Abstract
This study investigated the capability of selected autochthonous lactic acid bacteria to enrich the portfolio of bioactive compounds of avocado fruit (Persea americana Mill.), with the perspective of producing dietary supplements or pharmaceutical preparations. Fermented avocado puree resulted in high levels of total free amino acids. Fermentation also led to a marked increase of antioxidant activity, with the highest levels found in water and hexane soluble extracts. Bio-converted phenolic compounds and fatty acids derivatives resulting from bacterial metabolism were likely responsible for the increased antioxidant activity. Fermentation caused the fortification of avocado puree with some hydroxy fatty acids, which deserved marked attention due to their health-promoting activities. Oleic and linoleic acids were highly metabolized by Lactobacillus plantarum AVEF17, leading to high levels of mono, di-, and tri-hydroxy-octadecenoic acids.