Lactic-Acid Bacteria in Armenia: Radioprotective Studies

The national acido-lactic product in Caucasus is Matsoon, representing a huge source and biotechnolog- ical potential for obtaining unique, century-old selected lactic-acid bacteria and yeast. Matsoon reveals evident Fe-dependent antioxidant activity initiated mainly by rod- shaped lactobacilli. Its microbiota is rich in protease- resistant bacteriocins producing lactobacteria, which have been isolated and characterized with creation of the Culture Collection and Databases. Treatment and dietary acido- lactic product "Narine" obtained in Armenia is a valuable preparation for correction and restoration of intestinal microbiota of patients damaged by radiation disease. A novel technology for production from raw starch the lactates and food-grade lactic acid with the use of Streptococcus bovis is presented.