Combining Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium adolescentis can improve GABA production in faecal fermentations.

2026-02-14
Journal of applied microbiology 137(3)
- Rihua Xu
- Melinda J Mayer
- Mark Philo
- Gwénaëlle Le Gall
- Guesh Mulaw
- Alise Ponsero
- Arjan Narbad

PubMed: 41689511
DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxag047

Aims

This project aimed to investigate production of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from potential probiotic strains. We studied production in co-cultures and faecal fermentations and examined the effect of selected strains on the faecal microbiome composition and metabolome in vitro.

Methods and results

Strains of intestinally derived Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum from fermented cereals were grown singly, in co-culture and in faecal fermentations designed to simulate colonic conditions. Isolates synthesized varying amounts of GABA in vitro; GABA production could be increased by co-culture, lactic acid, or reduced pH but was decreased in the presence of high buffering. In faecal fermentations, selected strains inoculated singly or in combination persisted over 24 h and increased the GABA concentration without causing major disruptions in the microbiome or metabolome. Bifidobacterium adolescentis supplementation increased short-chain fatty acids acetate and propionate, and L. plantarum was associated with increased succinate levels, while all treatments exhibited a reduction in Escherichia compared to the controls.

Conclusions

GABA production from these lactic acid bacteria is strain-specific and the combination of these two species shows potential for future next-generation probiotic development.

Research Insights

Supplement	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size
Bifidobacterium plantarum	Increased GABA Production	Beneficial	Moderate
Bifidobacterium plantarum	Increased Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production	Beneficial	Small
Bifidobacterium plantarum	Reduced Escherichia Abundance	Beneficial	Small