Synergistic effects of combinatorial Lactiplantibacillus plantarum fermentation and vegetable oils supplementation on the lycopene level, antioxidant capacities and flavor volatiles of tomato pulp

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) fermen-tation and three types of vegetable oils (corn oil, peanut oil, and olive oil) supplementations on the physico-chemical properties, bioactive components, and flavor volatiles of tomato pulp. Tomato pulp supplemented with oils was excellent food matrices for L. plantarum growth, and the colony counts remained above 8.3 log CFU/mL at the end of fermentation. The contents of total phenol, carotenoids and lycopene were dramatically increased after fermentation, and oils supplementation exhibited a synergistic promotion effect, especially for the com-bination of L. plantarum fermentation and 3% olive oil supplementation exhibiting the highest lycopene level (30 mg/mL), the strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity (84.24%) and FRAP (16.45 mmol Trolox/L). Further-more, synergistic L. plantarum fermentation and oils supplementation decreased aldehydes content, and increased alcohols, esters, and ketones formation, meaning the improved flavor characteristics of fermented tomato pulp.Industrial relevance: In this study, a functional beverage of tomato pulp was prepared by the combination of L. plantarum fermentation and vegetable oils supplementation. Colony counts, lycopene level, antioxidant capac-ities, and flavor characteristics were dramatically improved at the end of fermentation. This study provides an innovative technology to improve the release of lycopene from plant tissue and provide a functional beverage of tomato pulp with high health benefits.