 ± 0.4
45.0 ± 0.0
 −0.8 ± 0.2
 9.3 ± 0.2
15.1





Each value was expressed as mean ± standard deviation (n = 3).


“—” not available.


MRS, de Man-Rogosa-Sharpe agar for LAB;


PDA, potato dextrose agar for total yeasts and moulds;


VRBGA, violet red bile glucose agar for Enterobacteriaceae;


TA, titratable acidity;


TP: total protein;


ΔE: total color difference.













TABLE 2







Microbiological and physicochemical changes of fermented broccoli during the storage at 4° C..













Microbial loads (Log CFU/g)


TP (mg/
Color


















MRS
PDA
VRBGA
pH
TA (g/L)
g, FW)
L
a
b
ΔE





Raw
2.4 ± 0.2
2.5 ± 0.1
3.4 ± 0.1
6.33 ± 0.00
4.8 ± 0.2
26.9 ± 0.0
48.4 ± 0.4
−13.2 ± 0.1
17.2 ± 0.2



broccoli












Day 0
8.4 ± 0.2
<1
<1
4.04 ± 0.00
10.7 ± 0.7
29.6 ± 0.8
48.5 ± 0.7
 −2.1 ± 0.1
13.6 ± 0.6
11.7


Days 14
9.0 ± 0.1
<1
<1
4.04 ± 0.03
12.6 ± 0.8
32.5 ± 1.2
47.2 ± 1.1
 −1.9 ± 0.5
12.4 ± 1.5
12.3


Days 28
8.0 ± 0.1
<1
<1
3.95 ± 0.02
13.5 ± 0.8
32.0 ± 0.7
45.9 ± 0.7
 −2.2 ± 0.3
13.8 ± 2.5
11.8


Days 42
7.6 ± 0.1
<1
<1
3.89 ± 0.03
13.8 ± 0.2
32.0 ± 0.8
46.7 ± 0.2
 −1.5 ± 0.1
12.6 ± 0.5
12.7


Days 56
6.5 ± 0.4
<1
<1
3.89 ± 0.02
13.8 ± 0.5
29.9 ± 0.3
46.6 ± 0.4
 −1.7 ± 0.1
13.1 ± 0.5
12.4


Days 70
6.3 ± 0.4
<1
<1
3.86 ± 0.01
13.7 ± 0.1
31.6 ± 0.2
46.7 ± 0.8
 −1.6 ± 0.2
12.2 ± 0.4
12.7


Days 84
6.0 ± 0.8
<1
<1
3.85 ± 0.01
13.8 ± 0.1
32.0 ± 0.5
47.6 ± 0.9
 −1.9 ± 0.2
14.0 ± 0.6
11.8





Each value was expressed as mean ± standard deviation (n = 3).


“—” not available.


MRS, de Man-Rogosa-Sharpe agar for LAB;


PDA, potato dextrose agar for total yeasts and moulds;


VRBGA, violet red bile glucose agar for Enterobacteriaceae;


TA, titratable acidity;


TP: total protein;


ΔE: total color difference.






The total counts of yeast and moulds in the raw broccoli sample was 2 log CFU/g. The Enterobacteriaceae count in the raw broccoli with 3 log CFU/g. No fungi, moulds and enterobacteria were detected after fermentation or on the fermented samples after storage at both temperature conditions. No pathogenic and spoilage organisms were detected following fermentation and during storage. The results indicate that the fermentation process resulted in a safe and stable product with undetectable level of potentially pathogenic eneterobacteriaceae and spoilage yeast and mould, which maintained high levels of total lactic acid bacteria when stored at 4° C. There are ˜106 CFU/g lactic acid bacteria after ˜3 months at 4° C.


Example 3—Assessment of pH and Titratable Acidity after Storage of Lactic Acid Bacteria Fermented Broccoli Florets

The pH and titratable acidity (TA) of raw broccoli, fermented broccoli and fermented broccoli after storage at 25° C. and 4° C. was analyzed as described in Example 1. The determination of TA was used to estimate the amount of lactic acid and acetic acid, the main acids produced by lactic acid bacteria, during fermentation. During fermentation, the acids produced by the lactic acid bacteria decrease the pH of the sample. As shown in Table 1, the TA was increased to 10.7 g/L in Day 0 samples. When stored in 25° C., the pH was decreased to 3.87 during storage after 10 days, along with the significantly increased values of TA which reached 14.4 g/L (p<0.05; see Table 1). The results indicate that there were still substrates present for lactic acid bacteria to consume and further produce acid during the early days of storage. Neither the pH nor TA value were significantly changed during the remaining storage period (Table 1).


Decreasing the temperature to 4° C. reduced the rate of decrease of pH and TA in the stored samples due to the decreased activity of the lactic acid bacteria at the lower temperature (see Table 2). After nearly 3 months storage at 4° C., the pH was 3.85 and the TA value was 13.7 g/L.


Example 4—Assessment of Broccoli Maceration and Fermentation on the Conversion of Glucoraphanin into Sulforaphane

Broccoli florets were cut into small pieces, mixed with water at 3:2 broccoli:water ratio and the mixture was macerated into a puree using a blender. Puree samples (200 gm) were aliquoted into sterile plastic bottles. The samples were inoculated at 108 CFU/gm with pooled culture of lactic acid bacteria (Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Lactobacillus plantarum) isolated from Australian broccoli. Samples were incubated in a water bath maintained at 30° C. until the pH dropped to ˜4.0, which was attained after four days of fermentation. Control non-inoculated samples were immediately frozen after maceration. A second set of non-inoculated control samples, to which sodium benzoate was added to inhibit microbial growth, were incubated with the inoculated samples at 30° C. for four days until the fermentation of the inoculated samples was completed. Experiments were conducted in triplicate. All samples were kept frozen until sulforaphane and glucoraphanin analysis. As shown in FIG. 1B and Table 3 maceration followed by fermentation increased the sulforaphane yield compared to just maceration and incubation alone.









TABLE 3







Effects of maceration and fermentation on sulforaphane content in


broccoli puree.










25° C.
SF (mg/kg, DW)
4° C.
SE (mg/Kg, DW)















Raw material
149.8
± 12.4
Raw material
149.8
± 12.4


Control
86.8
± 0.6
Control
86.8
± 0.6


incubated


incubated




 0 days
278.4
± 1.8
 0 days
278.4
± 1.8


10 days
189
± 8.8
14 days
288.6
± 3.1


20 days
136.6
± 6.2
28 days
218.8
± 4.3


30 days
122.2
± 12.2
42 days
199.4
± 14.7


40 days
116.3
± 5.0
56 days
190
± 7.1


50 days
112.3
± 4.0
70 days
190.8
± 10.7


60 days
111.9
± 11.0
84 days
179.6
± 10.2











70 days
108.8
± 15.8




80 days
102.6
± 14.7




90 days
87.6
± 3.7









Example 5—Assessment of Total Protein Content and Color after Storage of Lactic Acid Bacteria Fermented Broccoli Florets

The total protein content and color of lactic acid fermented broccoli florets after fermentation was assessed as described above in the methods section. Compared to raw broccoli (26.9±0.03), the total protein content of fermented broccoli was significantly increased (29.6±0.8 mg/g; p<0.05). This could be due to the high number of lactic acid bacteria inoculated into the sample and the growth during fermentation and protein synthesis by the lactic acid bacteria. The total protein content stayed stable during storage both at 25° C. and 4° C. (Table 1 and Table 2), with no significant difference between samples.


The color values (L, a, b) and the total color difference (ΔE) of broccoli samples are summarized in Table 1 and Table 2. As presented in Table 1 and Table 2, significant differences in the color parameters and the total color difference value (ΔE) were recorded between raw and fermented samples. The L* value (lightness) did not change significantly, whereas a* (greenness) and b* (yellowness) values decreased after the fermentation of broccoli puree. The decrease in a* and b* values may be attributed to the degradation in the color pigmented compounds, such as chlorophyll which would convert to pheophytins under the low pH. The high ΔE value (12.5) of Day 0 sample indicate that the color of broccoli puree was significantly changed after fermentation, which was visually noticeable. During storage (Table 1 and Table 2) there was no significant change in the ΔE value in neither 25° C. nor 4° C. samples.


Broccoli after fermentation with LAB+BP (Lactobacillus plantarums B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides BF1, BF2 isolated from broccoli) had a brighter, more intense green color more similar in color to raw macerated broccoli compared to broccoli fermented with LAB only (the Lactobacillus plantarums isolated from broccoli (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5)).


Example 6—Changes of Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Lactic Acid Bacteria in Fermented Broccoli Florets

The total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of lactic acid fermented broccoli florets after fermentation was assessed as described above in the methods section. The TPC of raw broccoli was 127.6±12.4 mg GAE/100 g (FIG. 3A) of fresh weight. The values of TPC on Day 0 significantly increased to 236.9±23.4 mg GAE/100 g (p<0.05) compared to raw broccoli. There was no significant difference between samples stored at 25° C. and 4° C. in the TPC after storage (FIG. 3A). When stored at 25° C., the value of TPC in fermented broccoli was 246.2±19.3 mg GAE/100 g on Days 10, and 248.1±25.0 mg GAE/100 g on Days 90. When stored at 4° C., the values of TPC was 274.1±20.2 and 267.2±3.3 mg GAE/100 g for Days 14 and Days 84, respectively.


The antioxidant activities of sample expressed as ORAC values are shown in FIG. 3B. The ORAC value of the raw sample was 110.1±0.05 μmol TE/g. Fermentation significantly increased the ORAC value by ˜70% to 186.9±3.3 μmol TE/g when compared to raw broccoli. This result suggested that antioxidant compounds may have increased during fermentation and was consistent with the change in TPC after fermentation.


During storage, the antioxidant activity of fermented broccoli did not change significantly. As shown in FIG. 3B, when stored at 25° C., the values of ORAC at Days 10 and Days 90 were 173.0±14.4 and 150±5.5 μmol TE/g, respectively. Similar results were obtained for samples stored at 4° C. The ORAC value was 172.0±15.5 μmol TE/g at the beginning of storage, which increased to a maximum value of (188.7±12.9 μmol TE/g) after storage.


Example 7—Assessment of Fermentation Time for Different Combinations of Lactic Acid Bacteria

Macerated broccoli was prepared as described above in the methods section with a broccoli to water ratio of 3:2 and a maceration time of 1 min. The broccoli material was inoculated with either 107 CFU/g or 108 CFU/g with one of: LGG, LAB (Lactobacillus plantarum (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5) isolated from Australian broccoli, LAB+LP (Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from broccoli and Lactobacillus sp. ATCC 8014), BP (Leuconostoc mesenteroides isolated from broccoli), LAB+BP (a mixture of the two groups as described in the methods sections) and fermented at either 25° C., 30° C. or 34° C. to reach a target pH of 4.4. As shown in FIG. 4 the addition of lactic acid bacteria isolated from broccoli and/or broccoli puree significantly reduced the time taken for the fermentation with the combination of LAB+BP reaching a pH of 4.4 after fermenting for about 4 days. An example composition of fermented broccoli product is shown in Table 4.









TABLE 4







Composition of the fermented broccoli product.










Quality attributes
Value







Total fibre
~29.5 g/100 gdw



ORAC antioxidant capacity
18695 μmol TE/100 gdw



Total polyphenol content
2369 mg GAE/100 gdw



Total titratable acidity
1.1% lactic acid equiv.



Lactic acid bacteria count
~108 CFU/gm



Total protein
30 g/100 gdw



Broccoli to water ratio in puree
3 to 2



by mass










Example 8—Effect of Storage on Sulforaphane Content of Fermented Broccoli


FIG. 2A shows the effects of storage at 4 and 25° C. on sulforaphane content of fermented broccoli puree. As can be seen in the FIG. 2A, the sulforaphane content of samples stored at 25° C. dramatically decreased to 770.7±34.9 μmol/kg (a 52% loss) after 20 days storage, followed by a slower decline during the rest of the storage period, reaching a total loss of 69.5%. Interestingly, no statistically significant change in sulforaphane content was observed during the first 2 weeks of storage of fermented broccoli samples at 4° C. A significant decrease of ˜23.7% occurred during the subsequent two weeks followed by a slow degradation during the rest of the storage period. At the end of the storage (Day 84), the sulforaphane content was 1012.9±57.6 μmol/kg in samples stored at 4° C., making the total loss of sulforaphane ˜37.4% compared to the Day 0 samples. The sulforaphane content during the first two weeks of storage was maintained perhaps due to simultaneous production and degradation of sulforaphane since some decrease in glucoraphanin content was observed in the 4° C. stored samples over the same period.


Example 9—Effect of Fermentation and Storage on Glucoraphanin Content


FIG. 7 shows the effect of maceration and fermentation on glucoraphanin content and its stability during storage at 4° C. and 25° C. The glucoraphanin content of raw broccoli was 3423.7±39.7 μmol/kg (FIG. 7), After fermentation, the glucoraphanin content sharply decreased to 712.4±64.2 μmol/kg (Day 0 sample). Glucoraphanin is relatively stable in intact tissue and the degradation in this case can be attributed to myrosinase catalyzed hydrolysis due to increased enzyme-substrate interaction in the macerated tissue during fermentation. The period of sharp decrease in glucoraphanin coincided with the fermentation period.


No significant change in glucoraphanin content was observed in fermented samples during storage at 25° C. and 4° C. However, slightly higher glucoraphanin content was observed in samples stored at 25° C. This could be related to the faster decline in pH of the samples stored at 25° C. (pH 3.87 at the second time point) compared to samples stored at 4° C. (pH 4.04 at the second time point). The optimal pH for myrosinase catalyzed hydrolysis of glucoraphanin ranges from 5 to 6 decreasing to the lowest value at pH 3.0 (Dosz & Jeffery, 2013). The relatively higher pH of the samples stored a 4° C. may have contributed to the slightly higher degradation of glucoraphanin during storage at 4° C. compared to 25° C.


Example 10—Assessment of Heat Treatment Conditions to Maximise Conversion of Glucoraphanin into Sulforaphane in Broccoli Matrix

Broccoli florets packed in retort pouches were subjected to thermal processing at temperatures ranging from 60° C. to 80° C. and treatment times of 0 to 5 minutes. The treatment involved pre-heating to the experimental temperature in a water bath maintained at 5° C. higher than the experimental temperature followed by incubation in a second water bath maintained at the experimental temperature. Following thermal treatment, samples were cooled in ice-water and were macerated with water added at 2:3 water to broccoli ratio as described above. The macerated samples were incubated for 1 hr at 30° C. and kept frozen until sulforaphane analysis. Results are shown in FIG. 2B and Table 5. As shown in Table 5 pre-heating the sample at 60° C., 65° C. or 80° C. followed by maceration increased the sulforaphane yield relative to raw broccoli floret which was macerated without pre-heating.









TABLE 5







Effects of heat treatment on sulforaphane production in broccoli matrix.












Heat






treatment






time
Sulforaphane
Sulforaphane
Sulforaphane


Temperature
(minute)
(μmol/kg, DW)
(mg/kg, DW)
(mg/g, DW)





Raw

817.5 ± 9.29
 145 ± 1.6
0.145 ± 0.002


broccoli






floret






60° C.
0
2343.5 ± 124.1
415.5 ± 22.0
0.415 ± 0.022



1
2661.5 ± 10.9 
471.9 ± 1.9 
0.472 ± 0.002



3
2780.9 ± 270.7
493.0 ± 48.0
0.493 ± 0.048



5
3147.6 ± 148  
558.1 ± 26.2
0.558 ± 0.026


65° C.
0
3585.9 ± 119.2
635.8 ± 21.1
0.636 ± 0.021



1
  3673 ± 144.8
651.2 ± 25.7
0.651 ± 0.026



3
3983.4 ± 30.5 
706.3 ± 5.4 
0.706 ± 0.005



5
3620.1 ± 240.7
641.8 ± 42.7
0.642 ± 0.043


80° C.
0
1451.5 ± 43.5 
257.3 ± 7.7 
0.257 ± 0.008



1
1446.8 ± 17.5 
256.5 ± 3.1 
0.257 ± 0.003



2
1043.1 ± 94.2 
184.9 ± 16.7
0.185 ± 0.017



3
981.2 ± 35.1
 174 ± 6.2
0.174 ± 0.006









Example 11—Assessment of Preheating Prior to Lactic Acid Bacterial Fermentation on the Sulforaphane Content of Broccoli

This study evaluated the impact of mild preheating treatment of broccoli florets to inactivate the Epithiospecifier protein (ESP) combined with lactic acid bacteria on sulforaphane content of broccoli puree.


Materials

Broccoli (cv. ‘Viper’) was purchased from a local supermarket (Coles, Werribee South, VIC, Australia). DeMan-Rogosa-Sharp (MRS) broth (1823477, CM0359, Oxoid) was purchased from Thermo Fisher Scientific (Australia). DL-Sulforaphane was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, Mo., USA). All the other chemical and biochemical reagents were analytical grade or higher and were purchased from local chemical vendors.


Experiments to Optimize the Mild Pre-Heating Conditions to Maximize Sulforaphane Yield

Broccoli florets were cut at approximately 2 cm below the head, and each 30 g of randomly mixed broccoli florets were used in the pre-heating experiments. Two types of pre-heating experiments were conducted; in-pack processing and direct water blanching. In the case of the in-pack experiments, broccoli florets were packed in retort pouches (Caspak Australia, Melbourne), sealed and pre-heated for various time points in a thermostated water batch maintained at 60° C., 65° C. and 80° C. The temperature of the broccoli samples at the slowest heating point was measured by using a thermometer. Time 0 was defined as the time for the core temperature to reach the designated experimental temperature. The treatment time were 0, 1, 3, and 5 min for 60° C. and 65° C. and 0, 1, 2, 3 min for 80° C. With the direct water-blanching experiments, the broccoli florets were immersed in Milli-Q water in a glass beaker that was heated in a thermosated water-bath. The direct water blanching experiments were conducted at 60° C. and 65° C. The temperature of the broccoli samples was continuously measured using a thermometer and timing started once the temperature at the slowest heating point attained the designated experimental temperature as described above. All thermal treatment experiments were carried out in triplicate. Unheated broccoli florets were used as controls. Immediately following the heat treatment, the samples were cooled in ice water and were homogenized with Milli-Q water in ratio of 3 parts broccoli to 2 parts of water for 1 min using a kitchen scale magic bullet blender (Nutribullet pro 900 series, LLC, USA). The homogenized samples were incubated in the dark for 4 h at 25° C. to allow the enzymatic hydrolysis of glucoraphanin After incubation, all the samples were frozen in −20° C. until sulforaphane analysis.


Preparation of Starter Cultures

Pooled cultures of Leuconostoc mesenteroides (BF1, BF2) and Lactobacillus plantarum (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5) isolated from broccoli as described in the methods in Example 1. were used in the fermentation experiments. The lactic acid bacteria stock cultures, which were stored at −80° C., were activated by inoculation into 10 mL MRS broth (Oxoid, Victoria, Australia) and incubation at 30° C. for 24 hours to get the primary inoculum. 2 mL of the primary cultures were inoculated into 200 mL of MRS broth to obtain the secondary cultures. After 24 h incubation, the 6 secondary cultures were centrifuged, washed twice with sterile phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and each of the culture was resuspended in Milli-Q water at a concentration of 10 log colony-forming units per millilitre (CFU/mL) to obtain an initial biomass of 8 log CFU/mL in 100 gm broccoli puree samples. The L. plantarum cultures were mixed with the L. mesenteroides cultures at 1:1 proportion prior to inoculation into the broccoli puree samples.


Sample Preparation

Broccoli florets were cut at approximately 2 cm below the crown and were separated into two lots; heat treated and non-treated. After heat treatment at the optimal condition selected based on the results of the experiments as described above, the samples were cooled in ice-water, shredded and homogenized with Milli-Q water in ratio of 3:2 for 1 min using a kitchen scale magic bullet blender (Nutribullet pro 900 series, LLC, USA). The non-treated broccoli were also homogenized in a similar way. The broccoli puree, after mixing well, was aliquoted into sterile plastic containers (100 mL) with screw lids (Technoplast Australia) for further experiments.


Fermentation

Broccoli puree samples (pre-heated and untreated) were inoculated with the LAB culture prepared as described above in this example. Preheating of broccoli florets was conducted in-pack at 65° C. for 3 min based on the result of the experiment to optimise the pre-heating condition. In order to evaluate the impact of acidification without fermentation on conversion of glucoraphanin into sulforaphane, acidification experiments were conducted on pre-heated and untreated broccoli puree using glucono-delta-lactone (GDL) to attain the pH of the fermented broccoli puree. Preheated broccoli puree and untreated broccoli puree without further treatment were used as controls.


For the fermentation experiment, each broccoli puree sample was inoculated with the prepared starter culture at an initial level of 8 log CFU/g. The fermentation experiment was carried out at 30° C. until the pH reached ˜4.0 after 15 hrs of incubation. Once the fermentation was completed, 3 samples (day 0 samples) of each fermented group were taken and stored at −20° C. until analysis. The rest of the ferments were randomly separated into two lots for the storage trials: one lot was stored under refrigerated condition (4° C.) and the second lot was stored at 25° C. for the assessment of the sulforaphane stability of the samples after 14 days storage. Similarly, the untreated broccoli puree, preheated broccoli puree and the preheated-GDL treated broccoli puree were also sampled at time zero and stored at 25 and 4° C. for the 14 days storage trials. After 14 days storage, all the samples were frozen and kept at −20° C. until sulforaphane analyses.


Sulforaphane Analysis and Statistical Analysis Was performed as described in Example 1.


Optimization of Heat Treatment Conditions for Improving Sulforaphane Yield

The influence of heat treatment on the formation of sulforaphane of the heated-in-pack broccoli florets at three different temperatures (60, 65 and 80° C.) for various processing times (0, 1, 3 and 5 min for 60 or 65° C.; 0, 1, 2 and 3 min for 80° C.) are shown in FIG. 5A. The results showed that compared to the raw broccoli the sulforaphane yield increased in all of the heat treated samples. Time 0 designate samples that were heated until their core reached the experimental temperature.


As shown in FIG. 5A, an increase in sulforaphane yield occurred when the packed broccoli samples were heated at 60° C. for 0, 1, 3, and 5 min. The concentration of sulforaphane in these samples were 2343.5±124.1, 2661.5±10.9, 2780.9±270.8, and 3147.7±148.0 μmol/kg DW, respectively. On the other hand, when broccoli was processed at 65° C., the sulforaphane yield initially increased with processing time from 3585.9±119.2 (0 min) to the highest value of 3983.4±30.5 μmol/kg DW (3 min). Further increase in treatment time resulted in lower yield with the lowest value of 3620.1±240.7 μmol/kg observed after 5 min treatment time. In contrast to treatments at 60 and 65° C., for samples that were processed at 80° C., a steady decrease in sulforaphane yield was observed with longer treatment times; with sulforaphane content of 1451.5±43.5, 1446.8±17.5, 1043.1±94.2, and 981.2±35.1 μmol/kg DW after 0 min, 1 min, 2 min and 3 min treatment respectively. Overall, the highest yield of sulforaphane (3983.4±30.5 μmol/kg) for in-pack treatment of broccoli was obtained for samples pre-heated at 65° C. for 3 min, which is ˜5 fold higher than raw broccoli (817.5±9.3 μmol/kg DW). In contrast, heating broccoli directly in water, generally resulted in a lower yield of sulforaphane compared to in-pack processing as shown in FIG. 5B. For direct water blanching at 60° C., the sulforaphane yield increased with treatment time from 1698.00±121.9 μmol/kg DW (0 min), to 2833.3±118.6 μmol/kg DW (1 min) and then steadily decreased to the lowest value of 2345.8±57.7 μmol/kg DW for 5 min treatment at 60° C. A sharp drop in sulforaphane yield compared to 60° C. was observed when samples were blanched at 65° C. The sulforaphane yield was 503.7±23.8 μmol/kg DW of broccoli after 5 min thermal treatment at 65° C., which was even lower than the value obtained for raw broccoli. The reason could be the leaching of glucoraphanin into the blanching water resulting in low yield of sulforaphane. For direct water blanching, the optimum treatment temperature for maximizing sulforaphane yield was 60° C. compared to 65° C. for the in-pack processing.


In this study, the highest yield of sulforaphane was obtained for broccoli florets processed in-pack for 3 min at 65° C., indicating that the condition favors the inactivation of ESP to a larger extent while maintaining sufficient myrosinase activity resulting in optimal conversion into sulforaphane. Under this condition, it seems that most of the extractable glucoraphanin is converted to sulforaphane assuming 1 to 1 conversion, since the glucoraphanin content of the broccoli samples were determined to be 3423.7±39.7 μmol/kg DW.


The observation that the exposure of the heat-treated broccoli to fermentation resulted in higher levels of sulforaphane than would be predicted from the level of extractable glucoraphanin from raw broccoli suggests heat-treatment may have increased the accessibility of glucoraphanin to myrosinase, resulting in higher sulforaphane yield than would be expected based on the quantifiable amount of glucoraphanin present in the untreated broccoli.


Less sulforaphane yield was obtained for broccoli florets directly blanched in water, most probably due to leaching into the blanching water, since glucoraphanin is soluble in water. It is also interesting to note that when broccoli florets were heated directly in water, the maximum amount of sulforaphane was obtained by heating at 60° C. for 1 min compared to 65° C. for 3 min when heat treatment of broccoli florets was done in-pack. This may be due to the higher leaching rate into the blanching water at 65° C. which counteracted the effects of higher level of inactivation of ESP at 65° C.


The Effect of LAB Fermentation and Chemical Acidification on Sulforaphane Yield

Broccoli florets were pre-heated in-pack at the best treatment condition selected above (65° C., 3 min). Samples were then either fermentation by lactic acid bacteria or acidified using the acidulant (GDL). Consistent with the pre-treatment experiments, the sulforaphane value of broccoli significantly increased (p<0.05) after the heat treatment; with 806.2±7.0 μmol/kg DW and 3536.0±136.9 μmol/kg DW of sulforaphane yield for raw and pre-heated broccoli, respectively. The value of 3536 μmol/kg DW obtained with this separate batch of broccoli preheated prior to fermentation is of the same order obtained when a different batch of broccoli was used, where 3983 μmol/kg DW was obtained indicating slight batch to batch variation.


As shown in Table 6, after the fermentation, the sulforaphane content of broccoli samples varied depending on the treatment of the broccoli prior to fermentation. The sulforaphane content of raw broccoli puree after fermentation (1617.4±10.2 μmol/kg DW) was approximately twice the sulforaphane content of raw broccoli puree. Pre-heating of broccoli prior to pureeing resulted in much higher increase in sulforaphane content after fermentation. The sulforaphane content of preheated-fermented broccoli (13121.3±440.8 μmol/kg DW) was about 8 times of the raw-fermented broccoli puree. The observed sulforaphane yield after the combined preheating-fermentation treatment is much higher than what would be expected based on the quantifiable amount of glucoraphanin (3423.7±39.7 μmol/kg) in the raw broccoli sample. It seems that the combined preheating and fermentation process enhances the release and accessibility of glucoraphanin for conversion over and above the inactivation of ESP by the pre-heating process. The pre-heating process coupled with microbial cell wall degrading enzymes may have enhanced the disruption of the cell compartment and release of bound glucosinolates in the matrix, that were not extractable or accessible in the raw broccoli. Some lactic acid strains produce polysaccharide degrading enzymes such as cellulases and pectinases capable of degrading the cell wall structure and enhance the release of wall bound components.


In contrast, chemical acidification of preheated broccoli puree by GDL resulted in a significantly lower (p<0.05) content of sulforaphane compared to pre-heated and preheat-fermented samples (Table 6). The sulforaphane content of the GDL acidified samples were 2169.4±176.0 μmol/kg DW, which is 40% lower than the preheated broccoli sample (3536.01136.9 μmol/kg DW) (P<0.05). It appears that the fast reduction to pH 4.04 during acidification may have reduced the conversion of glucoraphanin into sulforaphane in the GDL samples. It is well known that the conversion of glucosinolates is highly dependent on pH and acidic pH favours conversion into nitriles (Latte et al., 2011).


In the case of the pre-heated fermented samples, the acidification occurs gradually over a period of >15 hr enabling the conversion of glucoraphanin mainly to sulforaphane since the activity of ESP is expected to be significantly reduced after preheating at 65° C. for 3 min.


Changes of Sulforaphane Content During Storage

The concentration of sulforaphane of all the samples declined after 14 days storage at 25° C. (see Table 6 and FIG. 6). Interestingly, an increase in sulforaphane content was observed in all samples except the fermented samples during 14 days storage at 4° C. The sulforaphane content of the raw puree almost doubled during storage at 4° C. Similarly, the sulforaphane content of the pre-heated samples increased by ˜2.6 times whereas the sulforaphane content of the preheated GDL samples increased by ˜2.3 times, which suggests continuous release of glucoraphanin from the matrix during storage allowing further conversion to sulforaphane and increase in concentration counteracting the consequence of sulforaphane degradation during storage. With respect to the preheated-fermented samples, reduction in sulforaphane content was observed during storage at both temperatures. All the accessible glucoraphanin may have been converted to sulforaphane during fermentation so much so that no further conversion occurred during storage but rather degradation albeit to a different extend depending on the temperature. As such, only a slight decline (˜6%) was observed during storage at 4° C. whereas the decline during storage at 25° C. was ˜70%.









TABLE 6







Sulforaphane yield (μmol/Kg DW) of broccoli before and after processing.









Sulforaphane (μmol/kg, DW)














Raw-
Preheatnot

Preheat-



Raw
Fermented
GDL
Preheat GDL
Fermented





Day 0
806.2 ± 7.0
1617.4 ± 10.2
3536.0 ± 136.9
2169.4 ± 176.0
13121.3 ± 440.8


Days
1409.8 ± 82.7
1627.7 ± 17.5
9149.4 ± 63.6 
4994.8 ± 291.2
12301.3 ± 443.5


14_4° C.







Days
1268.2 ± 0.1 
1065.8 ± 49.8
3338.2 ± 93.9 
2593.1 ± 97.7 
3974.2 ± 71.2


14_25° C.





DW: dry weight,


GDL: acidified using glucono-delta-lactone.


Preheating was conducted at 65° C. in pack for 3 minutes.






This study showed that pre-heating coupled with lactic acid bacteria fermentation substantially enhances the sulforaphane content of broccoli based products. In-pack pre-heating treatment of broccoli florets at 65° C. for 3 min followed by maceration and fermentation resulted in as much as ˜16 times higher yield of sulforaphane compared to raw broccoli puree. Preheating under this condition increased the sulforaphane yield in broccoli puree from 806 mol/KgDW (dry weight) in the untreated broccoli to 3536 mol/KgDW, indicating that the treatment substantially inhibits ESP while maintaining sufficient myrosinase activity for the conversion of glucoraphanin into sulforaphane. The best preheating condition during direct water blanching was 1 min at 60° C. and resulted in sulforaphane yield of 2833 mol/KgDW. The lower yield during direct blanching can be attributed to leaching of the water-soluble glucoraphanin into the blanching media. Preheating of broccoli florets in-pack (65° C./3 min) combined with lactic acid bacteria fermentation further enhanced the sulforaphane content to 13121 mol/KgDW, which is ˜16 times increase compared to raw broccoli. Chemical acidification of in-pack preheated (65° C., 3 min) combined with acidification of the broccoli puree by glucono-delta-lactone resulted in sulforaphane yield of 2169 mol/KgDW, which is lower than pre-heating alone. The sulforaphane content of the preheated-fermented puree remained stable (˜94% retention) during two weeks storage at 4° C.


Example 12—Effect of Lactic Acid Bacteria Fermentation on Polyphenolic Profile of Broccoli

In order to determine the effects of fermentation on the polyphenolic metabolites of broccoli samples, targeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) based metabolomic analysis of the raw and fermented broccoli puree samples was conducted. The resulting multivariate data was analysed using Metaboanalyst software (Metaboanalyst 3.0, Xia and Wishart, 2016). Fermentation resulted in a significant change in the metabolite profile of the broccoli samples. The partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) of the data shows a clear distinction between the polyphenolic profile of the fermented and the non-fermented samples (FIG. 8).


The top 15 metabolites that were identified to be responsible for the differences between the two groups are shown in FIG. 9. They are phenolic acids and phenolic aglycones, with higher bioactivity and bioavailability compared to their phenolic acid ester and phenolic glycoside precursors. The concentrations of most of these metabolites showed substantial increase following fermentation indicating the beneficial effect of fermentation on the polyphenol profile of broccoli puree. The fold changes for some of the metabolites are shown in Table 7.


A substantial increase in sinapic acid and kaempferol, 24 fold and 16 fold respectively was observed following fermentation. Similarly, fermentation induced an 8 fold increase in chlorogenic acid and phenyllactic acid. The concentrations of hesperetin, quercetin, methyl syringate and syringic acid also increased substantially after fermentation. The increase in the concentration of aglycones such as kaempferol, hesperetin and quercetin can be attributed to conversion of their glycoside precursors by the activity of microbial glycosidases. The increase in the concentration of phenolic acids such as sinapic acid could be due to the conversion of phenolic acid esters in broccoli by the activity of microbial esterases. Some decrease in caffeic acid and gallic was observed following fermentation. The activity of microbial decarboxylases convert caffeic acid into the corresponding vinyl catechol and gallic acid into pyrgallol, which may be responsible for the decrease in their concentration (Filanino et al., 2015; Guzman-Lopez et al., 2009).









TABLE 7







Fold changes in the top 13 polyphenols responsible for differences


between fermented and non-fermented broccoli puree.












Fold change
Log2



Compounds
(FC)
(FC)













1
Sinapic acid
24.1
4.6


2
Kaempferol
16.1
4.0


3
Chlorogenic acid
8.3
3.1


4
Phenyllactic acid
7.9
3


5
Hespertin
3.7
1.9


6
Methyl syringate
3.3
1.7


7
Syringic acid
3.3
1.7


8
Caffeic acid
0.32
−1.6


9
Ferullic acid
2.7
1.4


10
4,hydroxybenzoic acid
0.4
−1.4


11
Quercetin
2.6
1.3


12
Rutin
2.5
1.3


13
Gallic acid
0.5
−1.1









Example 13—Identification of Metabolites Produced by Lactic Acid Bacteria Fermentation of Broccoli by Targeted and Untargeted LC MS Analyses of Samples

The fermented and non-fermented broccoli puree samples were frozen and freeze dried. The samples (100 mg freeze dried powder each) were extracted using 1 ml of ice-cold methanol and Milli-Q water (50:50, v:v), which comprised 100 mg/ml of caffeine as an internal standard. The samples were then vortexed for 2 minutes prior to being sonicated (40 Hz) for 30 minutes. Samples were then centrifuged at 20,000 rpm at 4° C. for 30 minutes, and the supernatant transferred to clean silanised LC-MS vials. Samples were analyzed by injecting 1.4 μl into an Agilent 6410 LC-QQQ HPLC (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, Calif., USA). The analyses were performed using a reversed-phase Agilent Zorbax Eclipse Plus C18, Rapid Resolution HD, 2.1×50 mm, 1.8 μm (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, Calif., USA), with a column temperature of 30° C. and a flow rate of 0.3 ml/min. The mobile phase was operated isocratically for 1 min 95:5 (A:B) then switched to 1:99 (A:B) for a further 12 min before returning back to 95:5 (A:B) for an additional 2 min; providing a total run time of 15 min. Mobile phase ‘A’ consisted of 100% H2O and 0.1% formic acid, and mobile phase ‘13’ contained 75% acetonitrile, 25% isopropanol and 0.1% formic acid. The MS was collecting data in the mass range 50-1000 m/z. Qualitative identification of the compounds was performed according to the Metabolomics Standard Initiative (MSI) Chemical Analysis Workgroup using several online LC-MS metabolite databases, including Massbank and METLIN. Overall, the instrumental conditions were similar for both positive electrospray (+ESI) and negative electrospray (−ESI) modes. Scan time was 500, the source temperature was maintained at 350° C., the gas flow was 12 L/min and the nebuliser pressure was 35 psi.


For the identification of compounds in the untargeted analysis, the criteria was set at >90% match rate. Where the match rate dropped to between 70-89%, the compounds are identified with brackets (for example, if a compound was between 70-89% they are annotated as “<name>”). Any matches below 70% were removed. In total, there was ca. 1000-1500 features to identify; many were poorly matched (and removed) or were less than 10×S/N ratio from the baseline. As such, the compounds/peaks used were actual peaks and the IDs are fairly strong (i.e. >70%).


Untargeted LC-MS metabolomics study showed a 2 to 360 fold increase in certain polyphenolic glycosides including anthocyanin glycosides, phenolic acid glycosides, phenolic acids, a 5 to 60 fold increase in some glucosinolates with glucoraphanin increasing 27 fold and about a 3 to 4 fold increase in indol-3carbinol and ascorbigen. Results are summarised in Table 8 and are shown in FIG. 10 and in a volcano plot in FIG. 11. The top 50 metabolites that increased after fermentation include several polyphenol glycosides and glucosinolates indicating that the process enhances their extractability and bioaccessibility.









TABLE 8







Fold changes in different metabolites between fermented and non-


fermented broccoli puree based on untargeted LC-MS analysis.











Metabolite
FC
log2(FC)
raw.pval
(−LOG10(p))














Benzoic acid
4670.1
12.189
5.50E−08
7.2593


Cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside
361.03
8.496
0.011951
1.9226


Cyanidin 3-O-6″-p-coumaroyl-glucoside
271.87
8.0868
0.011465
1.9406


molybdopterin
149.51
7.2241
0.00915
2.0386


5-methylthiopentylglucosinolate
59.335
5.8908
0.005835
2.234


5-methylthioribulose 1-phosphate
46.001
5.5236
0.000334
3.4757


Ellagic acid arabinoside
42.956
5.4248
0.002845
2.546


thiamine phosphate
42.436
5.4072
0.005123
2.2905


2-carboxy-D-arabinitol 1-phosphate
41.06
5.3597
0.013093
1.883


N-acetyl-D-glucosamine 1,6-bisphosphate
40.636
5.3447
0.001824
2.739


S-norreticuline
32.883
5.0393
0.000362
3.4412


5-formamido-1-5-phospho-D-ribosyl-
30.585
4.9348
8.28E−06
5.0817


imidazole-4-carboxamide






4-methylumbelliferone 6′-O-
30.436
4.9277
0.001329
2.8765


malonylglucoside






Hydroxytyrosol 4-O-glucoside
28.971
4.8565
0.001319
2.8798


glucoraphanin
27.475
4.7801
0.014685
1.8331


glucobrassicin
26.746
4.7413
0.00441
2.3556


5-hydroxy-CMP
25.864
4.6929
0.004277
2.3689


4alpha-formyl,4beta,14alpha-dimethyl-
18.8
4.2326
0.003497
2.4563


9beta,19-cyclo-5alpha-ergost-24241-en-






3beta-ol






indole-3-acetyl-phenylalanine
17.44
4.1243
2.37E−06
5.6245


N-hydroxypentahomomethionine
16.92
4.0807
0.000559
3.2529


Cyanidin 3-O-arabinoside
16.098
4.0088
0.000413
3.3837


tetrahydrobiopterin
15.412
3.946
0.015746
1.8028


orotidine 5′-phosphate
14.737
3.8813
0.001699
2.7699


2-2′-methylthiopentylmaleate
14.621
3.87
0.005417
2.2662


S-adenosyl 3-methylthiopropylamine
14.564
3.8644
0.00177
2.752


4-methylthiobutyl glucosinolate
14.183
3.8261
0.011178
1.9516


salicylate
13.59
3.7644
0.000221
3.6556


N-hydroxyhomomethionine
12.902
3.6896
0.004311
2.3654


4′-phosphopantetheine
11.775
3.5576
0.003073
2.5124


5-phospho-beta-D-ribosylamine
10.643
3.4119
0.003185
2.497


D-erythro-imidazole-glycerol-phosphate
10.288
3.3629
0.019147
1.7179


a reduced flavodoxin
10.108
3.3374
0.005373
2.2698


Cyanidin 3-O-6″-dioxalyl-glucoside
9.9207
3.3104
0.000299
3.5242


8-oxo-GMP
9.8883
3.3057
0.008524
2.0694


3-dehydroteasterone
8.985
3.1675
8.33E−09
8.0793


indolylmethylisothiocyanate
7.7651
2.957
0.018337
1.7367


choline
7.7212
2.9488
0.023412
1.6306


carbamoyl phosphate
7.7098
2.9467
0.009139
2.0391


homogentisate
7.6608
2.9375
0.00153
2.8153


S-adenosyl-L-methionine
7.3817
2.8839
2.85E−05
4.5445


oxaloacetate
7.3494
2.8776
0.000538
3.2694


urate
7.2329
2.8546
0.000803
3.0951


coniferaldehyde glucoside
7.1826
2.8445
0.016973
1.7702


pyridoxal 5′-phosphate
7.0734
2.8224
0.021829
1.661


dTMP
6.9501
2.797
0.018743
1.7272


2-oxoglutarate
6.8749
2.7813
0.00019
3.7216


coniferaldehyde
6.6643
2.7365
1.46E−05
4.8345


Petunidin 3-O-rhamnoside
6.0484
2.5965
0.002487
2.6043


6-phospho D-glucono-1,5-lactone
5.8171
2.5403
0.019384
1.7126


dTDP
5.6526
2.4989
0.000837
3.0774


propane-1,3-diamine
5.5793
2.4801
0.001873
2.7275


benzoate
5.4402
2.4437
0.005218
2.2825


xi-progoitrin
5.091
2.3479
0.000107
3.9715


2-phospho-D-glycerate
5.0613
2.3395
0.001146
2.941


R-4′-phosphopantothenoyl-L-cysteine
4.8855
2.2885
0.01357
1.8674


L-arogenate
4.782
2.2576
0.018843
1.7248


L-phenylalanine
4.5585
2.1886
0.000213
3.671


Phenol
4.4651
2.1587
0.002537
2.5956


Gardenin B
4.3888
2.1338
0.012372
1.9076


glucomalcommin
4.1855
2.0654
0.014526
1.8378


Sulfachloropyridazine
4.1627
2.0575
0.013676
1.864


4-methyl-2-oxopentanoate
3.906
1.9657
0.004372
2.3593


ascorbigen
3.7819
1.9191
0.017398
1.7595


2-naphthol
3.6366
1.8626
0.01404
1.8526


Medioresinol
3.6131
1.8532
0.007717
2.1125


E-2-pentenol
3.5473
1.8267
0.012466
1.9043


N-feruloyltyramine
3.3648
1.7505
0.004573
2.3399


2-methyl-6-phytyl-1,4-benzoquinol
3.3442
1.7417
0.000245
3.6101


pyridoxal
3.0278
1.5983
0.00016
3.7954


1D-myo-inositol 1-monophosphate
2.784
1.4771
0.005472
2.2618


N-monomethylethanolamine
2.7546
1.4618
1.55E−05
4.8092


3,4-Dicaffeoylquinic acid
2.7368
1.4525
0.012553
1.9013


Cirsilineol
2.6151
1.3868
0.001515
2.8197


S-methylmalonate-semialdehyde
2.5477
1.3492
0.012237
1.9123


benzaldehyde
2.5268
1.3373
0.01558
1.8074


Unidentified metabolite No. 1
2.3799
1.2509
7.84E−05
4.1056


Isorhamnetin
2.2605
1.1766
0.001828
2.738


AMP
2.1939
1.1335
0.002464
2.6083


2-Hydroxybenzoic acid
2.1338
1.0935
0.006072
2.2167


butan-1-al
2.0853
1.0602
3.16E−07
6.5005


7-Hydroxymatairesinol
2.0626
1.0445
0.008034
2.095


Dimethylmatairesinol
0.43475
−1.2018
0.000284
3.5464


trans-zeatin
0.39207
−1.3508
0.008484
2.0714


Unidentified metabolite No. 2
0.38059
−1.3937
0.000721
3.1421


coniferyl alcohol
0.37824
−1.4026
0.011806
1.9279


papaverine
0.36651
−1.4481
0.012288
1.9105


2,5-diamino-6-5-phospho-D-
0.3594
−1.4763
0.020453
1.6893


ribosylaminopyrimidin-43H-one






S-4-hydroxymandelonitrile
0.32867
−1.6053
0.00375
2.426


22alpha-hydroxy-campest-4-en-3-one
0.32674
−1.6138
0.004969
2.3037


3-cyano-L-alanine
0.32471
−1.6228
0.013212
1.879


Ellagic acid glucoside
0.32466
−1.623
0.022951
1.6392


2-naphthol 6′-O-malonylglucoside
0.30641
−1.7064
0.000709
3.1492


pelargonidin
0.30629
−1.707
0.010379
1.9838


2S-naringenin
0.30353
−1.7201
0.019827
1.7027


8-methylthiooctyl-thiohydroximate
0.28257
−1.8233
0.002811
2.5512


Stigmastanol ferulate
0.28168
−1.8279
0.017703
1.752


Pinosylvin
0.26912
−1.8937
0.01535
1.8139


germacra-110,4,1113-trien-12-ol
0.23506
−2.0889
0.022511
1.6476


indole-3-acetyl-glutamine
0.20278
−2.302
0.006425
2.1921


2-7′-methylthioheptylmalate
0.19682
−2.3451
0.001077
2.968


p-coumaroyltriacetic acid lactone
0.18436
−2.4394
0.0122
1.9136


6″-O-Acetyldaidzin
0.15801
−2.6619
0.008935
2.0489


indole-3-acetyl-glutamate
0.15472
−2.6922
0.003623
2.441


Isorhamnetin 3-O-glucoside 7-O-
0.15357
−2.703
0.002647
2.5773


rhamnoside






olivetol
0.13094
−2.933
0.005902
2.229


N-hydroxy-L-phenylalanine
0.1141
−3.1316
0.000812
3.0905


R-pantothenate
0.10725
−3.221
1.36E−05
4.8679


glucoiberverin
0.087316
−3.5176
0.00014
3.8538


6-O-methylnorlaudanosoline
0.055734
−4.1653
6.96E−05
4.1575


carlactone
0.052932
−4.2397
2.93E−05
4.5332


E,E-geranyllinalool
0.018254
−5.7757
0.004044
2.3932


UDP-alpha-D-xylose
13.367
3.7407
0.0235
1.6289


Z-1-glutathione-S-yl-2-phenyl-
19.906
4.3151
0.026163
1.5823


acetohydroximate






Apigenin 7-O-6″-malonyl-apiosyl-
0.38092
−1.3925
0.02641
1.5782


glucoside






4alpha-formyl-stigmasta-7,24241-dien-
58.691
5.8751
0.026582
1.5754


3beta-ol






soyasapogenol B
0.35836
−1.4805
0.027448
1.5615


dihydroconiferyl alcohol glucoside
5.6248
2.4918
0.027644
1.5584


3-deoxy-alpha-D-manno-octulosonate
6.6012
2.7227
0.027652
1.5583


Anhydro-secoisolariciresinol
2.3975
1.2616
0.027928
1.554


3-isopropyl-7-methylthio-2-oxoheptanoate
0.30287
−1.7232
0.028072
1.5517


Kaempferide
0.15749
−2.6666
0.0281
1.5513


2-aminoprop-2-enoate
2.0003
1.0002
0.029166
1.5351


isoliquiritigenin
2.8505
1.5112
0.029212
1.5344


m-Coumaric acid
2.187
1.129
0.029331
1.5327


indole-5,6-quinone
2.6937
1.4296
0.02956
1.5293


2-4′-methylthiobutylmalate
0.43617
−1.197
0.030711
1.5127


7-methylthioheptyl glucosinolate
0.42422
−1.2371
0.030739
1.5123


camalexin
0.27584
−1.8581
0.030778
1.5118


3-Methoxynobiletin
8.9717
3.1654
0.031528
1.5013


8-methylsulfinyloctyl glucosinolate
0.1694
−2.5615
0.031733
1.4985


ent-cassa-12,15-diene
0.33285
−1.587
0.032806
1.484


Catechol
4.0005
2.0002
0.033382
1.4765


L-aspartate-semialdehyde
2.9298
1.5508
0.033499
1.475


10-methylthio-2-oxodecanoate
4.5655
2.1908
0.033543
1.4744


indole-3-carbinonium ion
2.7807
1.4754
0.033654
1.473


laurate
0.33955
−1.5583
0.034205
1.4659


malonate
9.0975
3.1855
0.035699
1.4473


1-aci-nitro-8-methylsulfanyloctane
8.8356
3.1433
0.035865
1.4453


2-hydroxy-5-methylthio-3-oxopent-1-enyl
13.56
3.7612
0.036727
1.435


1-phosphate






glyoxylate
16.835
4.0734
0.037951
1.4208


Feruloyl tartaric acid
5.5489
2.4722
0.038578
1.4137


3beta-hydroxyparthenolide
8.1691
3.0302
0.038749
1.4117


22R,23R-22,23-dihydroxycampesterol
2.0564
1.0401
0.039305
1.4056


Gallic acid 4-O-glucoside
2.515
1.3306
0.039605
1.4023


E-phenylacetaldoxime
2.1608
1.1116
0.040641
1.391


18-hydroxystearate
0.14519
−2.784
0.042027
1.3765


5′-phosphoribosyl-4-N-
0.4281
−1.224
0.042243
1.3742


succinocarboxamide-5-aminoimidazole






3-Feruloylquinic acid
3.3496
1.744
0.042655
1.37


2-carboxy-L-threo-pentonate
2.0447
1.0319
0.043
1.3665


trans-zeatin riboside
0.40453
−1.3057
0.044527
1.3514


4-fumaryl-acetoacetate
5.0298
2.3305
0.044744
1.3493


2-cis-abscisate
76.81
6.2632
0.044918
1.3476


4-Hydroxycoumarin
0.48212
−1.0525
0.045785
1.3393


Biochanin A
2.1017
1.0716
0.046533
1.3322


S-2,3,4,5-tetrahydrodipicolinate
4.1401
2.0497
0.046976
1.3281


26,27-dehydrozymosterol
14.846
3.892
0.047042
1.3275


N-methylethanolamine phosphate
10.038
3.3273
0.047416
1.3241


Kaempferol 3-O-2″-rhamnosyl-galactoside
2.7008
1.4334
0.048201
1.3169


7-O-rhamnoside






pheophorbide a
6.3398
2.6644
0.049365
1.3066


Chrysoeriol 7-O-6″-malonyl-glucoside
4.8949
2.2913
0.049727
1.3034


allantoate
10.972
3.4557
0.050008
1.301


Ligstroside-aglycone
12.072
3.5936
0.052404
1.2806


cycloeucalenone
3.4926
1.8043
0.052645
1.2786


Unidentified metabolite No. 3
3.5807
1.8403
0.053727
1.2698


laricitrin
0.42811
−1.224
0.05399
1.2677


Sulfadimethoxine
11.488
3.5221
0.05455
1.2632


3,4-Diferuloylquinic acid
5.2839
2.4016
0.054583
1.2629


glucotropeolin
0.47952
−1.0603
0.054637
1.2625


5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylate
5.2663
2.3968
0.055218
1.2579


S-laudanine
2.8697
1.5209
0.055638
1.2546


L-nicotianamine
0.39854
−1.3272
0.057257
1.2422


5-methylthiopentyl-thiohydroximate
0.30202
−1.7273
0.057551
1.2399


aldehydo-D-galacturonate
2.6643
1.4138
0.05785
1.2377


R-mevalonate 5-phosphate
0.34888
−1.5192
0.058188
1.2352


6-Hydroxyluteolin 7-O-rhamnoside
2.142
1.099
0.05845
1.2332


L-aspartate
3.5705
1.8361
0.061441
1.2115


--Epicatechin 3-O-gallate
2.4481
1.2916
0.063269
1.1988


glycine
0.23586
−2.084
0.065585
1.1832


Episesaminol
2.4077
1.2677
0.065876
1.1813


6alpha-hydroxy-castasterone
3.7782
1.9177
0.068376
1.1651


alpha-D-galacturonate 1-phosphate
11.846
3.5664
0.070966
1.149


R-2,3-dihydroxy-3-methylpentanoate
2.995
1.5825
0.071057
1.1484


cyanidin-3-O-beta-D-glucoside
2.0686
1.0487
0.07128
1.147


D-erythrose 4-phosphate
3.7463
1.9054
0.07247
1.1398


CDP-choline
617.84
9.2711
0.073728
1.1324


adenine
2.0623
1.0442
0.074004
1.1307


raphanusamate
5.5593
2.4749
0.074387
1.1285


3-Methoxysinensetin
2.4046
1.2658
0.075102
1.1243


betaine aldehyde
3.5234
1.817
0.075291
1.1233


E-7-methylthioheptanaldoxime
2.2972
1.1999
0.076906
1.114


6-methylthiohexyl-thiohydroximate
5.5473
2.4718
0.077579
1.1103


6″-O-Malonylglycitin
0.16741
−2.5786
0.080677
1.0933


monodehydroascorbate radical
2.0677
1.048
0.081844
1.087


anthranilate
3.0289
1.5988
0.082088
1.0857


Hydroxycaffeic acid
0.43234
−1.2098
0.082209
1.0851


Myricetin 3-O-arabinoside
2.3978
1.2617
0.086518
1.0629


cis-aconitate
0.18331
−2.4477
0.088998
1.0506


5-phospho-alpha-D-ribose 1-diphosphate
0.47829
−1.064
0.089065
1.0503


Malvidin 3-O-glucoside
0.48171
−1.0538
0.089472
1.0483


N6-delta2-isopentenyl-adenosine 5′-
44.241
5.4673
0.092566
1.0335


monophosphate






Quercetin 3-O-6″-acetyl-galactoside 7-O-
2.9914
1.5808
0.093824
1.0277


rhamnoside






cholesterol
2.816
1.4936
0.095163
1.0215


9-methylthiononyl-thiohydroximate
15.416
3.9464
0.098598
1.0061









In order to determine the effects of fermentation on the polyphenolic metabolites of broccoli samples, targeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) based metabolomic analysis of the raw and fermented broccoli puree samples was conducted. Statistical analysis was performed without preprocessing. Fermentation resulted in a significant change in the metabolite profile of the broccoli samples.


In the targeted LC-MS analysis, polyphenol standards were used for the identification and quantification of the metabolites. Increases in chlorogenic acid, ferullic acid, syringic acid, phenyllactic acid, rutin, sinapic acid, methyl syringate, hesperetin, quercetin and kaempferol were confirmed in fermented broccoli (FIG. 12). Decreases in protocatechuic acid, gallic acid, 4,hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, 2,3dihydroxybenzoic acid, p-cuomaric acid, cinnamic acid, catechin, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid were confirmed in fermented broccoli (FIG. 12). Of note is that a 6.6 fold change in chlorogenic acid (2.4 to 15.8 μg/mg), a 23.8 fold increase is in sinapic acid (3.6 to 86.6 μg/mg), a 10.5 increase in kaempferol (12.7 to 134.6 μg/mg) and a 0.48 fold decrease in p-Coumaric acid occurred in fermented samples (FIG. 12).


Example 14—Assessment of the Broccoli Fermentation Culture to Inhibit the Growth of Intentionally Introduced Microorganisms

A challenge study was conducted to assess the ability of the broccoli fermentation culture to inhibit the growth of intentionally introduced microorganisms which are often observed and of concern in food preparation.


Lab Culture/Starter Culture

10 ml of 1010 cfu/mL of an inoculum comprising B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, BF1 and BF2 to achieve 108 CFU/gm of sample in the ferment.


Pathogen Cultures


E. coli isolates FSAW 1310, FSAW 1311, FSAW 1312, FSAW 1313 and FSAW 1314 were grown separately to 1-4×108 cfu/mL in NB (nutrient broth) overnight at 37° C., static. The cultures were combined (1 mL of each) and the combined culture diluted to 104 with MRD (maximum recovery diluent) for first two dilutions and water for last two dilutions.



Salmonella strains S. infantis 1023, S. singapore 1234, S. typhimurium 1657 (PT135), S. typhimurium 1013 (PT9) and S. virchow 1563 were grown separately to 1-4×108 cfu/mL in NB overnight at 37° C., static. The cultures were combined (1 mL of each) and combined culture diluted to 104 with MRD for first two dilutions and water for last two dilutions.



Listeria isolates Lm2987 (7497), Lm2965 (7475), Lm2939 (7449), Lm2994 (7537) and Lm2619 (7514) were grown separately in 10 mL BHI (brain heart infusion broth) overnight at 37° C. under agitation. All cultures were then combined (1 mL of each) and this cocktail was diluted using MRD for first two (1/10) dilutions and sterile deionised water for last two dilutions.



B. cerus spore crops were prepared from isolates B3078, B2603, 2601, 7571 and 7626.


Method

Broccoli puree was prepared prior to preparing the inoculums, Broccoli: Sterile Tap Water 3:2 (900 g broccoli: 600 g water). Broccoli heads were rinsed in tap water, the stalks were cut off the broccoli with a sterile knife on a cutting board sanitised with 80% ethanol. Broccoli florets (900 g) were cut into small pieces. 450 g of broccoli pieces were placed into Thermomix bowl with all 600 g of the water. The translucent Thermomix cup/lid was sanitised with 80% ethanol and placed over the lid hole. The broccoli was chopped at speed 4 for 1 min. The second 450 g of broccoli pieces were added to the Thermomix bowl and chopped at speed 4 for 1 min. The contents were chopped for a further 5 min at speed 10 (max). After making sure the puree was indeed smooth enough, the Thermomix bowl was placed in the cool room to cool down the contents for 30 min. Following this, the bowl was put in the incubator and equilibrated to 30° C. Meanwhile the starter culture and pathogen culture (E. coli, B. cereus, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes) were prepared. 10 mL of LAB culture and 7.5 mL of the 10-4-diluted challenge microorganism cocktail (104 cfu/mL culture in water) were added into the broccoli puree (105 of B. cereus). Foil was held down over the large hole in the Thermomix lid prior to mixing culture. The cultures were mixed into the puree for 1 min on maximum speed. The heat setting for the Thermomix was switched off and the Thermomix was placed inside the 30° C. incubator and the fermentation started at 10:45 am. pH and temperature measurements were taken every hour up until 7 h (end of work time) after mixing the puree for 1 min speed 4.5. The pH meter was calibrated and sanitised using 80% ethanol. The temperature probe was also sanitised prior to measurements with 80% ethanol.


The growth of the challenge microorganisms was assessed by counts on growth on the selective media MRS, DRBX and NA +S of raw broccoli, before fermentation (TO) and after fermentation commenced at 4 hours (T4) and 22 hours (T22).


Results

The yeast and mould were significantly reduced by 4 hours, and were not detected at the end of fermentation (T22). E. coli and Salmonella were never detected at the end of fermentation (T22). Listeria was detected in low numbers at the end of fermentation, with a starting inoculum just over 103 cfu/mL. B. cereus spores were generally not affected by the fermentation, but did not germinate. The result of the challenge study indicates that the lactic acid bacteria strains that we isolated from broccoli are able to completely inactivate Salmonella and E. coli and inhibit the growth of the most acid resistant strains of Listeria. They are also able to inhibit the sporulation of B. cerus spores.









TABLE 9







Example of microbial challenge study with E. coli.E. coli


(mix of 5 E. coli strains EC1605, EC1606, EC1607, EC1608


inoculated (2.2 × 102 CFU/gm) into the macerated broccoli


(3:2 broccoli-water ratio) ferment to evaluate if the fermentation


starter (a consortia of B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, BF1, BF2) inhibits


the growth of E.coli. Experiments were repeated three times.


Fermentation was conducted at 30° C. for 22 hrs to pH below 4.0.










Time
Lactic acid bacteria
Yeast and mould

E. coli



(hrs)
(CFU/gm)
(CFU/gm)
(CFU/gm)














0
1.6 × 108
2.4 ×
103
1.6 × 102


4
1.5 × 108
3 ×
10
1.2 × 102










22
3.6 × 109
<10
<1
















TABLE 10







Example of microbial challenge study with Salmonella. Salmonella


(A mix of 5 strains S. Infantis 1023, S. Singapore 1234, S. Typhimurium


1657 (PT135), S. Typhimurium 1013 (PT9), S. Virchow 1623)


inoculated (1.1 × 103) into macerated broccoli (3:2 broccoli-water ratio)


ferment to evaluate if the fermentation starter (a consortia of B1, B2, B3,


B4, B5, BF1, BF2) inhibits the growth of Salmonella. Experiments were


repeated three times. Fermentation was conducted at 30° C. for 22 hrs to


pH below 4.0.










Time
Lactic acid bacteria
Yeast and mould

Salmonella



(hrs)
(CFU/gm)
(CFU/gm)
(CFU/gm)














0
3.5 × 108
1.4 ×
103
6.4 × 102


4
4.2 × 108
2 ×
10
3.3 × 102










22
1.4 × 109
<10
<10
















TABLE 11







Example of microbial challenge study with Listeriamonocytogenes.



Listeria
monocytogenes (A mix of 5 strains Lm2987 (7497), Lm2965



(7475), Lm2939 (7449), Lm2994 (7537), Lm2919 (7514)) inoculated


(1.9 × 103) into macerated broccoli (3:2 broccoli-water ratio) ferment to


evaluate if the fermentation starter (a consortia of B1, B2, B3, B4, B5,


BF1, BF2) inhibits the growth of acid resistant Listeria. Experiments


were repeated three times and the final Listeria count at the end of


fermentation ranged from <10 (undetected) to 1.1 × 102 CFU/gm.


Fermentation was conducted at 30° C. for 22 hrs to pH below 4.0.










Time
Lactic acid bacteria
Yeast and mould

Listeria



(hrs)
(CFU/gm)
(CFU/gm)
(CFU/gm)













0
5.6 × 108
5.2 × 104
2.1 × 103


4
4.1 × 108
3.6 × 103
2.8 × 103


22
5.1 × 109
<10
 2 × 10
















TABLE 12







Example of microbial challenge study with Bacillus cereus. Bacillus



cereus (A mix of 5 strains B3078, B2603, B2601, B7571, B7626)



inoculated (1.9 × 103) into macerated broccoli (3:2 broccoli-water ratio)


ferment to evaluate if the fermentation starter (a consortia of B1, B2, B3,


B4, B5, BF1, BF2) inhibits the growth of acid resistant Listeria.


Experiments were repeated three times. Fermentation was conducted at


30° C. for 22 hrs to pH below 4.0.










Time
Lactic acid bacteria
Yeast and mould

Listeria



(hrs)
(CFU/gm)
(CFU/gm)
(CFU/gm)













0
2.4 × 108
1.2 × 103
3.1 × 103


4
3.3 × 108
9.5 × 10
2.3 × 103


22
1.9 × 109
<10
1.7 × 103









Example 15—Pulse Filed Gel Electrophoreses of Leuconostoc mesenteroides Isolates


Leuconostoc mesenteroides from vegetables was assessed with SmaI and NotI restriction enzyme digestion with pulse filed gel electrophoreses as described in Chat and Dalmasso (2015) with modification.


Methods:
Day 1

Assessed isolates were inoculated into 10 mL MRS broth and incubated overnight at 30° C. in incubator (16 h).


Day 2

Isolates were centrifuge at 3500 g for 10 min and the supernatant discarded. The pellet was mixed and washed with 5 mL deionised water and centrifuged at 3500 g for 10 min and the supernatant discarded. The pellet was mixed with 5 mL TES (1 mM EDTA, 10 mM Tris-HCl, 0.5 M saccharose) and vortexed. Next the samples were centrifuged at 3500 g for 15 min and the supernatant discarded. 700 μL of Lysis solution (TE buffer (1 mM EDTA, 10 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0, sterilise as normal) with lysozyme at 10 mg/mL) was added to the pellet and mixed and incubated at 56° C. for 2 h to lyse bacteria. Next, 700 μL of agarose (1% SeaChem Gold agarose with 50 μL EDTA/100 mL) was added to the cell mixture, mix and dispensed into plug moulds and 2 mL of deproteinisation (660 μL of proteinase K buffer, 11 μL proteinase K) solution added all plugs for one sample placed in the tube and incubated at 55° C. overnight.


Day 3

Next the plugs were heated in 100 mL of sterile deionised water at 55° C., the deproteinisation solution was removed and the plugs transferred to 15 mL centrifuge tubes, washed with 4 mL of sterile deionised water and heated to 55° C. for 10 min at room temperature followed by washing four times with 4 mL TE buffer for 10 min at room temperature.


Restriction Digests

2 mm slice off plug was placed in an eppendorf tube with 100 μL 1× restriction buffer, incubated for 20 min at room temperature, restriction buffer was removed and replaced with 40-100 μL of SmaI (20 U) or NotI in restriction buffer and incubated for 4 h at the optimum temperature (25° C.).


Day 4
Separation of Restriction Fragments

1 mL 0.5×TBE buffer to each tube and allowed to sit for at least 15 min to stop reaction and the bacteriophage DNA ladder (New England Biolab) was incubated in TBE buffer. The buffer was removed and the slices loaded onto comb, with the ladder in every five lanes. 1.0% ultra-pure DNA grade agarose (pulsed field certified agarose) was prepared in 0.5×TBE running buffer.


Electrophoresis Conditions

Buffer maintained at 14° C. (model 1000 Mini-chiller, BioRad). BioRad “Chef Mapper™”, select Two State Program (not Auto Algorithm). Pulse time ramped linearly (press enter when “a” appears) from 2 to 25 s. Gradient 6 V/cm (voltage), Included angle 120°, Running time of 24 h.


Day 5

Gels stained ˜30 min in GelRed, destained, visualised


Results

The restriction fingerprint for BF1 was district but similar to Leuconostoc mesenteroides isolated from carrot (FIG. 13). The restriction fingerprint for BF2 was district from all Leuconostoc mesenteroides strains assessed (FIG. 13).


Example 16—Variant Analysis of Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Lactobacillus plantarum Isolates

For the SNP analysis of the Lactobacillus plantarum isolates (B1 to B5), B1 Prokka gbk was used as reference for Snippy SNP analysis—standard method. Single comparisons were performed using read data for each strain. B1 reads were ran as a control.


Example command was:


snippy --cpus 24 --outdir B5 --ref B1_Slmod.gbk --pe1


B5_S17_L001_R1_001.fastq.gz --pe2 B5_S17_L001_R2_001.fastq.gz


Calculated individual comparisons and core using B1 gbk as reference


snippy-core --prefix core B1 B2 B3 B4 B5


Comparisons were also performed between B1 and the reference strain read data downloaded from the SRA for Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 (SRR1552613). Downloading was performed using standard method with prefetch and conversion to fastq using—sratoolkit.2.9.2-win64. Similar approaches were used for comparison of the Leuconostoc mesenteroides isolates BF1 and BF2 with Leuconostoc mesenteroides ATCC 8293 as reference.


Results

Variants (41) were observed between B1 and ATCC 8014 (Table 13). Variants (1 to 4) were observed between B1 and the other B isolates B2, B3, B4 and B5 (Table 14 to 17). BF1 and BF2 are very different from one another. Variants (19) were observed between BF1 and ATCC 8293 (Table 18). Variants (˜7000) were observed between BF2 and ATCC 8293. 459 complex variants were identified between BF2 and ATCC8293 which are summarized in Table 19.


Example 17—Short Chain Fatty Acid Assessment in an In Vitro Colonic Fermentation Model
Samples

Raw: untreated broccoli (blended, and freeze dried into powder with no fermentation). Broccoli florets were homogenized with water (3 parts broccoli to 2 parts of water) for 1 min using a kitchen scale magic bullet blender (Nutribullet pro 900 series, LLC, USA).


Raw fermented: raw broccoli which has been fermented and then freeze dried. Preheat fermented: broccoli that has been subject to a heat pre-treatment prior to fermentation and freeze drying. Broccoli florets were cut at approximately 2 cm below the head and packed in retort pouches, sealed and pre-heated in a thermostated water batch maintained at 65° C. (Core temperature 65° C. for 3 min), and immediately following the heat treatment, the samples were cooled in ice water and homogenised as above and the homogenized samples were incubated in dark for 4 h at 25° C.









TABLE 13







Polymorphisms identified by variant analysis B1 compared to ATCC8014.


















POS
TYPE
REF
ALT
EVIDENCE
FTYPE
STRAND
NT_POS
AA_POS
EFFECT
LOCUS_TAG
GENE





















292863
complex
GTCG
ATCT
ATCT:96 GTCG:0
CDS
+
292/477 
 98/158
missense_variant
JBMIHLAL_00290
ohrR_1











c.292_295delGTCGins













ATCT p.ValAla98IleSer







21413
snp
C
T
T:204 C:1












49138
snp
T
G
G:226 T:2
CDS
+
771/1011
257/336
missense_variant
JBMIHLAL_00337
lacR_1











c.771T>G p.Asn257Lys







68529
del
TATTAATG
TA
TA:97











GCTCGCGT

TATTAATGGCTCG











CATTAA

CGTCATTAA:0












70435
snp
G
A
A:199 G:1
CDS

 95/1959
 32/652
missense_variant
JBMIHLAL_00352
lacS_2











c.95C>T p.Thr32Ile







70584
snp
T
C
C:154 T:1












71677
snp
T
C
C:201 T:0
CDS

209/1029
 70/342
missense_variant
JBMIHLAL_00353












c.209A>G p.Tyr70Cys







72030
del
CGCTCAAC
CG
CG:91
CDS

978/996 
320/331
inframe_deletion
JBMIHLAL_00354
lacR_3




CAGATTAG

CGCTCAACCAGAT




c.958_978delCTGGGT






TACCCAG

TAGTACCCAG:0




ACTAATCTGGTTGAG













p.Leu320_Glu326del







136221
snp
C
A
A:178 C:1
CDS

559/1272
187/423
missense_variant
JBMIHLAL_00407
gatC_1











c.559G>T p.Ala187Ser







15092
snp
C
A
A:102 C:1












153210
snp
G
T
T:117 G:1
CDS

385/1365
129/454
missense_variant
JBMIHLAL_00681
gabR











c.385C>A p.Gln129Lys







38124
snp
C
T
T:264 C:1












128067
snp
G
A
A:261 G:1
CDS

208/1344
 70/447
missense_variant
JBMIHLAL_01118
yjjP_1











c.208C>T p.Arg70Cys







188850
snp
A
C
C:241 A:0
CDS

491/1617
164/538
missense_variant
JBMIHLAL_01179
oppA_2











c.491T>G p.Ile164Ser







2322
snp
A
G
G:107 A:1
CDS

397/474 
133/157
missense_variant
JBMIHLAL_01186
adcR











c.397T>C p.Phe133Leu







111662
ins
CAA
CAAA
CAAA:133 CAA:11
CDS
+
10/876
  4/291
frameshift_variant
JBMIHLAL_01302
mntB











c.9dupA p.Ser4fs







11376
snp
G
A
A:115 G:0
CDS

1831/1947 
611/648
synonymous_variant
JBMIHLAL_01356












c.1831C>T













p.Leu611Leu







115510
snp
G
A
A:199 G:1
CDS

95/411
 32/136
missense_variant
JBMIHLAL_01453












c.95C>T p.Thr32Ile







143457
snp
G
C
C:264 G:0
CDS
+
1122/1416 
374/471
synonymous_variant
JBMIHLAL_01479
pepD











c.1122G>C













p.Val374Val







111973
snp
G
A
A:118 G:1
CDS

731/1317
244/438
missense_variant
JBMIHLAL_01603
murA1











c.731C>T p.Ala244Val







27553
snp
C
T
T:104 C:1
CDS

472/1092
158/363
missense_variant
JBMIHLAL_01677
wbnH











c.472G>A p.Gly158Ser







80888
snp
T
C
C:84 T:0
CDS
+
256/258 
86/85
stop_lost&splice_region_variant
JBMIHLAL_01727
ytIR_1











c.256T>C













p.Ter86Glnext*?







133147
snp
A
C
C:76 A:0
CDS

443/663 
148/220
missense_variant
JBMIHLAL_01777
yjbM











c.443T>G p.Phe148Cys







74711
snp
C
T
T:212 C:1
CDS
+
874/1389
292/462
missense_variant
JBMIHLAL_01855
murF_2











c.874C>T p.Leu292Phe







19793
snp
T
C
C:114 T:1
CDS

925/1107
309/368
missense_variant
JBMIHLAL_01907
sigA











c.925A>G













p.Asn309Asp







60643
snp
C
T
T:89 C:1
CDS

242/1869
 81/622
missense_variant
JBMIHLAL_01945
dnaK











c.242G>A p.Ser81Asn







10806
ins
GTTTTTTTT
GTTTTTTTTTG
GTTTTTTTTTG:49











G

GTTTTTTTTG:1












50276
complex
CG
CACCACCAGG
CACCACCAGGCCG
CDS

341/555 
114/184
missense_variant&inframe_insertion
JBMIHLAL_02031
ribU





CCGATTGTGG
ATTGTGGCGA:39




c.341delCinsTCGCCAC







CGA
CG:0




AATCGGCCTGGTGGT













p.Ala114delinsValAla













ThrIleGlyLeuValVal







50325
snp
A
C
C:99 A:1
CDS

293/555 
 98/184
stop_gained c.293T>G
JBMIHLAL_02031
ribU











p.Leu98*







64233
snp
A
G
G:77 A:1
CDS

2516/2604 
839/867
missense_variant
JBMIHLAL_02043
cIpB











c.2516T>C













p.Val839Ala







79046
snp
G
C
C:140 G:1
CDS
+
394/765 
132/254
missense_variant
JBMIHLAL_02139
ygaZ_2











c.394G>C p.Ala132Pro







14904
snp
G
A
A:82 G:0
CDS

113/876 
 38/291
missense_variant
JBMIHLAL_02340












c.113C>T p.Pro38Leu







45542
snp
T
G
G:158 T:0
CDS

1312/1728 
438/575
missense_variant
JBMIHLAL_02365
pgcA











c.1312A>C













p.Lys438Gln







21706
ins
TAT
TAAT
TAAT:122 TAT:1
CDS
+
872/2604
291/867
frameshift_variant
JBMIHLAL_02489
mprF











c.871dupA p.Ile291fs







29454
del
TGA
TA
TA:73 TGA:0
CDS
+
94/132
32/43
frameshift_variant
JBMIHLAL_02559












c.94delG p.Asp32fs







27619
snp
A
G
G:134 A:1
CDS

78/588
 26/195
synonymous_variant
JBMIHLAL_02812












c.78T>C p.Gly26Gly




4360
snp
C
T
T:96 C:1












8851
del
CGG
CG
CG:117 CGG:0
CDS

82/513
 28/170
frameshift_variant
JBMIHLAL_02963
tcaR











c.82delC p.Pro28fs







19068
del
CTTGCCGA
CT
CT:51
CDS
+
154/564 
 52/187
frameshift_variant
JBMIHLAL_02974





AATTCGAC

CTTGCCGAAATTC




c.154_185delGAAATT






AAACAACC

GACAAACAACCCT




CGACAAACAACCCTCG






CTCGGATT

CGGATTGT:0




GATTGTTGCC






GT






p.Glu52fs







17533
ins
ATTTTTTG
ATTTTTTTG
ATTTTTTTG:220













ATTTTTTG:2
















TABLE 14







Polymorphism identified by variant analysis B2 compared to B1.


















POS
TYPE
REF
ALT
EVIDENCE
FTYPE
STRAND
NT_POS
AA_POS
EFFECT
LOCUS_TAG
GENE





8417
snp
C
T
T:105 C:0
CDS
+
105/264
35/87
synonymous_variant
JBMIHLAL_02984












c.105C > T













p.Asp35Asp
















TABLE 15







Polymorphisms identified by variant analysis B3 compared to B1


















POS
TYPE
REF
ALT
EVIDENCE
FTYPE
STRAND
NT_POS
AA_POS
EFFECT
LOCUS_TAG
GENE





















4326
del
TATAAAA
TA
TA:31











AAAGCGA

TATAAAAA











CCCCCGT

AAGCGACC











TCATTAA

CCCGTTCA











CGGTGCC

TTAACGGT











GCTCACA

GCCGCTCA











GATCATT

CAGATCAT











ATTAGTG

TATTAGTG











AAAATCA

AAAATCAC











CCCGGCA

CCGGCA:0












8417
snp
C
T
T:135 C:0
CDS
+
105/264
35/87
synonymous_variant
JBMIHLAL_02984












c.105C>T













p.Asp35Asp
















TABLE 16







Polymorphism identified by variant analysis B4 compared to B1.


















POS
TYPE
REF
ALT
EVIDENCE
FTYPE
STRAND
NT_POS
AA_POS
EFFECT
LOCUS_TAG
GENE





8417
snp
C
T
T:93 C:0
CDS
+
105/264
35/87
synonymous_variant
JBMIHLAL_02984












c.105C > T













p.Asp35Asp
















TABLE 17







Polymorphisms identified by variant analysis B5 compared to B1.


















POS
TYPE
REF
ALT
EVIDENCE
FTYPE
STRAND
NT_POS
AA_POS
EFFECT
LOCUS_TAG
GENE





















199035
snp
T
C
C:124 T:0
CDS
+
 368/1206
123/401
missense_variant c.368T > C
JBMIHLAL_00












p.Val123Ala
946



143457
snp
G
C
C:158 G:0
CDS
+
1122/1416
374/471
synonymous_variant
JBMIHLAL_01
pepD











c.1122G > C
479












p.Val374Val




23797
snp
A
C
C:146 A:0
CDS
+
  71/666 
 24/221
missense_variant c.71A > C
JBMIHLAL_02
immR_1











p.Gln24Pro
490



8417
snp
C
T
T:131 C:0
CDS
+
 105/264 
 35/87 
synonymous_variant c.105C > T
JBMIHLAL_02












p.Asp35Asp
984
















TABLE 18







Polymorphisms identified by variant analysis BF1 compared to ATCC8293.


















POS
TYPE
REF
ALT
EVIDENCE
FTYPE
STRAND
NT_POS
AA_POS
EFFECT
LOCUS_TAG
GENE





















197592
del
TGT
TT
TT:178













TGT:0









269841
del
TGG
TG
TG:305
CDS
+
  33/306 
 11/101 
frameshift_variant c.33delG
LEUM_0316







TGG:0




p.Asn12fs




338699
snp
G
T
T:239 G:0
CDS
+
 764/1719
255/572 
missense_variant c.764G > T
LEUM_0385












p.Trp255Leu




410044
snp
C
A
A:210 C:0
CDS
+
2229/2457
743/818 
synonymous_variant
LEUM_0448
pheT











c.2229C > A













p.Thr743Thr




558511
ins
CAT
CAAT
CAAT:140
CDS
+
 204/261 
 68/86  
frameshift_variant c.203dupA
LEUM_0587







CAT:0




p.His68fs




559188
snp
A
G
G:169 A:0
CDS
+
 601/981 
201/326 
missense_variant c.601A > G
LEUM_0588












p.lIe201Val




615572
del
TCC
TC
TC:245













TCC:5









755527
snp
A
T
T:196 A:0
CDS
+
 351/993 
117/330 
missense_variant c.351A > T
LEUM_0777












p.Leu117Phe




796683
del
GCC
GC
GC:207
CDS
+
2986/3009
996/1002
frameshift_variant c.2986delC
LEUM_0814







GCC:0




p.Glu997fs




953160
snp
G
T
T:178 G:0
CDS
+
 805/843 
269/280 
missense_variant c.805G > T
LEUM_0952












p.Ala269Ser




1009293
snp
C
A
A:1652
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1009







C:171









1094250
snp
T
A
A:188 T:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1090



1236979
snp
G
T
T:194 G:1









1237016
del
CAA
CA
CA:183













CAA:6









1291050
del
CGT
CT
CT:177













CGT:0









1600218
del
AGG
AG
AG:168













AGG:2









1624087
ins
GA
GTA
GTA:205













GA:0









1693283
snp
T
A
A:247 T:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1724



1993032
snp
G
A
A:209 G:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_2026
















TABLE 19







Polymorphisms identified by variant analysis BF2 compared to ATCC8293.

















POS
REF
ALT
EVIDENCE
FTYPE
STRAND
NT_POS
AA_POS
EFFECT
LOCUS_TAG
GENE




















1737
TTCA
ATCC
ATCC:151 TTCA:0
CDS
+
  63/1137
 21/378
synonymous_variant c.63_66delTTCAinsATCC
LEUM_0002











p.IleSer21IleSer







11810
CATG
TATA
TATA:216 CATG:0
CDS
+
 144/1626
 48/541
missense_variant c.144_147delCATGinsTATA
LEUM_0010











p.AsnMet48AsnIle







12635
ACGT
GCGC
GCGC:255 ACGT:0
CDS
+
 969/1626
323/541
synonymous_variant c.969_972delACGTinsGCGC
LEUM_0010











p.GlnArg323GlnArg







20351
TCT
GCG
GCG:230 TCT:0
CDS
+
172/795
 58/264
missense_variant c.172_174delTCTinsGCG
LEUM_0017











p.Ser58Ala







22033
AGCTA
GGCTG
GGCTG:2145
CDS
+
1047/118 
349/394
missense_variant
LEUM_0018






AGCTA:0




c.1047_1051delAGCTAinsGGCTG












p.GluAlaAsn349GluAlaAsp







36499
TATT
CATC
CATC:289 TATT:0
CDS
+
 564/1062
188/353
synonymous_variant c.564_567delTATrinsCATC
LEUM_0044











p.ArgIle188ArgIle







45902
GTAATGT
CCACATTAC
CCACATTAC:251










GA

GTAATGTGA:0












47145
TAT
TTCAG
TTCAG:241 TAT:0












64340
CTGT
TTGC
TTGC:335 CTGT:0
CDS

205/915
 68/304
missense_variant c.202_205delACAGinsGCAA
LEUM_0076











p.ThrAsp68AlaAsn







70144
GGTATGG
CGTATGGG
CGTATGGGA:233










GATGGGA
A
GGTATGGGATGGGA:0












75797
AGAG
GGAT
GGAT:179 AGAG:0
CDS
+
 51/171
17/56
missense_variant c.51_54delAGAGinsGGAT
LEUM_0091











p.LeuGlu17LeuAsp







97951
TAAT
CAAG
CAAG:197 TAAT:0
misc_bind-
+


no annotation








ing











138065
GGCG
TGCA
TGCA:279 GGCG:0
CDS

1002/1431
333/476
synonymous_variant
LEUM_0153











c.999_1002delCGCCinsTGCA p.ValAla333ValAla







138074
AUG
GTTC
GTTC:276 ATTG:0
CDS

 993/1431
330/476
synonymous_variant c.990_993delCAATinsGAAC
LEUM_0153











p.ValAsn330ValAsn







138092
AACT
GACC
GACC:278 AACT:0
CDS

 975/1431
324/476
synonymous_variant c.972_975delAGTTinsGGTC
LEUM_0153











p.ProVal324ProVal







140746
GGGT
AGGC
AGGC:196 GGGT:0
CDS
+
366/540
122/179
synonymous_variant
LEUM_0156











c.366_369delGGGTinsAGGC p.GluGly122GluGly







140797
CGCC
TGCT
TGCT:208 CGCC:0
CDS
+
417/540
139/179
synonymous_variant c.417_420delCGCansTGCT
LEUM_0156











p.AspAla139AspAla







142611
GTT
CTG
CTG:135 GTT:0
CDS
+
271/375
 91/124
missense_variant c.271_273delGTTinsCTG
LEUM_0158











p.Val91Leu







142687
CAAAAAG
CAAAAAAA
CAAAAAAA:178
CDS
+
353/375
118/124
frameshift_variant&missense_variant
LEUM_0158






CAAAAAG:0




c.353delGinsAA p.Ser118fs







145324
CAG
AAA
AAA:292 CAG:0
CDS
+
 505/1497
169/498
missense_variant c.505_507delCAGinsAAA
LEUM_0161
gltX










p.Gln169Lys







162834
TGAT
GGAC
GGAC:260 TGAT:0
CDS
+
2400/2481
800/826
missense_variant c.2400_2403delTGATinsGGAC
LEUM_0185











p.AspAsp800GluAsp







192260
ATAAA
GTAAC
GTAAC:301
CDS
+
433/768
145/255
missense_variant c.433_437delATAAAMsGTAAC
LEUM_0228
truA





ATAAA:0




p.IleAsn145ValThr







196751
CTAT
ATAC
ATAC:138 CTAT:0
CDS

 55/204
18/67
missense_variant c.52_55delATAGinsGTAT
LEUM_0234











p.IleAla18ValSer







196918
AATA
GATG
GATG:246 AATA:0












216494
CACG
TACC
TACC:230 CACG:0
CDS
+
108/978
 36/325
synonymous_variant c.108_111delCACGinsTACC
LEUM_0256
nrdF










p.AspThr36AspThr







231792
ATCTC
GTCTT
GTCTT:235 ATCTC:0
CDS
+
 553/1728
185/575
missense_variant c.553_557delATCTansGTCTT
LEUM_0276











p.IleSer185ValLeu







231812
GCTC
ACTT
ACTT:229 GCTC:0
CDS
+
 573/1728
191/575
synonymous_variant c.573_576delGCTCinsACTT
LEUM_0276











p.AlaLeu191AlaLeu







234250
ACTT
CCTG
CCTG:217 ACTT:0
CDS
+
336/642
112/213
synonymous_variant c.336_339delACTrinsCCTG
LEUM_0279
tmk










p.GlyLeu112GlyLeu







242029
CTAT
TTAC
TTAC:265 CTAT:0
CDS

664/966
221/321
missense_variant c.661_664delATAGinsGTAA
LEUM_0287











p.IleAla221ValThr







244287
GACT
AACC
AACC:251 GACT:0
CDS
+
1436/1962
479/653
missense_variant c.1436_1439delGACTinsAACC
LEUM_0288











p.ArgLeu479LysPro







250392
GGCG
AGCT
AGCT:182 GGCG:0
CDS
+
 345/1242
115/413
synonymous_variant c.345_348delGGCGinsAGCT
LEUM_0295
proA










p.ValAla115ValAla







271910
TTA
CTG
CTG:297 TTA:0
CDS
+
358/843
120/280
synonymous_variant c.358_360delTTAinsCTG
LEUM_0318











p.Leu120Leu







288308
ATA
AC
AC:232 ATA:0












318676
GATTAG
AATCAA
AATCAA:121
CDS
+
 14/306
  5/101
missense_variant c.14_19delGATTAGinsAATCAA
LEUM_0366






GATTAG:0




p.GlyLeuVal5GluSerIle







341498
GTTTTTTT
GTTTTTTTTC
GTTTTTTTTC:114










TTA

GTTTTTTTTTA:0












359500
GCAAG
ACAAC
ACAAC:238
CDS
+
3034/3540
1012/1179
missense_variant
LEUM_0399






GCAAG:0




c.3034_3038delGCAAGinsACAAC












p.AlaSer1012ThrThr







366821
ACATC
GCATT
GCATT:250 ACATC:0
CDS
+
 957/1488
319/495
synonymous_variant
LEUM_0406
lysS










c.957_961delACATCinsGCATT












p.LysHisLeu319LysHisLeu







366884
AGAAGCA
GGATGCG
GGATGCG:217
CDS
+
1020/1488
340/495
missense_variant
LEUM_0406
lysS





AGAAGCA:0




c.1020_1026delAGAAGCAinsGGATGCG












p.GluGluAla340GluAspAla







366896
GTTGGCC
ATTAGCA
ATTAGCA:225
CDS
+
1032/1488
344/495
synonymous_variant
LEUM_0406
lysS





GTTGGCC:0




c.1032_1038delGTIGGCCinsATTAGCA












p.LysLeuAla344LysLeuAla







366971
ATTTGTA
GTTCGTT
GTTCGTT:225
CDS
+
1107/1488
369/495
synonymous_variant
LEUM_0406
lysS





ATTTGTA:0




c.1107_1113delATTTGTAinsGTTCGTT












p.GluPheVal369GluPheVal







371223
CTTC
ATTT
ATTT:226 CTTC:0
CDS
+
 273/1449
 91/482
synonymous_variant c.273_276delCTTCinsATTT
LEUM_0414











p.GlyPhe91GlyPhe







395520
CTCT
ATCC
ATCC:206 CTCT:0
CDS

525/942
174/313
missense_variant c.522_525delAGAGinsGGAT
LEUM_0436











p.IleGlu174MetAsp







395821
ACCA
GCCG
GCCG:177 ACCA:0
CDS

224/942
 74/313
missense_variant c.221_224delTGGTinsCGGC
LEUM_0436











p.MetVal74ThrAla







410847
CGGT
TGGC
TGGC:232 CGGT:0
CDS
+
 495/1287
165/428
synonymous_variant c.495_498delCGGTinsTGGC
LEUM_0449











p.ValGly165ValGly







420486
CGCAC
AGCAT
AGCAT:187
CDS
+
200/609
 67/202
missense_variant c.200_204delCGCACinsAGCAT
LEUM_0457






CGCAC:0




p.AlaHis67GluHis







455735
GTG
CTT
CTT:112 GTG:0
CDS

1922/2088
640/695
missense_variant c.1920_1922delCACinsAAG
LEUM_0497











p.AsnThr640LysSer







457087
GCCAT
ACCAC
ACCAC:262
CDS

570/2088
189/695
missense_variant c.566_570delATGGansGTGGT
LEUM_0497






GCCAT:0




p.AspGly189GlyGly







490235
GCG
ACA
ACA:136 GCG:0
CDS
+
142/738
 48/245
missense_variant c.142_144delGCGinsACA
LEUM_0524











p.Ala48Thr







493487
TGGT
CGGC
CGGC:189 TGGT:0
CDS
+
168/834
 56/277
synonymous_variant c.168_171delTGGTinsCGGC
LEUM_0527











p.ArgGly56ArgGly







500830
GCT
ACC
ACC:176 GCT:0
CDS
+
 352/2031
118/676
missense_variant c.352_354delGCTinsACC
LEUM_0536











p.Ala118Thr







502254
CGAA
TGAG
TGAG:214 CGAA:0
CDS
+
1776/2031
592/676
synonymous_variant
LEUM_0536











c.1776_1779delCGAAinsTGAG












p.ValGIu592ValGlu







502272
CATTC
TCTCT
TCTCT:187 CATTC:0
CDS
+
1794/2031
598/676
missense_variant
LEUM_0536











c.1794_1798delCATTCinsTCTCT












p.PheIleLeu598PheLeuLeu







502291
TTG
CTA
CTA:215 TTG:0
CDS
+
1813/2031
605/676
synonymous_variant c.1813_1815delTTGinsCTA
LEUM_0536











p.Leu605Leu







505441
AGG
GGA
GGA:156 AGG:4
CDS
+
826/834
276/277
missense_variant c.826_828delAGGinsGGA
LEUM_0540











p.Arg276Gly







507015
ACCAC
GCCAA
GCCAA:199
CDS

 507/1098
168/365
missense_variant c.503_507delGTGGTinsTTGGC
LEUM_0543






ACCAC:0




p.SerGly168IleGly







508582
TGCT
CGCG
CGCG:163 TGCT:0
CDS
+
 861/1008
287/335
synonymous_variant c.861_864delTGCTinsCGCG
LEUM_0544











p.ProAla287ProAla







509588
TTG
CTA
CTA:171 TTG:0
CDS
+
 751/1866
251/621
synonymous_variant c.751_753delTrGinsCTA
LEUM_0545











p.Leu251Leu







510386
GTCATA
ATCTTG
ATCTTG:158
CDS
+
1549/1866
517/621
missense_variant
LEUM_0545






GTCATA:0




c.1549_1554delGTCATAinsATCTTG












p.ValIle517IleLeu







511743
CAGC
AAGT
AAGT:187 CAGC:0
CDS
+
 927/1347
309/448
synonymous_variant c.927_930delCAGansAAGT
LEUM_0546











p.LeuSer309LeuSer







519040
TCGT
CCGC
CCGC:165 TCGT:0
CDS
+
210/1371
 70/456
synonymous_variant c.210_213delTCGTinsCCGC
LEUM_0553











p.GlyArg70GlyArg







530354
TTGG
GTGA
GTGA:118 TTGG:0
CDS
+
 193/1728
 65/575
missense_variant c.193_196delTTGGinsGTGA
LEUM_0562











p.LeuVal65ValMet







536863
AAGA
GAGG
GAGG:178 AAGA:0
CDS
+
1959/2301
653/766
synonymous_variant
LEUM_0566











c.1959_1962delAAGAinsGAGG












p.SerArg653SerArg







560132
AAC
TAT
TAT:202 AAC:0
CDS
+
423/882
141/293
missense_variant c.423_425delAACinsTAT
LEUM_0589











p.ValThr141ValMet







603339
AAT
GAC
GAC:238 AAT:0
CDS
+
 673/1944
225/647
missense_variant c.673_675delAATinsGAC
LEUM_0636











p.Asn225Asp







607531
GAGC
AAGT
AAGT:217 GAGC:0
CDS
+
438/894
146/297
missense_variant c.438_441delGAGCMsAAGT
LEUM_0640











p.MetSer146IleSer







610263
TAACA
CAACG
CAACG:174
CDS
+
 773/1464
258/487
missense_variant c.773_777delTAACAMsCAACG
LEUM_0643






TAACA:0




p.LeuThr258SerThr







610344
TAG CTGC
CAGCTGCAA
CAGCTGCAAGTG:127
CDS
+
 854/1464
285/487
missense_variant&inframe_deletion
LEUM_0643




AAGTGCT
GTG
TAGCTGCAAGTGCT




c.854_864delTAGCTGCAAGTinsCA





GCAAGTG

GCAAGTG:0




p.Ile285_Ser288delinsThr







613023
CGGC
AGGT
AGGT:209 CGGC:0
CDS
+
 801/1143
267/380
synonymous_variant c.801_804delCGGCinsAGGT
LEUM_0645











p.ProGly267ProGly







613326
GACG
AACA
AACA:160 GACG:0
CDS
+
1104/1143
368/380
synonymous_variant
LEUM_0645











c.1104_1107delGACGinsAACA












p.AlaThr368AlaThr







615534
GTTG
ATTA
ATTA:217 GTTG:0












615580
GCCC
CCCT
CCCT:199 GCCC:0












641900
TCCG
CCCA
CCCA:199 TCCG:0
CDS
+
417/570
139/189
synonymous_variant c.417_420delTCCGinsCCCA
LEUM_0673











p.TyrPro139TyrPro







642442
CAGTA
TAGCG
TAGCG:148
CDS
+
282/684
 94/227
missense_variant c.282_286delCAGTAinsTAGCG
LEUM_0674






CAGTA:0




p.GlySerThr94GlySerAla







654478
CTTC
TTTT
TTTT:217 CTTC:0
CDS
+
597/795
199/264
synonymous_variant c.597_600delCTTCinsTTTT
LEUM_0686











p.AsnPhe199AsnPhe







658429
TCG
GCA
GCA:147 TCG:0
CDS
+
 622/4314
 208/1437
missense_variant c.622_624delTCGinsGCA
LEUM_0689











p.Ser208Ala







671357
CAGTTAT
AAGCTAC
AAGCTAC:180
CDS
+
432/891
144/296
synonymous_variant
LEUM_0698






CAGTTAT:0




c.432_438delCAGTTATinsAAGCTAC












p.LeuSerTyr144LeuSerTyr







697054
AAT
CAG
CAG:204 AAT:0
CDS
+
2160/2217
720/738
missense_variant c.2160_2162delAATinsCAG
LEUM_0723











p.LeuIle720PheSer







700692
ACCC
CCCT
CCCT:206 ACCC:0
CDS
+
 378/1527
126/508
synonymous_variant c.378_381delACCCinsCCCT
LEUM_0727
purH










p.GlyPro126GlyPro







700713
AGCT
TGCC
TGCC:209 AGCT:0
CDS
+
 399/1527
133/508
synonymous_variant c.399_402delAGCTinsTGCC
LEUM_0727
purH










p.AlaAla133AlaAla







701025
CGGCAAA
TGGTAAG
TGGTAAG:121
CDS
+
 711/1527
237/508
synonymous_variant
LEUM_0727
purH





CGGCAAA:0




c.711_717delCGGCAAAinsTGGTAAG












p.HisGlyLys237HisGlyLys







723536
CACTG
TACTC
TACTC:162 CACTG:0
CDS
+
326/534
109/177
missense_variant c.326_330delCACTGinsTACTC
LEUM_0746











p.ThrLeu109IleLeu







726007
ATAAA
TTTAT
TTTAT:130 ATAAA:0












745561
ATAAT
GTAAC
GTAAC:87 ATAAT:0












751089
ACTG
GCTA
GCTA:157 ACTG:0
CDS
+
2232/3339
744/1112
synonymous_variant
LEUM_0774











c.2232_2235delACTGinsGCTA












p.GluLeu744GluLeu







769650
GCCA
ACCG
ACCG:139 GCCA:0
CDS

 27/834
  8/277
synonymous_variant c.24_27delTGGCinsCGGT
LEUM_0791











p.AspGly8AspGly







784937
CCCG
TCCA
TCCA:96 CCCG:0
CDS

1608/1674
535/557
synonymous_variant
LEUM_0807











c.1605_1608delCGGGinsTGGA p.IleGly535IleGly







787928
AAACG
GAACC
GAACC:132
CDS
+
1190/1701
397/566
missense_variant
LEUM_0808






AAACG:0




c.1190_1194delAAACGinsGAACC












p.GlnThr397ArgThr







788232
TATCATC
CATCTTG
CATCTTG:120
CDS
+
1494/1701
498/566
missense_variant
LEUM_0808






TATCATC:0




c.1494_1500delTATCATCinsCATCTTG












p.ThrlIeIle498ThrIleLeu







796989
ATTAGGC
GCTGGGT
GCTGGGT:149












ATTAGGC:0












797082
GGGA
TGGG
TGGG:154 GGGA:0












797274
TAAAA
GAAAC
GAAAC:136












TAAAA:0












800184
ACAAT
GCAAG
GCAAG:171
CDS
+
 900/4521
 300/1506
missense_variant c.900_904delACAATinsGCAAG
LEUM_0818






ACAAT:0




p.ProGlnSer300ProGlnAla







829273
CATTAT
AAGTAC
AAGTAC:116
CDS
+
211/909
 71/302
missense_variant
LEUM_0842






CATTAT:0




c.211_216delCATTATinsAAGTAC












p.HisTyr7lLysTyr







831087
TAGC
CAAT
CAAT:103 TAGC:0
CDS

408/897
135/298
synonymous_variant c.405_408delGCTAinsATTG
LEUM_0844











p.ValLeu135ValLeu







831917
GAACAGG
AAACCGGC
AAACCGGC:130
CDS
+
 300/2025
100/674
synonymous_variant
LEUM_0845




T

GAACAGGT:0




c.300_307delGAACAGGTinsAAACCGGC












p.GlyAsnArgLeu100GlyAsnArgLeu







832789
GAGC
CAGT
CAGT:158 GAGC:0
CDS
+
1172/2025
391/674
missense_variant c.1172_1175delGAGCinsCAGT
LEUM_0845











p.GlyAla391AlaVal







833573
TATGG
CATGA
CATGA:172
CDS
+
1956/2025
652/674
missense_variant
LEUM_0845






TATGG:0




c.1956_1960delTATGGinsCATGA












p.HisMetAla652HisMetThr







835366
GCAT
ACAA
ACAA:139 GCAT:0
CDS
+
 459/1149
153/382
missense_variant c.459_462delGCATinsACAA
LEUM_0847











p.GlyHis153GlyGln







838604
AAGT
GAGC
GAGC:132 AAGT:0
CDS
+
687/729
229/242
synonymous_variant c.687_690delAAGTinsGAGC
LEUM_0849











p.GlySer229GlySer







838832
GGTAC
AGCAT
AGCAT:131
CDS
+
185/330
 62/109
missense_variant c.185_189delGGTACinsAGCAT
LEUM_0850






GGTAC:0




p.GlyTyr62GluHis







843675
CAGATTA
AAAATCAAA
AAAATCAAAA:133
CDS
+
 256/1620
 86/539
missense_variant
LEUM_0854




ACG
A
CAGATTAACG:0




c.256_265delCAGATTAACGinsAAAATCAAAA












p.GlnIleAsnAla86LysIleLysThr







843731
GAAT
AAAC
AAAC:158 GAAT:0
CDS
+
 312/1620
104/539
synonymous_variant c.312_315delGAATinsAAAC
LEUM_0854











p.LysAsn104LysAsn







847585
AACA
GACG
GACG:149 AACA:0
CDS
+
 660/8466
 220/2821
synonymous_variant c.660_663delAACAinsGACG
LEUM_0857











p.ThrThr220ThrThr







853659
ATA
GTG
GTG:201 ATA:0
CDS
+
6734/8466
2245/2821
missense_variant c.6734_6736delATAinsGTG
LEUM_0857











p.AsnAsn2245SerAsp







863407
GTAA
TTGC
TTGC:77 GTAA:0












870920
TC
TAT
TAT:106 TC:0












876892
ATAGCTC
CTAGATCG
CTAGATCG:171
CDS
+
 367/2223
123/740
missense_variant
LEUM_0882




A

ATAGCTCA:0




c.367_374delATAGCTCAinsCTAGATCG












p.IleAlaHis123LeuAspArg







877704
CGCC
TGCT
TGCT:185 CGCC:0
CDS
+
1179/2223
393/740
synonymous_variant
LEUM_0882











c.1179_1182delCGCCinsTGCT p.TyrAla393TyrAla







880042
ACTAT
TCTAC
TCTAC:151 ACTAT:0
CDS
+
  77/1506
 26/501
missense_variant c.77_81delACTATinsTCTAC
LEUM_0884











p.AsnTyr26IleTyr







883034
ACCACTT
GCCGCTC
GCCGCTC:136
CDS
+
1422/2253
474/750
missense_variant
LEUM_0885






ACCACTT:0




c.1422_1428delACCACTTinsGCCGCTC












p.IleProLeu474MetProLeu







883123
GAGA
AAGG
AAGG:126 GAGA:0
CDS
+
1511/2253
504/750
missense_variant c.1511_1514delGAGAinsAAGG
LEUM_0885











p.ArgGlu504LysGly







893725
TAA
CAG
CAG:132 TAA:0
CDS
+
1167/2259
389/752
missense_variant c.1167_1169delTAAinsCAG
LEUM_0894











p.AlaLys389AlaArg







894794
AAA
GAG
GAG:173 AAA:0
CDS
+
2236/2259
746/752
missense_variant c.2236_2238delAAAinsGAG
LEUM_0894











p.Lys746Glu







895508
CAAG
TAAA
TAAA:112 CAAG:0
CDS
+
675/687
225/228
synonymous_variant c.675_678delCAAGinsTAAA
LEUM_0895











p.IleLys225IleLys







895583
ATTAAGC
GTCAAGTT
GTCAAGTT:92
CDS

 996/1008
330/335
missense_variant
LEUM_0896




G

ATTAAGCG:0




c.989_996delCGCTTAATinsAACTTGAC












p.ThrLeuAsn330LysLeuAsp







895607
CGGT
TGGG
TGGG:101 CGGT:0
CDS

 972/1008
323/335
synonymous_variant c.969_972delACCGinsCCCA
LEUM_0896











p.ValPro323ValPro







903892
CTTTGCCT
TTTTACCTC
TTTTACCTC:158
CDS
+
1215/1839
405/612
missense_variant
LEUM_0901




T

CTTTGCCTT:0




c.1215_1223delCTTTGCCTTinsTTTTACCTC












p.AlaPheAlaLeu405AlaPheThrSer







907285
GCTAC
ACTAT
ACTAT:127 GCTAC:0












911930
CAGC
TAGT
TAGT:94 CAGC:0
CDS
+
 39/822
 13/273
synonymous_variant c.39_42delCAGCinsTAGT
LEUM_0909











p.SerSer13SerSer







933210
CAGGGC
GAGCGT
GAGCGT:156
CDS
+
1909/1992
637/663
missense_variant
LEUM_0929






CAGGGC:0




c.1909_1914delCAGGGCinsGAGCGT












p.GlnGly637GluArg







945839
TAG
TAAA
TAAA:60 TAG:0












945853
GAT
AAC
AAC:61 GAT:0












972869
CATT
TATC
TATC:142 CATT:0
CDS
+
168/480
 56/159
synonymous_variant c.168_171delCATTinsTATC
LEUM_0972











p.HisIle56HisIle







980203
TTAGTA
CTGGTG
CTGGTG:85
CDS
+
220/513
 74/170
synonymous_variant
LEUM_0980






TTAGTA:0




c.220_225delTTAGTAinsCTGGTG












p.LeuVal74LeuVal







980531
TCATTA
CAATTG
CAATTG:125












TCATTA:0












982914
AGCT
GGCA
GGCA:58 AGCT:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_0984






986252
GGTCC
TGTCT
TGTCT:31 GGTCC:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_0987






986279
CGAAACG
TGAGACACT
TGAGACACTAATTA:30
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_0987




CTCATTC
AATTA
CGAAACGCTCATTC:0












986308
GGTC
AGAT
AGAT:30 GGTC:0












986319
ATT
GTC
GTC:31 ATT:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_0988






986356
CGTT
TGTG
TGTG:30 CGTT:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_0988






986375
GTTTCAG
ATGTCGGA
ATGTCGGAAGAG:25
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_0988




AAAAA
AGAG
GTTTCAGAAAAA:0












1008480
CAAG
TAAA
TAAA:14 CAAG:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1008






1008786
CCTG
TCTA
TCTA:1619 CCTG:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1009






1008954
ACCC
GCCA
GCCA:1877 ACCC:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1009






1022214
TTTG
ATTA
ATTA:76 TTTG:0












1135118
TGG
CGA
CGA:83 TGG:0












1135159
TCGT
CCGC
CCGC:83 TCGT:0












1135269
TTAC
CTAT
CTAT:123 TTAC:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1138






1138281
GTTT
ATTC
ATTC:201 GTTT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1142






1139585
CAACC
TAACT
TAACT:197 CAACC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1143






1155368
AGCG
GGCA
GGCA:141 AGCG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1157






1157871
ATTT
GTTG
GTTG:155 ATTT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1161






1169465
GTCG
TTCT
TTCT:178 GTCG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1172






1170652
GCG
TCA
TCA:135 GCG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1173






1170669
TATC
CATT
CATT:124 TATC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1173






1170980
TTTA
CTCG
CTCG:123 TTTA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1174






1174201
GAC
AAT
AAT:87 GAC:0












1174261
CGTG
AGTA
AGTA:130 CGTG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1177






1183816
GGTA
AGTG
AGTG:139 GGTA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1187






1194019
GCAAT
ACAAC
ACAAC:139
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1195






GCAAT:0












1238393
GGCAGG
AGTAGA
AGTAGA:81












GGCAGG:0












1238441
TAAT
GATA
GATA:47 TAAT:0












1258437
CTT
TTG
TTG:43 CTT:0












1263043
TGGG
CGGA
CGGA:194 TGGG:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1275






1267583
TGGGCAG
GGGTCAA
GGGTCAA:131
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1279






TGGGCAG:0












1289296
TCTC
CCTT
CCTT:197 TCTC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1302






1294486
ACAA
GCA
GCA:189 ACAA:0












1296449
CAGCTGT
TATCCGTG
TATCCGTG:188
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1309
aspS



A

CAGCTGTA:0












1302442
TCCG
ACCA
ACCA:161 TCCG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1314






1303222
AGTA
GGTG
GGTG:220 AGTA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1314






1306063
TACC
GACA
GACA:193 TACC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1316
lacZ





1319219
TACAGCA
CACATCAC
CACATCAC:135










A

TACAGCAA:0












1319558
ATTTAAGT
CTACAATAT
CTACAATATCACTTC










TCAGTCA
CACTTCCC
CC:109










CA

ATTTAAGTTCAGTCA












CA:0












1319611
ACGTCT
CCGTTC
CCGTTC:146












ACGTCT:0












1319951
ACGC
GCGT
GCGT:150 ACGC:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1334






1345228
ACTTG
GCTTA
GCTTA:204 ACTTG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1363






1346846
TGGG
CGGA
CGGA:191 TGGG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1363






1392214
TAAA
AAGC
AAGC:157 TAAA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1404






1396399
CGC
TGT
TGT:177 CGC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1408






1407216
TGA
AGC
AGC:120 TGA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1412






1407234
TGTTAGT
AGCTAAC
AGCTAAC:94
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1412






TGTTAGT:0












1407252
AATG
GATA
GATA:112 AATG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1412






1410440
GCTT
ACTC
ACTC:158 GCTT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1415






1410471
CTT
ATC
ATC:162 CTT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1415






1415069
TTTC
CTTA
CTTA:140 TTTC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1420






1415084
CACT
AACA
AACA:142 CACT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1420






1415294
AAGT
TAGC
TAGC:163 AAGT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1420






1415654
GTAC
ATAA
ATAA:203 GTAC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1420






1415711
AGCT
CGCC
CGCC:184 AGCT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1420






1415881
AAC
GAA
GAA:192 AAC:0












1416065
GCCT
TCCA
TCCA:207 GCCT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1421






1416263
GTTT
ATTA
ATTA:191 GTTT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1421






1416317
GATG
AATA
AATA:199 GATG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1421






1416380
CAAA
TAAG
TAAG:211 CAAA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1421






1416695
TGTT
GGTC
GGTC:168 TGTT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1421






1417341
ATTG
GTTA
GTTA:195 ATTG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1422






1417434
ATTA
GTTG
GTTG:217 ATTA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1422






1417596
CAG
TAA
TAA:222 CAG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1423






1417722
AAGGAGA
GAGAAGT
GAGAAGT:134
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1423






AAGGAGA:0












1417734
CAACGTT
GTGTGTC
GTGTGTC:128
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1423






CAACGTT:0












1417782
GTCT
ATCC
ATCC:185 GTCT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1423






1417965
CTTGTCA
TTTATCG
TTTATCG :206
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1423






CTTGTCA:0












1418013
GCCA
ACCG
ACCG:208 GCCA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1423






1418025
GGCG
AGCA
AGCA:180 GGCG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1423






1418040
TAAAGCC
CAGAGCAG
CAGAGCAGCTTC:88
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1423




TCTTG
CTTC
TAAAGCCTCTTG:0












1418061
TTG
CTC
CTC:91 TTG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1423






1418069
GACCGGC
ACCCTGCG
ACCCTGCG:89
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1423




A

GACCGGCA:0












1418094
TCCC
ACCT
ACCT:100 TCCC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1423






1418103
TAAG
CAGA
CAGA:87 TAAG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1423






1418148
CGCG
TGCA
TGCA:197 CGCG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1423






1418160
GCCA
ACCG
ACCG:194 GCCA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1423






1418193
GTGCAA
ATTTAG
ATTTAG:162
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1423






GTGCAA:0












1418208
ATGG
CTGA
CTGA:175 ATGG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1423






1418271
TTTT
ATCC
ATCC:170 TTTT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1423






1418322
TTTA
CTTG
CTTG:167 TTTA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1423






1418385
AGAG
GGAA
GGAA:118 AGAG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1423






1418582
ACC
GCT
GCT:210 ACC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1424






1418878
TGCCTCG
AGTCTCA
AGTCTCA:149
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1424






TGCCTCG:0












1418950
ACTC
GCTT
GCTT:163 ACTC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1424






1419097
CCTA
TCTG
TCTG:175 CCTA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1424






1419197
GTGCT
TTGCC
TTGCC:208 GTGCT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1424






1419226
GTTA
ATTG
ATTG:221 GTTA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1424






1419311
TCG
GCC
GCC:230 TCG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1424






1419388
GCTT
ACTG
ACTG:223 GCTT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1424






1419438
TTTTAG
GTTG
GTTG:162 TTTTAG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1424






1429917
TGGCTCC
AGGCACCTT
AGGCACCTTTAGTC
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1434




TCTATTTG
TAGTCGTTT
GTTTTA:173










TCTTT
TA
TGGCTCCTCTATTTG












TCTTT:0












1429993
TGTG
CGTA
CGTA:204 TGTG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1434






1430085
AGAGT
GGAGC
GGAGC:169
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1434






AGAGT:0












1430128
GTTG
ATTA
ATTA:172 GTTG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1434






1430143
AGACGTG
GGCTGTA
GGCTGTA:153
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1434






AGACGTG:0












1430176
CTCT
TTCA
TTCA:177 CTCT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1434






1430203
CCCG
TCCA
TCCA:186 CCCG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1434






1430314
AGCTGTG
GGCAGTCA
GGCAGTCACT:192
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1434




ACC
CT
AGCTGTGACC:0












1430344
CAAC
TAAG
TAAG:206 CAAC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1434






1430374
TTCG
CTCA
CTCA:216 TTCG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1434






1430413
TAAA
CAAG
CAAG:214 TAAA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1434






1430623
CTCT
TTCA
TTCA:192 CTCT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1435






1430785
AACCAAT
TACAAAACC
TACAAAACCA:159
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1435




CCT
A
AACCAATCCT:0












1430806
CAA
TAG
TAG:183 CAA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1435






1430942
TTAGAAT
GTAGGATT
GTAGGATT:180
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1435




C

TTAGAATC:0












1431011
CTTTTT
TCTTTC
TCTTTC:161
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1435






CTTTTT:0












1431073
CTTA
TTTT
TTTT:160 CTTA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1435






1431088
CAGA
TAGG
TAGG:142 CAGA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1435






1431356
AAC
TAT
TAT:129 AAC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1435






1431525
TTT
CTC
CTC:143 TTT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1436






1431755
CACC
TACT
TACT:154 CACC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1436






1431803
CGTA
TGTG
TGTG:139 CGTA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1436






1432287
GCAAA
ACAAT
ACAAT:162












GCAAA:0












1432326
AAAC
TACT
TACT:140 AAAC:0












1432336
TAAAA
GAAAG
GAAAG:143












TAAAA:0












1432349
TATG
CATA
CATA:141 TATG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1437






1432378
CTGA
TTGG
TTGG:207 CTGA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1437






1432717
AAT
CAC
CAC:213 AAT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1437






1433379
CCA
GCG
GCG:209 CCA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1438






1433417
GGACTTA
AGATTTG
AGATTTG:205
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1438






GGACTTA:0












1433441
CACA
TACG
TACG:222 CACA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1438






1433984
CGTG
TGTA
TGTA:206 CGTG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1438






1436006
AAAG
GAAA
GAAA:254 AAAG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1440






1436796
CAA
TAC
TAC:92 CAA:0












1437736
CAAA
TAAG
TAAG:245 CAAA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1443






1437751
CTTA
TTTG
TTTG:249 CTTA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1443






1441725
CGCTT
TGCTTT
TGCTTT:165












CGCTT:0












1444575
CAAAAAA
CAAAAAAA
CAAAAAAAACAAAC:127










AAAAAAA
ACAAAC
CAAAAAAAAAAAAAC:0










C














1447932
AAAC
GAAT
GAAT:203 AAAC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1454






1474016
TTAAC
CTAAT
CTAAT:171 TTAAC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1480






1475011
TAGT
CAGC
CAGC:175 TAGT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1481






1475048
TGTG
CGTT
CGTT:194 TGTG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1481






1475219
TTGT
CTGC
CTGC:188 TTGT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1481






1477474
TTAAC
CTAAA
CTAAA:148 TTAAC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1481






1501570
AGATC
GCATG
GCATG:145
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1502






AGATC:0












1501590
ACA
GCG
GCG:140 ACA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1502






1510576
TAAT
CAAA
CAAA:199 TAAT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1513






1518189
AGGC
GGGT
GGGT:152 AGGC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1520
engB





1519140
AGCA
GGCT
GGCT:222 AGCA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1521
cIpX





1519209
GGAG
AGAT
AGAT:236 GGAG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1521
cIpX





1527336
GTCC
ATCT
ATCT:171 GTCC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1529






1539200
GAAA
AAAG
AAAG:234 GAAA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1539






1548015
CAAACT
AGAACA
AGAACA:112
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1546






CAAACT:0












1553910
AATT
GATA
GATA:154 AATT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1554






1563023
ATAG
TTAA
TTAA:147 ATAG:0












1563156
CCCC
TCCT
TCCT:161 CCCC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1564






1563399
ACCG
GCCC
GCCC:202 ACCG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1564






1570912
GGGA
AGGG
AGGG:201 GGGA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1569






1575438
GCAAA
ACAAG
ACAAG:118












GCAAA:0












1576436
TTCT
CTCC
CTCC:188 TTCT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1575






1576450
GTATA
ATATC
ATATC:188 GTATA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1575






1576582
CCTC
ACTT
ACTT:201 CCTC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1575






1582261
CACA
GACG
GACG:210 CACA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1578






1582441
TACTGCA
CACCGCG
CACCGCG:178
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1578






TACTGCA:0












1589522
ACTGC
GCCGT
GCCGT:119
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1586






ACTGC:0












1622472
TTATAT
ACGTAC
ACGTAC:247
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1624






TTATAT:0












1624045
AGCCTAC
GCCCGAT
GCCCGAT:111
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1627






AGCCTAC:0












1624058
CAAG
GAGA
GAGA:110 CAAG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1627






1624079
TATT
AATCA
AATCA:164 TATT:0












1624096
ATTA
GTTG
GTTG:184 ATTA:0












1624117
TAG
CAA
CAA:203 TAG:0












1624234
GCCGCCA
ACCACCG
ACCACCG:231
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1628






GCCGCCA:0












1624336
TTGA
CTGG
CTGG:149 TTGA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1628






1624351
ATTACCA
GTTCCCG
GTTCCCG:149
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1628






ATTACCA:0












1624431
TGTTG
AGTTA
AGTTA:98 TGTTG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1628






1624459
CTTA
TTGT
TTGT:84 CTTA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1628






1624574
TTG
GTA
GTA:149 TTG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1628






1624609
GCCG
TCCA
TCCA:180 GCCG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1628






1624618
TCCG
GCCA
GCCA:193 TCCG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1628






1624654
GTTGGAA
ATTTGAG
ATTTGAG:220
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1628






GTTGGAA:0












1624720
TAA
CAT
CAT:230 TAA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1628






1624729
AGCG
GGCA
GGCA:229 AGCG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1628






1624843
TAG
CAA
CAA:250 TAG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1628






1624858
ATTA
GTTG
GTTG:243 ATTA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1628






1624900
TGCG
AGCA
AGCA:250 TGCG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1628






1624918
GGCTAGC
AGCCAGT
AGCCAGT:239
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1628






GGCTAGC:0












1624978
CACCGAG
GACTGAA
GACTGAA:222
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1628






CACCGAG:0












1625140
AAACGAA
GAATGAG
GAATGAG:202
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1628






AAACGAA:0












1625152
ATAATTTG
GTAGCTTGT
GTAGCTTGT:206
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1628




C

ATAATTTGC:0












1625209
CACG
TACA
TACA:233 CACG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1628






1629235
GATG
TATA
TATA:176 GATG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1635






1629250
ATTA
GTTG
GTTG:180 ATTA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1635






1629328
TGTGTTC
CATATTTAG
CATATTTAGAGAC:159
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1635




AAAGAT
AGAC
TGTGTTCAAAGAT:0












1629619
TAATGCG
CAGTGCA
CAGTGCA:203
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1635






TAATGCG:0












1629658
TATC
GATT
GATT:223 TATC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1635






1629722
ACACCTG
TCTGCTAA
TCTGCTAA:130
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1635






ACACCTG:0












1629759
ATGA
GTGC
GTGC:191 ATGA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1635






1650708
TAAC
AAAT
AAAT:59 TAAC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1656






1650750
AGGAATC
ATAGATTGG
ATAGATTGGCTCG:35










GTTCA
CTCG
AGGAATCGTTCA:0












1650948
ACGCATT
GCGCCTC
GCGCCTC:199
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1657






ACGCATT:0












1651008
ATTG
GTTA
GTTA:221 ATTG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1657






1651041
TAT
CAC
CAC:223 TAT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1657






1651098
ATA
GTC
GTC:188 ATA:0












1651117
GTGCA
GATA
GATA:133 GTGCA:0












1651140
GCCA
ACCG
ACCG:210 GCCA:0












1651201
TTCC
CTCT
CTCT:224 TTCC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1658






1656232
GCCT
ACCC
ACCC:197 GCCT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1671






1661069
CACT
AACC
AACC:262 CACT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1680






1665094
TTTTAAAC
CTTCAAATC
CTTCAAATCATCG:164
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1690




CGTCA
ATCG
TTTTAAACCGTCA:0












1665117
CTTCC
ATTCA
ATTCA:176 CTTCC:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1690






1665274
GTACGGC
ATATGGG
ATATGGG:200
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1690






GTACGGC:0












1665286
CCAC
TCAT
TCAT:208 CCAC:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1690






1665328
CGGA
TGGC
TGGC:200 CGGA:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1690






1665337
GAAAGAC
AAAGGATG
AAAGGATGCC:196
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1690




GCT
CC
GAAAGACGCT:0












1665424
GAAA
AAAG
AAAG:171 GAAA:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1690






1665436
GTATG
ATACA
ATACA:144
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1690






GTATG:0












1665448
CAAGCGC
TAAACGT
TAAACGT:139
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1690






CAAGCGC:0












1665484
ACCTACC
GCCAACT
GCCAACT:153
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1690






ACCTACC:0












1665529
TTTA
ATTG
ATTG:168 TTTA:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1690






1665572
AGAAC
GGAAT
GGAAT:198
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1690






AGAAC:0












1665664
GGG
AGA
AGA:206 GGG:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1690






1665752
TTACAA
CTGCAG
CTGCAG:201
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1690






TTACAA:0












1665790
GATTACT
AATAACA
AATAACA:195
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1690






GATTACT:0












1665814
TAGT
CAGC
CAGC:202 TAGT:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1690






1666025
TTAT
ATAC
ATAC:134 TTAT:0












1667151
TAAAAAA
TAAAAAAA
TAAAAAAAG:78










T
G
TAAAAAAT:0












1669413
AAACA
GAACG
GAACG:158
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1695






AAACA:0












1670484
ACCT
TCCC
TCCC:177 ACCT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1696






1672983
ACTGG
GCTGT
GCTGT:189
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1698






ACTGG:0












1684163
GTCTC
ATCTT
ATCTT:153 GTCTC:0












1695377
ACCG
GCCA
GCCA:273 ACCG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1726






1696196
GGCCGCT
TGCAGCCAA
TGCAGCCAACATA:189
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1726




AGCATG
CATA
GGCCGCTAGCATG:0












1696244
TCGCAA
CCGTAG
CCGTAG:215
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1726






TCGCAA:0












1716146
TAATT
CAATC
CAATC:45 TAATT:0












1717930
ATCA
GTCT
GTCT:47 ATCA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1748






1717975
ATCGATG
GTCTATA
GTCTATA:22
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1748






ATCGATG:0












1718317
ATCG
GTCT
GTCT:10 ATCG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1748






1718353
ATTT
GTTC
GTTC:22 ATTT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1748






1719685
GGA
AGG
AGG:289 GGA:2
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1748






1725927
TAGCC
CAGCT
CAGCT:186
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1752






TAGCC:1












1726130
GCTA
TCTG
TCTG:43 GCTA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1752






1726179
TATCC
CAGCT
CAGCT:65 TATCC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1752






1726202
GCTA
TCTG
TCTG:90 GCTA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1752






1726215
TAGCC
CAGCT
CAGCT:95 TAGCC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1752






1726251
CAGCT
TAGCC
TAGCC:143
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1752






CAGCT:2












1756654
TCTAC
GCTAT
GCTAT:128 TCTAC:0












1756824
ATC
GTA
GTA:145 ATC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1786






1757247
GAAA
AAAG
AAAG:196 GAAA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1786






1759552
TACT
CACC
CACC:256 TACT:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1788






1759606
GGCG
AGCA
AGCA:266 GGCG:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1788






1760925
ACCCGAT
GCCACTAG
GCCACTAGGCTGCAT:37










GGGTTGT
GCTGCAT
ACCCGATGGGTTGTATT:0










ATT














1760955
CAAATGA
TAAGTGG
TAAGTGG:35
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1791






CAAATGA:0












1760994
GGCTGCA
AGCAGCGA
AGCAGCGAAAGCAG
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1791




AACGCTG
AAGCAGCG
CGCGTAAACGAAGT:37










CACGCAG
CGTAAACG
GGCTGCAAACGCTG










GCGCAGC
AAGT
CACGCAGGCGCAGC:0












1761057
CTTGGGG
TTTTGGT
TTTTGGT:167
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1791






CTTGGGG:0












1761069
CTGGGGT
TTGTGGAAT
TTGTGGAATTAATAC
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1791




ATCAAAA
TAATACTGT
TGTCACT:168










CGGTTAC
CACT
CTGGGGTATCAAAA










A

CGGTTACA:0












1761096
GTTA
ATTG
ATTG:166 GTTA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1791






1761107
CTGCCTG
TTGCTTGT
TTGCTTGT:173
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1791




C

CTGCCTGC:0












1764663
UC
CTG
CTG:125 TTC:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1793






1766295
TAA
CAG
CAG:302 TAA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1794






1776537
CGA
AGC
AGC:191 CGA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1803






1790033
CTGT
TTGC
TTGC:198 CTGT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1817






1824412
CAA
AAG
AAG:178 CAA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1850






1830003
GAGA
AAGG
AAGG:208 GAGA:0












1842065
ACCA
GCCC
GCCC:231 ACCA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1868
atpC





1857246
ATTACCTT
GTTATCAAA
GTTATCAAAGGTAA










TGATAAC
GGTAAT
T:71












ATTACCTTTGATAAC:0












1860337
AGA
GGG
GGG:145 AGA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1886






1861225
CTTTGCA
TTTTACG
TTTTACG:221
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1888






CTTTGCA:0












1875169
ATT
GTC
GTC:252 ATT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1900






1878574
ACG
AA
AA:157 ACG:1












1878900
GCAAGT
ATAAGC
ATAAGC:121
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1905






GCAAGT:0












1878918
GTG
TTT
TTT:121 GTG:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1905






1878926
CTTT
TTTC
TTTC:114 CTTT:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1905






1878938
ATAGA
GTAA
GTAA:113 ATAGA:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1905






1878945
TCCC
GACG
GACG:112 TCCC:0












1878959
GTAT
TTAA
TTAA:139 GTAT:0












1879309
CCTAGCC
TCTGGCCT
TCTGGCCT:176










A

CCTAGCCA:0












1882947
AGTAGT
GGTTGC
GGTTGC:244












AGTAGT:0












1882969
TACAT
GACAC
GACAC:243












TACAT:0












1886783
CCAATCA
TCGATCG
TCGATCG:207
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1917






CCAATCA:0












1887546
TAGG
CAAA
CAAA:137 TAGG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1919






1887555
ACGTGTT
TCGCGTA
TCGCGTA:147
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1919






ACGTGTT:0












1887567
CAATGAA
TAGAGAGC
TAGAGAGCCA:147
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1919




CCG
CA
CAATGAACCG:0












1887582
TTCA
CTCG
CTCG:153 TTCA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1919






1887645
GGCT
AGCC
AGCC:249 GGCT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1919






1887654
CTTG
TTTA
TTTA:252 CTTG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1919






1887666
ACGAAGC
GCGCAAT
GCGCAAT:172
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1919






ACGAAGC:0












1887684
CTGG
TTGT
TTGT:196 CTGG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1919






1887711
TGTCACTT
AGTTACCTG
AGTTACCTGG:239
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1919




GA
G
TGTCACTTGA:0












1887732
GCCG
ACCA
ACCA:275 GCCG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1919






1887771
CTTC
TTTT
TTTT:299 CTTC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1919






1887795
CGCTCCA
TGCACCG
TGCACCG:316
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1919






CGCTCCA:0












1887821
ATTTA
GCTTG
GCTTG:277 ATTTA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1919






1887831
GTTTCCA
ATTACCG
ATTACCG:281
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1919






GTTTCCA:0












1887852
GTGA
ATGT
ATGT:312 GTGA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1919






1887867
ACTG
GCTA
GCTA:324 ACTG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1919






1887897
TAG
CAA
CAA:307 TAG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1919






1887906
AGCA
GGCG
GGCG:305 AGCA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1919






1896684
TCAGC
CCAGA
CCAGA:220
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1927






TCAGC:0












1897538
GCGC
ACGT
ACGT:286 GCGC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1928






1915818
AGTT
GGTC
GGTC:305 AGTT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1944






1917475
TTA
CTC
CTC:134 TTA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1945






1933246
TCA
CCG
CCG:225 TCA:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1960






1933618
CATT
TATA
TATA:200 CATT:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1960






1933723
GCCCA
TCCCG
TCCCG:175
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_1960






GCCCA:0












1933941
GTCT
ATT
ATT:134 GTCT:0












1934018
ATATTAC
TTGTTAT
TTGTTAT:133












ATATTAC:0












1934029
ACAA
GTAT
GTAT:135 ACAA:0












1934072
GTAA
ATA
ATA:142 GTAA:0












1934080
ATGTGGC
GTGTTGT
GTGTTGT:142












ATGTGGC:0












1952692
GAATA
TAATG
TAATG:97 GAATA:0












1952721
GAAG
AAAT
AAAT:82 GAAG:0












1952732
GTGTT
TCGTC
TCGTC:78 GTGTT:0












1953810
CGGTG
TTGTA
TTGTA:462












CGGTG:0












1960043
CAATT
TAATC
TAATC:36 CAATT:0












1960073
TTTGGG
AAGGGA
AAGGGA:39












TTTGGG:0












1960134
TGTGTTA
AGTGCTATA
AGTGCTATATTT:34
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1991




AATAC
TTT
TGTGTTAAATAC:0












1960163
GTCA
ATCT
ATCT:36 GTCA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1991






1960179
ATTGC
CTTAA
CTTAA:39 ATTGC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1991






1960376
TGCT
AGCA
AGCA:107 TGCT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1991






1960390
GTCTT
ACCTC
ACCTC:106 GTCTT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_1991






1960567
AAA
CAC
CAC:136 AAA:0












1960585
CTGCA
TTGCG
TTGCG:122












CTGCA:0












1960664
TGTC
CGTT
CGTT:161 TGTC:0












1969902
GTC
ATT
ATT:182 GTC:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_2001






1969941
GTTTA
ATTTT
ATTTT:173 GTTTA:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_2001






1970013
TTAT
CTGC
CTGC:152 TTAT:0
CDS
+


no annotation
LEUM_2001






1978224
AGTAT
GGTAC
GGTAC:277
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_2010






AGTAT:0












1980589
CTTGT
TTTGC
TTTGC:192 CTTGT:0












1994040
TAATT
GAATC
GAATC:291 TAATT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_2027






1996966
GTGG
ATGA
ATGA:363 GTGG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_2030






1996984
GATT
AATC
AATC:258 GATT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_2030






1996993
GGCAGGC
AGCTGGT
AGCTGGT:241
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_2030






GGCAGGC:0












1997007
GACCCCG
ATCCTCGCT
ATCCTCGCTCCGGT:235
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_2030




TTCAGGC
CCGGT
GACCCCGTTCAGGC:0












1997032
CACA
AACG
AACG:318 CACA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_2030






2025691
GCTA
ACTG
ACTG:240 GCTA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_2060






2025829
AACA
GACG
GACG:213 AACA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_2060






2026633
GCAG
ACAA
ACAA:327 GCAG:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_2061






2036598
GCCT
ACCC
ACCC:291 GCCT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_2072






2037136
TCGA
CCGT
CCGT:198 TCGA:0












2037152
TAACA
GAACG
GAACG:210












TAACA:0












2037383
TCCA
CCCT
CCCT:285 TCCA:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_2073






2037417
CGT
TGC
TGC:259 CGT:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_2073






2037438
GTATC
TTATT
TTATT:286 GTATC:0
CDS



no annotation
LEUM_2073









Fermentation

Preparation of starter cultures: Pooled cultures of Leuconostoc mesenteroides (BF1, BF2) and Lactobacillus plantarum (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5) isolated from broccoli (described in fermentation patent and deposited) were used for fermentation. The lactic acid bacteria stock cultures, which were stored at −80° C., were activated by inoculation into 10 mL MRS broth (Oxoid, Victoria, Australia) and incubation at 30° C. for 24 hours to get the primary inoculum. 2 mL of the primary cultures were inoculated into 200 mL of MRS broth to obtain the secondary cultures. After 24 h incubation, the 6 secondary cultures were centrifuged, washed twice with sterile phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and. each of the culture was resuspended in Milli-Q water at a concentration of 10 log colony-forming units per millilitre (CFU/mL) to obtain an initial biomass of 8 log CFU/mL in 100 gm broccoli puree samples. The L. plantarum cultures were mixed with the Leu. mesenteroides cultures at 1:1 proportion prior to inoculation into the broccoli puree samples. Broccoli puree samples were inoculated with the cultures. Each broccoli puree sample was inoculated with the prepared starter culture at an initial level of 8 log CFU/g. The fermentation experiment was carried out at 30° C. until the pH reached ˜4.0.


Methods

The raw and processed broccoli's were assessed for their potential to improve gut health by examining their ability to influence gut microbial activity and stimulate the production of beneficial short chain fatty acids (SCFA) using an in vitro model. That is, broccoli samples of interest were added to tubes containing human stool (from healthy donors collected as described in Charoensiddhi et al. (2016) diluted in media and subsequently incubated to allow fermentation under anaerobic conditions for 24 hours. The broccoli products tested were added to the fermentation medium at 1.5% w/v. The ferment mixtures were then analysed for levels of SCFA, especially the main forms acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid, and also analysed using Q-PCR and sequencing methods to ascertain any changes in the microbial populations in response to the different broccoli substrates. The method comprises converting salts and esters of short chain fatty acids to short chain fatty acids and measuring acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid. Thus, the levels assessed are indicative of an increase in: acetic acid and acetate; propionic acid and propionate: and butyric acid and butyrate. The in vitro fermentation method, SCFA analysis and Q-PCR methods (for the targeted measure of changes in Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, E. coli and total bacteria) are as described in Charoensiddhi et al. (2016). A broad assessment of microbial population changes was carried by PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA region of DNA extracted from the ferment samples and the sequencing of the amplified DNA.


Results

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 fermented broccoli and fermented pre-treated broccoli increased short chain fatty acid production 10 and 24 hours after addition compared to unfermented broccoli control and a cellulose control. As shown in FIG. 16 fermented broccoli and fermented pre-treated broccoli has an increased number of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus) compared to the unfermented broccoli control and the cellulose control.


Example 18—Fermented Broccoli as Delivery Vehicle for Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Methods
Sample Preparation

Fresh broccoli (cv. Solitair) was obtained from a local farm (FreshSelect, Werribee South). Following washing, the broccoli florets were cut at approximately 2 cm from the head and were divided into two lots. The first lot was steamed in a steam oven pre-heated to 100° C. (Rational combi oven) to a core temperature of −65° C. and held at that temperature for 3 min to inactivate the protein co-factor Epithispecifier protein (ESP) followed by cooling in ice-water. Following cooling, the broccoli florets were mixed with water (3 parts broccoli and 2 parts water) and were pureed for 1 min using a kitchen blender (Nutribullet pro 900 series, LLC, USA). The second lot was similarly processed into puree without preheating. Both the control and the preheated broccoli puree were further divided into two lots; fish oil was added at 50% loading to one lot from each group. The fish oil was added at 6% (w/w) since the total solid contents of the broccoli puree samples were ˜6%. Following the addition of oil, the mixture was homogenised into a coarse emulsion using a laboratory scale mixer (Silverson, Model: L4R, USA) at a stirring speed ranging from 2500 rpm to 6000 rpm over 5 minutes. Samples from each lot were further divided into two; one for use as control and the second for subsequent fermentation. The control and the preheated-control samples with or without added oil were immediately frozen after preparation for subsequent freeze drying. The samples and their designation are provided in Table 20.









TABLE 20







Processed broccoli samples and their designation.








Sample type
Sample designation





Control broccoli
C-NF


Control broccoli with tuna oil
C-To-NF


Control fermented broccoli
C-F


Control broccoli fermented with tuna oil
C-To-F


Preheated broccoli
Ph-NF


Preheated broccoli with tuna oil
Ph-To-NF


Preheated fermented broccoli
Ph-F


Preheated broccoli fermented with tuna
Ph-To-F


oil









Preparation of Starter Culture for Fermentation

A cocktail of seven lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from broccoli i.e. 5 Lactobacillus plantarem strains (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5) and two Leuconostoc mesenteroides (BF1, BF2) were used as a starter for the fermentation of broccoli puree samples. To obtain the primary inoculum, lactic acid bacteria cultures which were stored at −80° C. were inoculated into 10 mL of MRS broth (Oxoid, Victoria, Australia) and incubated at 30° C. for 18 hrs. This was followed by a secondary culture where 2 mL of the primary culture was inoculated into 200 mL of MRS broth and incubated for 18 hrs at 30° C. The cultures were collected by centrifugation at 3500 g for 15 min at 4° C., washed twice with sterile phosphate buffer saline (PBS), and were suspended in Milli-Q water at a concentration of 10 log CFU/mL. Then, all the L. plantarum and Leu. mesenteroides cultures were mixed together, glycerol was added to the mixture, the pooled culture was stored at −80° C. until use as a starter culture for broccoli puree fermentation. Prior to the fermentation experiment, the cultures were thawed, washed twice with PBS and resuspended in Milli-Q water.


Fermentation Experiments

Each broccoli puree and emulsion sample (˜450 g) was inoculated with the prepared starter culture at a dose of 8 log CFU/g. The fermentation experiment was carried out at 30° C. until the pH reached ˜4.0, which was from 15 hrs to 48 hours of incubation depending on the sample. Once the fermentation was completed, samples (labelled as day 0 samples) were taken for microbial, physicochemical and chemical analyses. The rest of the ferments were packed in aluminium foil bags and were flat frozen (˜2 cm thick) and stored at −20° C. until freeze drying. The samples were freeze dried using Cuddon freeze dryer (New Zealand) at 25° C. and 2.5 mbar vacuum within 2 days. The freeze-dried powders were used in subsequent analyses and storage stability studies. Following freeze drying, samples were aliquoted for the storage stability trial as described below and the rest of the samples were kept at −80° C. until microbial and chemical analyses. All experiments were conducted in duplicates.


Storage Stability Study

For the storage stability study, 1 g powder samples were aliquoted into amber glass vials, flushed with nitrogen and tightly capped and stored at 25° C. Samples were taken every 10 days for FAME analysis.


Microbial Analysis

The microbiological analyses of the samples were conducted following standard methods in literature (Cai et al., 2019). Accordingly, total lactic acid bacteria (LAB) was enumerated by plating on De Man, Rogosa and Sharpe agar (MRS), total Enterobacteriaceae on VRBGA (Violet Red Blue Glucose Agar), and yeasts and mould on PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar) agar plates with the pH adjusted to 3.5 using 10% tartaric acid. For each sample, the broccoli suspension was serially diluted with sterilized peptone saline diluent and 0.1 mL of the diluted samples were plated onto the agar plates in duplicate. After aerobic incubation at 25° C. for 72 h (PDA), 37° C. for 24 h (VRBGA), and anaerobic incubation at 37° C. for 72 h (MRS), respectively, the colony forming units (CFU) were counted.


Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) Analysis

The oxidative stability of the fish oil encapsulated in freeze-dried broccoli powders (fermented/unfermented broccoli) was evaluated after freeze drying and during storage at 25° C. by direct methylation of microencapsulated powder. The content of Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5 ω3) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 ω3) (mg per g powder) was calculated from the FAME data. The remaining EPA & DHA content (%) during the storage time for each powder was also analysed. Each sample was analysed in triplicate. Fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography (GC). A direct methylation of the powder for fatty acid analysis was conducted in accordance with a previously reported method (Zhou et al., 2009).


Fatty acid methyl esterification and extraction was conducted as follows. A mixture of the powder (10 f 0.01 mg) with the 75 μl internal standards (0.75 mg of 17:0 Triheptadecanoin, TAG in tolune) were suspended in 0.9 mL 1N methanolic HCl and 0.1 mL of Dichloromethane in argon-flushed 2 mL GC vial. The mixture was subsequently incubated in a shaker water bath (100 rpm) at 80° C. for 2 hr. FAME were extracted with 0.3 mL hexane. Transesterified fatty acids were added with 0.3 ml hexane for GC analysis (Shen et al., 2014).


The samples were quantified by GC following previously described method with some modifications (Shen et al., 2014). FAME solution (1 μL) was injected at a split ratio of 1:40 into a GC column (BPX 70 fused silica column, 30 m, 0.25 mm id and 0.25 lm films, SGE, Australia), installed in a model 7890A GC system equipped with a model 7693 autosampler (Agilent Technologies Australia Pty Ltd., Mulgrave, Victoria 3170, Australia). The GC column temperature was increased from 60 to 170° C. at a rate of 20° C./min, then to 192° C. at a rate of 1° C./min and finally to 220° C. at 20° C./min. The injector and detector (FID) were held at 220 and 250° C., respectively. Agilent Chemstation software [B.04.02 SP2 (256)] was used to integrate GC peak areas. Individual polyunsaturated fatty acids (i.e. Eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, C20:5 w3 and Docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, C22:6 w3 in the powder (mg fatty acid/g dry weight) were calculated as described in the AOCS official method (AOCS, Method Ce 1b-892009).


Oxipres Analysis

Oxipres analysis of the oil powder samples was conducted in order to determine the oxidative stability of the fish oil encapsulated in the broccoli matrix under accelerated conditions. It involves exposing the samples to oxygen at high temperature and analysing the rate of oxygen consumption as a measure of oxidation. The induction point for oxidation (IP) is used as a measure of the oxidation stability of the oil powder and is evaluated as the time point in which an inflection is observed in the oxygen pressure versus time plot. The Oxipres IP analysis was conducted using ML OXIPRES (Mikrolab Aarhus A/S, Hojbjerg, Denmark). About 8 grams of samples (containing about 4 g of oil) were used in the analysis. The analysis was conducted at 80° C. and 5 bar oxygen pressure.


Results

Oxidative Stability of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Freeze Dried Non-Fermented-Oil Powder and Broccoli Fermented with Oil Powder as Measured by Oxipres


Broccoli-oil, preheated broccoli-oil, broccoli fermented with oil and preheated broccoli fermented with oil had substantially lower oxygen absorption rates compared to the neat oil, indicating that encapsulation of omega-3 fatty acids with all broccoli-based matrices improve the stability of omega-3 fatty acids. Example data comparing the Oxipres trace of neat tuna oil, and broccoli-tuna oil powder and broccoli fermented with oil powder are given in FIG. 17A. The IP of this batch of neat tuna oil was less ˜10 hrs, whereas the IP of the broccoli encapsulated tuna oil powder was ˜158 hrs. No clear IP was observed for the broccoli fermented with oil powder and preheated broccoli fermented with oil powder for up to 350 hrs indicating that addition of oil priot to fermentation further enhances the stabilisation effects on omega-3 fatty acids.


Stability of EPA and DHA in Broccoli Fermented with Oil and Non Fermented Broccoli-Oil Powders During Storage at 25° C.


The levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the different broccoli powders were evaluated during one month storage at 25° C. for samples stored in amber bottles flushed with nitrogen. The levels of both eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) remained stable during storage of the broccoli powders (FIG. 17B), indicating that both non-fermented broccoli and broccoli fermented with oil can be used for delivery of omega-3 fatty acids.


Impact of Tuna Oil on Growth of Lactic Acid Bacteria During Fermentation of Broccoli Samples and Survival During Freeze Drying

The addition of tuna oil into the non-preheated and pre-heated broccoli puree did not inhibit the growth of lactic acid bacteria and the fermentation process. It was observed that the lactic acid bacteria count in the oil samples was slightly higher in both control and preheated samples (Table 21). However, the difference was not statistically significant. There was on average 2.51, 1.68, 1.84 and 2.25 log reduction in lactic acid bacteria count after freeze drying in the control fermented, control fermented with oil, preheated fermented and preheated fermented with oil samples, respectively. The presence of tuna oil improved the survival of lactic acid bacteria in the control fermented samples.


Example 19—Fermented Broccoli as a Delivery System for Probiotic Bacteria
Methods
Sample Preparation

Farm fresh broccoli was sourced from a local farm (Fresh Select). Untreated control (C-NF) and preheated (Ph-NF) broccoli puree samples were prepared as described in Example 18. Fermentation of the control and the preheated puree samples were conducted as described in Example 18. The final pH of the control fermented and the preheated fermented broccoli were 3.93 and 3.72, respectively. Following fermentation, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis powdered culture (Chrstian Hansen), as a model probiotic microorganism, was added into the fermented purees (C-F and Ph-F) at 10% dry weight basis. The samples were thoroughly mixed and frozen and freeze dried as described in Example 18. All experiments were conducted in duplicates.









TABLE 21







Lactic acid bacteria count in fermented broccoli samples with and


without added tuna oil (log CFU/g) dry weight basis.










Fermented puree
Freeze dried



(log CFU/g dry
fermented powder


Sample
weight)
(log CFU/g dry weight)





Fermented control
 8.6 ± 0.17
6.09 ± 0.12


broccoli (C-F)




Control broccoli
8.72 ± 0.14
7.05 ± 0.33


fermented with tuna oil




(C-To-F)




Preheated fermented
10.84 ± 0.90 
9.09 ± 0.13


broccoli (Ph-F)




Preheated broccoli
11.33 ± 0.39 
9.0 ± 0.0


fermented with tuna oil




(Ph-To-F)









Microbial Analysis

Freeze-dried probiotic powders were rehydrated by dispersing in Buffered peptone water (BPT) in a shaking water bath (3TC, 100 rpm, 1 h). The rehydrated samples were then diluted with Maximum recovery diluent (MRD). De Man, Rogosa and Sharpe agar (MRS agar, Oxoid Ltd, UK) was used for enumeration LAB from the samples as described in Example 18. RCA (reinforced clostridial agar, pH 6.8, Oxoid Ltd, UK) agar was used for enumeration of Bifidobacterium lactis in the samples. The inoculated plates were incubated under anaerobic conditions at 3TC for 48 h. Each viable unit (cells) grown as a colony on the plates was counted as a colony forming unit (CFU) and calculated for the number of CFU per gram of the powder (CFU/g). The viable counts were transformed into log 10 value and loss of the count in the powders were calculated and compared with the control probiotic powders as well as with the value of each powder.


Simulated In Vitro Digestion

Broccoli powders (C-F-Bifido, and Ph-F-bifido powders) were sequentially exposed to simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluids (SIF). The SGF solution (pH adjusted to 1.2 with HCl) was comprised of sodium chloride (2 g) and pepsin (1.6 g) made up to 1000 mL with Milli-Q water. The SIF (pH adjusted to 6.8 using NaOH) contained anhydrous potassium dihydrogen phosphate (17 g) and pancreatin (3.15 g) made up to 1000 mL with Milli-Q water. For sequential exposure to (SGF+SIF), the freeze-dried powders (0.2 g in 9.8 g of deionized water) was added to SGF solution (12.5 mL) and incubated in a shaking water bath (37° C. for 2 h). The SGF-digested sample was adjusted to pH 6.8 with 1M NaOH, combined with 10 mL of SIF solution and incubated for 20 min prior to addition of CaCl2 (0.05 M, 2.5 mL) and incubation for a further 2 h and 40 min. The survival of the lactic acid bacteria and the added bifido bacteria cells with/without broccoli matrices were evaluated in the simulated digestive fluids (SGF, and SIF) by plating in the respective media as described above in the microbial analysis section. For sequential exposure to simulated SGF and SIF with bile extract, similar procedure of incubation with 10 mL of SIF solution (with added bile extract (6.25±0.01 g/L) to the SIF solution) was applied to the SGF-digested samples, following which the viability of the lactic acid bacteria and the Bifidobacterium were assessed.


Results

Survival of Bifidobacterium animalis Subsp. Lactis in Fermented Broccoli and Preheated Fermented Broccoli Matrices During Freeze Drying


The initial viable counts of the samples and the viable counts after the powders production are given in Table 22. Before freeze drying, the fermented broccoli with Bifido powders had 2.60E+10 CFU/g powder. After freeze-drying, the viable count of cells in the fermented broccoli-bifido (C-F-Bifido) powder was 1.65E+09 CFU/g powder and that of the preheated fermented bifido (Ph-F-Bifido) powder was 2.88E+10 CFU/g powder. This represents a loss of 1.2 log CFU/g during freeze-drying process for the control fermented sample whereas no loss was observed in the case of the preheated fermented sample.









TABLE 22







Changes in the viable count of Bifidobacteriumanimalis


subsp. lactis after freeze-drying of broccoli powders.












Viable LAB count/g powder





(log10 transformed value)
Loss of LAB













Before
After
(log10 transformed




freeze-drying
freeze-drying
value)







C-F-Bifido
10.41 ± 0.10
 9.22 ± 0.74
1.19



Ph-F-Bifido
10.41 ± 0.10
10.46 ± 0.23
No loss











Survival of Bifidobacterium animalis Subsp. Lactis in Fermented and Preheated Fermented Broccoli Matrices Following In Vitro Digestion


The survival of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis following simulated in-vitro digestion of the fermented and unfermented samples were evaluated. The viable counts prior to and after in vitro digestion (SGF+SIF) are presented in Table 23. The broccoli matrices protected the probiotic bacteria against inactivation during the simulated digestion. The control fermented broccoli provided the best protection with the least viability loss whereas the preheated fermented broccoli provided the least protection for the probiotic organism.









TABLE 23







Survival of Bifidobacteriumanimalis subsp. Lactis cells as is and in


fermented broccoli matrices after sequential exposure to simulated


gastric fluid (SGF) for 2 h and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) for 3 h


(without added bile).











Loss of LAB




compared to




Freeze-dried



Viable count/g powder
powder



(log10 transformed value)
(log10











Before in-vitro
After in-vitro
transformed


Sample
digestion
digestion
value)





Bifido control
10.41 ± 0.10
4.55 ± 0.21
5.86


C-F-Bifido
 9.22 ± 0.74
5.83 ± 0.29
3.39


Ph-F-Bifido
10.46 ± 0.23
5.08 ± 0.14
5.39









The survival of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis after simulated in-vitro digestion of the fermented samples with added bile were also evaluated. The data are presented in Table 24. Overall, higher loss of viability was observed in this case compared to in vitro digestion without added bile. Higher survival was observed in the fermented samples with the control fermented broccoli providing the best protection compared to the bifido control. The preheated fermented samples was less effective than the control fermented sample perhaps due to its lower pH (pH 3.72 compared to pH 3.93 of the control fermented product). The result indicates that fermented broccoli can be used for protected delivery of probiotic microorganisms into the gastrointestinal tract.


Survival of Lactic Acid Bacteria (Autochthonous and Starter Culture in the Fermented Samples) Following In Vitro Digestion

The survival of lactic acid bacteria in fermented broccoli matrices during simulated in vitro digestion with and without bile were evaluated. Data are presented in Table 25 and 26. The lactic acid bacteria in the broccoli samples survived simulated in vitro digestion with and without bile, indicating that the products can be used for delivering beneficial lactic acid bacteria into the gut for probiotic benefit. Lower survival of lactic acid bacteria was observed in the case of the pre-heated fermented sample compared to the control fermented sample perhaps due to its lower pH compared to all the other non-fermented and fermented samples in this study.









TABLE 24







Survival of Bifidobacteriumanimalis subsp. Lactis cells as is and in


fermented broccoli matrices after sequential exposure to simulated


gastric fluid (SGF) for 2 h and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) with


added bile for 3 h.











Loss of LAB




compared to




Freeze-dried



Viable count/g powder
powder



(log10 transformed value)
(log10











Before in-vitro
After in-vitro
transformed


Sample
digestion
digestion
value)





Bifido control
10.41 ± 0.10
4.24 ± 0.09
6.17


C-F-Bifido
 9.22 ± 0.74
4.42 ± 0.09
4.80


Ph-F-Bifido
10.46 ± 0.23
4.78 ± 0.18
5.68
















TABLE 25







Survival of total lactic acid bacteria (autochthonous and starter


culture in fermented samples) after in-vitro digestion without bile.











Loss of LAB




compared to




Freeze-dried



Viable LAB count/g powder
powder



(log10 transformed value)
(log10











Before in-vitro
Before in-vitro
transformed



digestion
digestion
value)





C-F-Bifido
6.20 ± 0.28
5.19 ± 0.21
1.01


Ph-F-Bifido
8.53 ± 0.06
5.05 ± 0.11
3.48
















TABLE 26







Survival of total lactic acid bacteria (autochthonous and starter


culture in fermented samples) after in-vitro digestion with bile.













Loss of LAB





compared to





Freeze-dried




Viable LAB count/g powder
powder




(log10 transformed value)
(log10













Before in-vitro
Before in-vitro
transformed




digestion
digestion
value)







C-F-Bifido
6.20 ± 0.28
3.70 ± 0.00
2.50



Ph-F-Bifido
8.53 ± 0.06
4.00 ± 0.00
4.53










It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.


This application claims priority from Australian Provisional Application No. 2019901142 entitled “Methods and compositions for promoting health in a subject” filed on 3 Apr. 2019, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.


All publications discussed and/or referenced herein are incorporated herein in their entirety.


Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.


REFERENCES



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  • Cai et al. (2019) Journal of Functional Foods 61, doi:103461.

  • Cai and Wang (2016) Food Chem 1:210:451-6.

  • Charoensiddhi et al. (2016) Journal of Functional foods 24:221-230.

  • Dosz and Jeffery (2013) Journal of Functional Foods 5:987-990.

  • Guzman-Lopez et al. (2009). J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 36:11-20.

  • Halkier et al. (2006) Annual Reviews in Plant Biology 57:303-33.

  • Huang et al. (2002) Journal of agricultural and food chemistry 50(16):4437-4444.

  • Latte et al. (2011) Food & Chemical Toxicology, 49(12):3287-3309.

  • Li et al. (2012) Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 6:4796-4803.

  • Pacheco-Cano et al. (2017) Journal of Applied Microbiology 124(1)126-135

  • Singleton and Rossi (1965) American Journal of Enology and Viticulture 16:144-158.

  • Shen et al. (2014) Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society, 91(8):1347-1354.

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  • Xia and Wishart (2016) Current Protocols in Bioinformatics 55:14.10.1-14.10.91.

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Claims
  • 1. A method of promoting health in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.
  • 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the Brassicaceae product increases the gastrointestinal level of one or more short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the subject.
  • 3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the Brassicaceae product increases the production of one or more SCFA in the gastrointestinal tract of the subject.
  • 4. The method of any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the Brassicaceae product increases the production of one or more SCFA in the colon of the subject.
  • 5. The method of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the SCFA is selected from one or more or all of: butyrate (butanoate), propionate (propanoate), acetate (ethanoate), formate (methanoate), isobutyrate (2-Methylpropanoate), valerate (pentanoate), isovalerate (3-methylbutanoate), caproate (hexanoate), formic acid (methanoic acid), acetic acid (ethanoic acid), propionic acid (propanoic acid), butyric acid (butanoic acid), isobutyric acid (2-methylpropanoic acid), valeric acid (pentanoic acid), isovaleric acid (3-methylbutanoic acid), and caproic acid (hexanoic acid).
  • 6. The method of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the SCFA is selected from one or more or all of: butyrate, propionate and acetate.
  • 7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the Brassicaceae product comprises an isothiocyanate.
  • 8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the Brassicaceae product comprises live lactic acid bacteria from Brassicaceae.
  • 9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein promoting health comprises promoting one or more of: gut health, immune system health, cardiovascular health, central nervous system function, cognition, metabolic health, skeletal health, liver health, blood sugar control and skin health.
  • 10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein promoting health comprises treating or preventing one or more symptoms of a condition selected from: diabetes, inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, allergy and cancer.
  • 11. The method of claim 10, wherein promoting gut health comprises reducing or preventing one or more symptoms of a gut health associated condition selected from one or more of: irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, colorectal cancer, gut leakiness, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), gastroenteritis, gut microbial dysbiosis, reduced gut microbial diversity, antibiotic treatment, post-surgery recovery, food intolerance, diarrhea, gastritis, diverticulitis, flatulence, constipation, functional gut disorders and functional gastrointestinal and motility disorders.
  • 12. The method of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein promoting health comprises promoting health of the gut microbiome in a subject.
  • 13. The method of claim 12, wherein promoting health of the gut microbiome comprises one or more of: increasing the level and/or activity of one or more beneficial bacteria, decreasing or maintaining the level and/or activity of one or more non-beneficial bacteria, increasing the resistance of the gut microbiome, increasing the resilience of the gut microbiome, and increasing the diversity of the gut microbiome.
  • 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the beneficial bacteria is lactic acid bacteria.
  • 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the non-beneficial bacteria is a pathogenic strain of E. coli.
  • 16. The method of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the Brassicaceae product does not increase the total level of gastrointestinal bacteria in a subject.
  • 17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the Brassicaceae product comprises a prebiotic or a prebiotic and a probiotic.
  • 18. The method of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the Brassicaceae product comprises a prebiotic and a probiotic which are synbiotic.
  • 19. The method of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the subject is an animal.
  • 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the subject is a human.
  • 21. A method of promoting the health of the gut microbiome in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.
  • 22. A method of treating and/or preventing microbial dysbiosis in the gastrointestinal tract of a subject, comprising administering to the subject a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.
  • 23. A method of treating and/or preventing inflammation in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.
  • 24. A method of treating and/or preventing diabetes in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.
  • 25. Use of a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria in the manufacture of a medicament for promoting health in a subject, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.
  • 26. Use of a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria in the manufacture of a medicament for promoting health of the gut microbiome in a subject, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.
  • 27. Use of a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria in the manufacture of a medicament for treating and/or preventing microbial dysbiosis in the gastrointestinal tract of a subject, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.
  • 28. Use of a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria in the manufacture of a medicament for treating and/or preventing inflammation in a subject, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.
  • 29. Use of a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria in the manufacture of a medicament for treating and/or preventing diabetes in a subject, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.
  • 30. The use of any one of claims 25 to 29 wherein the medicament comprises one or more or all of: i) a prebiotic, ii) a prebiotic and a probiotic, and iii) a prebiotic and a probiotic which are synbiotic.
  • 31. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation for use in promoting health in a subject.
  • 32. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation for use in promoting health of the gut microbiome in a subject.
  • 33. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a Brassicaceae product with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation for treating and/or preventing microbial dysbiosis in the gastrointestinal tract of a subject.
  • 34. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation for treating and/or preventing inflammation in a subject.
  • 35. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation for treating and/or preventing diabetes in a subject.
  • 36. The pharmaceutical composition of any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein the composition comprises one or more or all of: i) a prebiotic, ii) a combined prebiotic and a probiotic, and iii) a prebiotic and a probiotic which are synbiotic.
  • 37. A prebiotic composition comprising a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation, wherein the prebiotic increases the gastrointestinal level of one or more SCFA in a subject.
  • 38. A combined prebiotic and probiotic composition comprising: i) a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation; andii) live lactic acid bacteria.
  • 39. The composition of claim 37 or claim 38, wherein the composition further comprises an isothiocyanate.
  • 40. The composition of any one of claim 31 to 36, 38 or 39, wherein the composition increases the gastrointestinal level of one or more short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in a subject.
  • 41. The composition of any one of claims 31 to 40, wherein the Brassicaceae product increases the production of one or more SCFA in the gastrointestinal tract of the subject.
  • 42. The composition of any one of claims 31 to 41, wherein the Brassicaceae product increases the production of one or more SCFA in the colon of the subject.
  • 43. The composition of claim 37 or claims 40 to 42, wherein the SCFA is selected from one or more or all of: butyrate (butanoate), propionate (propanoate), acetate (ethanoate), formate (methanoate), isobutyrate (2-Methylpropanoate), valerate (pentanoate), isovalerate (3-methylbutanoate), caproate (hexanoate), formic acid (methanoic acid), acetic acid (ethanoic acid), propionic acid (propanoic acid), butyric acid (butanoic acid), isobutyric acid (2-methylpropanoic acid), valeric acid (pentanoic acid), isovaleric acid (3-methylbutanoic acid), and caproic acid (hexanoic acid).
  • 44. The composition of claim 37, or claims 40 to 43, wherein the SCFA is selected from one or more or all of: butyrate, propionate and acetate.
  • 45. The composition of any one of claims 36 to 44, wherein the Brassicaceae product protects the probiotic during passage through the upper gasterintestinal tract.
  • 46. The composition of any one of claims 31 to 45, wherein the Brassicaceae product increases the gastrointestinal level of live lactic acid bacteria in a subject.
  • 47. The composition of any one of claims 31 to 46, wherein the Brassicaceae product does not increase the gastrointestinal level of E. coli in a subject.
  • 48. The composition of any one of claims 31 to 47, wherein the Brassicaceae product does not increase the total level of gastrointestinal bacteria in a subject.
  • 49. The method or composition of any one of claims 1 to 48, wherein the lactic acid bacteria was isolated from a broccoli.
  • 50. The method or composition of any one of claims 1 to 49, wherein the lactic acid bacteria is selected from one or more of the genera selected from: Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, Lactococcus, Streptococcus, Aerococcus, Carnobacterium, Enterococcus, Oenococcus, Sporolactobacillus, Tetragenococcus, Vagococcus and Weissella.
  • 51. The method or composition of any one of claims 1 to 50, wherein the lactic acid bacteria is selected from one or more of: Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus pentosus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactococus lactis, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Pedicoccus acidilacti.
  • 52. The method or composition of any one of claims 1 to 51, wherein the lactic acid bacteria is selected from: i) Leuconostoc mesenteroides; ii) Lactobacillus plantarum; iii) Lactobacillus pentosus; iv) Lactobacillus rhamnosus; v) a combination of i) and ii);vi) a combination of i), ii) and iii); andvii) a combination of i), ii) and iv).
  • 53. The method or composition of any one of claims 1 to 52, wherein the lactic acid bacteria is selected from one or more of: i) BF1 deposited under V17/021729 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia;ii) BF2 deposited under V17/021730 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia;iii) B1 deposited under V17/021731 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia;iv) B2 deposited under V17/021732 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia;v) B3 deposited under V17/021733 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia;vi) B4 deposited under V17/021734 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia; andvii) B5 deposited under V17/021735 on 25 Sep. 2017 at the National Measurement Institute Australia.
  • 54. The method or composition of any one of claims 1 to 53, wherein the pre-treating comprises one or more of the following: i) heating;ii) macerating;iii) microwaving;iv) exposure to high frequency sound waves (ultrasound),v) pulse electric field processing; andvi) high pressure processing.
  • 55. The method or composition of claim 54, wherein heating comprises heating the Brassicaceae product to about 50° C. to about 70° C.
  • 56. The method or composition of any one of claims 1 to 55, wherein the Brassicaceae is selected from Brassica oleracea, Brassica balearica, Brassica carinata, Brassica elongate, Brassica fruticulosa, Brassica hilarionis, Brassica juncea, Brassica napus, Brassica narinosa, Brassica nigra, Brassica perviridis, Brassica rapa, Brassica rupestris, Brassica septiceps and Brassica tournefortii.
  • 57. The method or composition of claim 56, wherein the Brassicaceae is Brassica oleracea.
  • 58. The method or composition of any one of claims 1 to 57, wherein the Brassicaceae product is administered enterally.
  • 59. The method or composition of claim 58, wherein administration is oral or rectal.
  • 60. The method or composition of any one of claims 1 to 59, wherein the Brassicaceae product is administered topically.
  • 61. Faecal microbiota suitable for transplantation into a subject, wherein the faecal microbiota has been isolated from a subject administered a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.
  • 62. A vehicle for delivering a bioactive to a subject, wherein the vehicle comprises a Brassicaceae product fermented with lactic acid bacteria, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae and/or the Brassicaceae product was pre-treated prior to fermentation.
  • 63. The vehicle of claim 62, wherein the Brassicaceae product comprises one or more or all of: i) a prebiotic, ii) a prebiotic and a probiotic, and iii) a prebiotic and a probiotic which are synbiotic.
  • 64. The vehicle of claim 62 or claim 63, wherein the bioactive is selected from one or more or all of: i) a fatty acid,ii) oil,iii) a further prebiotic, andiv) a further probiotic.
  • 65. The vehicle of claim 64, wherein the fatty acid is selected from an omega-3 or and omega-6 fatty acid.
  • 66. The vehicle of claim 65, wherein the omega-3 fatty acid is selected from one or more or all of: of α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
  • 67. The vehicle of claim 65, wherein the oil is selected from one or more of: fish oil, krill oil, marine oil, algal oil, microbial oil, canola oil, crustacean oil, mollusc oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, soya oil, borage oil, evening primrose oil, safflower oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil, pumpkinseed oil, hemp seed oil, wheat germ oil, palm oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, medium chain triglycerides and grapeseed oil.
  • 68. The vehicle of claim 67, wherein the fish oil or marine oil is selected from: tuna oil, herring oil, mackerel oil, sardine oil, cod liver oil, menhaden oil, shark oil, squid oil, and squid liver oil.
  • 69. The vehicle of claim 64, wherein the further prebiotic is selected from one or more or all of: fructo-oligosaccharides galacto-oligosaccharide, trans-galacto-oligosaccharides, oligofructose, pecticoligosaccharide, resistant starch, pectin, glucosinolate and inulin.
  • 70. The vehicle of claim 64, wherein the further probiotic comprises one or more probiotics selected from: lactic acid bacteria, Bifidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Baciullus, Streptococcus, Escherichia, Enterococcus and Saccharomyces.
  • 71. The method, composition or vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 64, wherein the Brassicaceae product is in a form selected from a: liquid, emulsion, powder, capsule, tablet.
  • 72. A method of preparing a Brassicaceae product comprising: i) fermenting Brassicaceae material with lactic acid bacteria;ii) adding a fatty acid and/or oil before or during step i).
  • 73. The method of claim 72, wherein the method further comprises forming an emulsion or suspension.
  • 74. The method of claim 72 or claim 73, wherein the Brassicaceae material is pre-treated.
  • 75. The method of claim 74, wherein the Brassicaceae material is pre-treated with heating to about 50° C. to about 70° C.
  • 76. The method of any one of claims 72 to 75, wherein the lactic acid bacteria were derived from an isolate obtained from Brassicaceae.
  • 77. An emulsion or suspension produced by any one of claims 72 to 76.
  • 78. A Brassicaceae product comprising the emulsion or suspension of claim 77.
Priority Claims (1)
Number Date Country Kind
2019901142 Apr 2019 AU national
PCT Information
Filing Document Filing Date Country Kind
PCT/AU2020/050338 4/3/2020 WO 00