Abstract: The present invention relates to growth inhibition of microorganisms by lactic acid bacteria. The present invention also relates to the reduction and/or treatment of food-borne pathogen infections and/or nosocomial infections. The present invention also relates to the inhibition of spoilage microorganisms in food products. The present invention further relates to the modulation of gut flora. The invention is also directed to the inhibitory potential of a whey obtained from lactic acid bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria strains Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis MM19 accession number NML-080508-01 and Pediococcus acidilactici MM33 accession number NML-080508-02 isolated from the human gut. The strains L. lactis subsp. lactis MM19 and P. acidilactici MM33 and the bacteriocins produced by these strains are useful for inhibiting microbial growth in food products, and for inhibiting microbial infection or colonization of a mammal.

Abstract: The invention concerns the isolation of novel properties of lactic acid bacteria stains. Said novel properties are advantageously useful for preventing and treating cancer. More particularly, the invention concerns the use of lactic acid bacteria to facilitate induction of cell apoptosis of a cancer. The invention also concerns the use of lactic acid bacterial strains, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei in methods and compositions for preventing and treating cancer, in particular colon cancer.

Abstract: This invention refers to biocompatible carbohydrate polymers such as modified polysaccharides (e.g. chitosan, alginate), associated with milk protein (e.g. caseinate and/or whey proteins) designed to carry bioactive agents. The formulations may be used in various delivery systems including beads, tablets, microencapsulating agents and coatings for oral dosage forms, implants for subcutaneous devices and films for topic administration and food protection. These formulations present improved chemical resistance and exert their activity for prolonged time into gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and blood circulation as well as for preserving food qualities over long period. The association of modified chitosan, modified alginate with milk proteins results in a stabilized structure able to control the release of drugs, bacteria, bacteriocines, enzymes, nutraceutics, etc. into enteric, topic or systemic route.

Abstract: The invention concerns the isolation of novel properties of lactic acid bacteria stains. Said novel properties are advantageously useful for preventing and treating cancer. More particularly, the invention concerns the use of lactic acid bacteria to facilitate induction of cell apoptosis of a cancer. The invention also concerns the use of lactic acid bacterial strains, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei in methods and compositions for preventing and treating cancer, in particular colon cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides formulations comprising one or more compounds derived from natural sources that act to reduce the dose of irradiation required to inhibit the growth of micro-organisms in food. The present invention further provides for the use of the formulations in conjunction with low doses of irradiation to increase the safety and prolong the shelf life of food without adversely affecting its organoleptic qualities. The present invention also provides methods of applying the formulations to food products.

Abstract: The packing and even the excessive packaging of products for human consumption is a current practice in the industrialized countries. As this packaging is made primarily of non-biodegradable polymers, they currently cause environmental problems. These environmental problems are found not only in industrialized countries but also in developing countries. This situation supported the development of various films, more ecological, starting from biodegradable elements containing polysaccharides, proteins and/or lipids. We developed a biodegradable protein film from a casein salt. Of dairy origin, casein is abundant and could even be recovered from unsold milk. The process of polymerization is induced by gamma irradiation. Indeed, the interaction of hydroxyl radicals with tyrosins present in protein creates a covalent bond (bityrosine). The addition of a plasticizing agent is essential in order to produce a more flexible and less friable film. The presence of glycerol does not inhibit the formation of bityrosine.