Prebiotic research targeting oligosaccharides utilization by Bifidobacterium spp.

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K12361
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Eating habits
• Research Institution: Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University
• Principal Investigator: YOSHIKAWA YUKO 日本獣医生命科学大学, 獣医学部, 助教 (00580523)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: ビフィズス菌 / オリゴ糖 / プレバイオティクス / ラクトバチルス菌 / RFLP

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The unique Bifidobacterium strain constituting the intestinal microbiota is desirable for improving the intestinal environment because it has a symbiotic relationship with host for a long time. In this study, we aimed to search for the type of oligosaccharide that specifically promotes the proliferation of the host-specific Bifidobacterium strain. Firstly, we tried to establish the culture conditions for screening of oligosaccharide assimilation by bacteria. Then, we evaluated the bacterial proliferation using seven isolates belonging to four Bifidobacterium species derived from human feces, in addition to type strains of eight Bifidobacterium species and nine representative species that reside in the human gastrointestinal tract (including oral cavity). As a result of our screening system, we obtained fundamental data of Bifidobacterium strains in the utilization of oligosaccharides.

Free Research Field

医歯薬学