Biopreservation of a cameroonian indigenous fermented milk (pendidam) using biosurfactants |…

_Natural compounds with bio-preservative properties are gaining attention of researchers worldwide. It is the case of biosurfactants known as surface active compounds produced by

microorganisms which deserved antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The present study was aimed to improve the shelf life of a Cameroonian indigenous fermented milk “pendidam” using

biosurfactants derived from that food matrix. Biosurfactants was extracted from pendidam, purified, characterized preliminarly and its in vitro antimicrobial activity against microorganisms

isolated from pendidam was assessed. Then, the biosurfactants was applied in pendidam and the microbiological quality of pendidam was followed up during 4 days of preservation at room

temperature. The results obtained show that the crude extract of biosurfactants exhibit emulsifying and surface activities which remained stable after heat treatment at 100°C for 15 min,

NaCl concentration of 20% and pH values ranging from 2 to 12. Furthermore, the biosurfactants was microbicidal against Candida spp. and E. coli at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. Solution of

Biosurfactants (50 mg/mL) introduced into pendidam at a ratio of 10% (v/v), reduced significantly (p<0.05) the proliferation of the total aerobic mesophilic flora, E. coli and Candida

spp. during 4 days of preservation at room temperature while no adverse effects were noticed on the growth of lactic acid bacteria. The present study highlights the bio-preservative

potential of biosurfactants and suggests its use in food industry as food preservatives._ AUTHOR(S) DETAILS Dr. Mbawala Augustin, Associate Professor _Department of Food Sciences and

Nutrition, National School of Agro-Industrial Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, P.O.Box 455, Ngaoundere, Cameroon._ Dr. Pahane Mbiada Majesté, Ph.D _Department of Food Sciences and

Nutrition, National School of Agro-Industrial Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, P.O.Box 455, Ngaoundere, Cameroon._ Dr. Mouafo Tene Hippolyte, Ph.D _Department of Food Sciences and

Nutrition, National School of Agro-Industrial Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, P.O.Box 455, Ngaoundere, Cameroon. Centre for Food and Nutrition Research, Institute of Medical Research and

Medicinal Plants Studies, P.O.Box 6163, Yaounde, Cameroon._ Dr. Tatsadjieu Ngoune Léopold, Professor _Department of Food Engineering and Quality Control, University Institute of Technology,

University of Ngaoundere, P.O.Box 455, Ngaoundere, Cameroon._ VIEW BOOKS: http://bp.bookpi.org/index.php/bpi/catalog/book/111