Abstract
Soybean protein (Pro) and soybean oligopeptide (Pep) were subjected to simulated digestion in vitro to study the effect of Pep on the growth and metabolism of Lactobacillus acidophilus JCM 1132. First, the molecular weight distribution differences of samples before and after digestion were compared, and the samples were used to replace the nitrogen source components in the culture media. Then, the viable cell numbers, lactic acid and acetic acid content, differential metabolites, and metabolic pathways during the culturing process were measured. Results showed that the digested soybean oligopeptide (dPep) was less efficient than MRS medium in promoting the growth, but by increasing the content of the intermediates during the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, its metabolic capacity was significantly improved. Besides, due to the low molecular weight of dPep, it can be better transported and utilized. And dPep significantly strengthened the amino acid metabolism and weakened the glycerol phospholipid metabolism, so the ability of dPep in promoting the growth and metabolism of Lactobacillus acidophilus JCM 1132 is higher than the digested soybean protein (dPro).