Influence of Different Bacteria Species in Chemical Composition and Sensory Properties of Fermented Spirulina

Abstract

Fermented Spirulina (FS) could be a good strategic approach for diversifying algae-derived formulations to a current functional food market. In this study, microbial properties, total and free amino acids, protein hydrolysis, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and sensory properties of FS and unfermented Spirulina (unFS) products by four different Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and three different Bacillus strains were examined. The highest proteolytic activity with LAB strains was confirmed by SDS-PAGE. The increase in both total amino acid (TAA) and total essential amino acid (TEAA) concentrations were in the highest level for FS products by Bacillus strains, 70535.5 µM and 22295.4 µM, respectively. The pyrazine content, the most prevalent VOCs in unFS, reduced more remarkably in FS by LAB strains. Furthermore, the most acceptable sensory characteristics were obtained with FS products by LAB strains. These findings will provide insights toward achieving the industrialization of FS products.