THE EFFECT OF ACIDIC MEDIUM ON THE NUMBER OF PROBIOTICS IN ADHERENCE OF PREBIOTIC FIBERS

BSc student: Mirela Music

Mentor: Assist. Prof. Dr. Altijana Hromic - Jahjefendic

The studies on the relationship between probiotics and prebiotics have recorded a significant increase in popularity over the past decade. Probiotics, naturally created by fermentation in different food, contribute to the overall health condition of the host organism. On the other hand, prebiotics are defined as substrates selectively used by the microorganisms present in the host organism to stimulate the development of healthy bacteria in the gut. Due to their resistance and ability to buffer powerful stomach acid, prebiotics are often considered to be fertilizers that help probiotics to survive and reach the intestines. Regarding this, the purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effect of different pH values on the number of probiotics present in a microbial environment. In addition, the function of prebiotic fibers as possible probiotic fertilizers was examined as well. After the LB media with different pH values was prepared, probiotics present in different supplements were added to media and the growth of bacteria is observed and measured spectrophotometrically. Afterwards, the prebiotics from different food sources such as oatmeal and apple skin, were added to media together with probiotics and the changes were observed. The concentration of probiotics decreases after exposure to low pH compared to exposure to neutral pH. However, when combined with prebiotics, a sufficient number of probiotics survive and carry out their functions. This study points out the importance of prebiotics in maintaining a healthy organism as well as their role in preserving the life of probiotics in our gut.