Screening and selection of Bifidobacterium strains isolated from human feces capable of utilizing resistant starch

Resistant starch (RS) has been studied for its ability to serve as a substrate for the microbiota present in the human large intestine and for its beneficial physiological effects. The aim of this study was to screen and select novel strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the genus Bifidobacterium isolated from human fecal samples for further application as probiotics relying on their utilization of RS3, a prebiotic.LAB were isolated from human fecal samples, based on their ability to utilize RS3 as a carbon source. Consequently, two LAB were identified as Bifidobacterium adolescentis based on morphological, physiological and biochemical properties, and molecular biological analysis. The RS3-utilizing ability of these isolates was shown by the rapid decrease in pH of RS3-MRS media and by the pinhole traces on the surface of RS3 particles. Isolated B. adolescentis JSC2 was shown to be negative for β-glucuronidase, suggesting that it would be safe for human use, and was found to be tolerant towards the acidic, bile-salt environment.This synbiotics approach of B. adolescentis JCS2, an RS-utilizing probiotics, coupled with RS utilization, is expected to enhance RS utilization in the food industry and be beneficial for the promotion of human health. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.