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In this research, production of probiotic pomegranate juice through its fermentation by four strains of lactic acid bacteria: Lactobacillus plantarum, L. delbruekii, L. paracasei, L. acidophilus was examined. Fermentation was carried out at 30°C for 72 h under microaerophilic conditions. Microbial population, pH, titrable acidity, sugar and organic acid metabolism were measured during the fermentation period and the viability of all strains was also determined during the storage time at 4°C within 4 weeks. The results indicated that L. plantarum and L. delbruekii increased the pH sharply at the initial stages of fermentation and the sugar consumption was also higher in comparison with other strains, better microbial growth was also observed for these two strains during fermentation. Citric acid, as a major organic acid in pomegranate juice was significantly consumed by all probiotic lactic acid bacteria. L. plantarum and L. delbruekii showed higher viability during the storage time. Viable cells remained at their maximum level within 2 weeks but decreased dramatically after 4 weeks. Pomegranate juice was proved to be a suitable media for production of a fermented probiotic drink.

Pomegranate juice was diluted to 12°Brix and carriers (maltodextrin, gum Arabic, waxy starch) were added with varying concentrations of cellulose before being reduced to powder by spray drying. All carrier concentrations improved dryer yield, with gum Arabic being the most effective. The bulk density of the powder decreased when higher carrier concentrations were used. As cellulose concentration increased in solution, the solubility of the final product decreased. The optical properties of the powder were affected by the type and concentration of the carrier; powders produced with gum Arabic showed the greatest color change. Adding a carrier increased the Tg of the powder and its storage stability. Variation in the anthocyanin may be related to the type of carrier agent and its behavior during spray drying.

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