Prebiotic potential of spent brewery grain – In vitro study

Spent brewery grain (SBG) is a by-product of the brewery industry. The study aimed to investigate the prebiotic potential of SBG. The chemical composition and fermentation capacity of SBG were checked. The gut microbiota response to SBG was assessed in two in vitro models (batch fermentation and dynamic system). Substances with prebiotic properties, including arabinoxylans (16.7 g/100 g) and polyphenols (49.1 mg/100 g), were identified in SBG. Suitable growth and fermentation by probiotic bacteria were observed. The modulatory effect of gut microbiota depends on the in vitro system used. In batch fermentation, there was no stimulation of Bifidobacterium or lactic acid bacteria (LAB), but short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and branched short-chain fatty acids (BCFA) synthesis increased. In dynamic, SBG exhibited a moderate bifidogenic effect, promoting Akkermansia and LAB growth while reducing Bacteroides and Escherichia-Shigella. SCFA stabilisation and reduction of BCFA content were noted. Moderate prebiotic effects were observed.