DARWIN identifies for Importaco, a company specialized in the commercialization of nuts, three probiotics from the genera Lactobacillus and Pediococcus that were found in their own nuts and have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulating activity, according to in vitro and in vivo studies conducted.

To achieve this, we analyzed the microbiota of over 50 samples of nuts from different origins, aiming to isolate and characterize microorganisms with potential positive health effects. Following this process, we cultured and characterized three probiotic strains based on their safety, resistance to passage through the gastrointestinal tract, and their ability to adhere to intestinal epithelium and inhibit pathogens.

Problem

Recent research indicates that cellular aging increases the risk of stroke or cerebral infarction fivefold and is also considered a common factor in the development of most chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, or cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, other studies point to the effect of diet on chronic, low-grade inflammation, related to obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Solution

The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulating activity of the probiotic bacteria identified by DARWIN represents potential therapeutic targets that open the possibility of developing solutions to prevent cellular aging and stimulate the anti-inflammatory response.

Year of Completion: 2021

Success

Thanks to DARWIN’s discovery, Importaco has developed an advanced food range consisting of almonds and walnuts enriched with these probiotics, enhancing a product that already had very interesting properties. These products combine the benefits of nuts as a source of calcium and omega-3 with the probiotic properties of the selected microorganisms.

Press

• Importaco uses bio-amplification to boost probiotic count in nuts – Nutra Ingredients
• Importaco ramps up better-for-you properties of nuts with first-of-its-kind probiotic discovery – Bakery & Snacks
• Probiotic bacteria from nuts with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits are isolated – Europa Press (in Spanish)
• Importaco diversifies with a new range of probiotic-enriched nuts – Valencia Plaza (in Spanish)