Size-dependence in fermentation of maize brans by human gut microbiota

Here, we investigate the influence of the size of a maize bran particle on fermentation by human gut microbiota. Fermentations were monitored for 48 hours, and microbial community structure was evaluated using amplification of the 16S rRNA using primers 515FB and 926R. We observed significant size-dependence, both in the community structure of fermenting microbiota and also in their metabolic outputs (i.e. SCFAs).