Metagenomic analysis of microbial dynamics in water kefir grains: influence of soy protein on biomass growth and development of alternative beverage


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Kaya Y., Akgün H. A., Kök Taş T.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, cilt.60, sa.1, ss.1-11, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 60 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1093/ijfood/vvae024
  • Dergi Adı: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Aerospace Database, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), BIOSIS, Biotechnology Research Abstracts, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, INSPEC, Metadex, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-11
  • Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
  • Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

The primary aim of this article is to determine the changes in the microbial community within the current water kefir grains when developed in a protein-supplemented environment through metagenomic analysis. Supplied nutrients directly alter structures that contain complex microbial communities in nature. Considering the much more complex human intestinal microbiota, there are numerous articles indicating changes due to nutrition. This study validates this system on a micro scale. The second objective is to create alternatives for the current water kefir beverage and increase its consumption. The properties of these beverages were determined through chemical, sugar composition, microbiological, and sensory analyses. The research identified that the microbial content in water kefir grains changes, resulting in a high biomass structure due to the increased presence of bacteria producing excessive exopolysaccharides. Based on all analysis findings, the ginger and basil-flavored beverage group was determined to be the most suitable product. Further research is required to optimize other flavor components.