In vitro characterization of lactic acid bacteria from Indian fermented rice for probiotic applications

Aim: To investigate probiotic attributes of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from under-explored Indian fermented rice for potential application in consumer health and functional product development. Methods and results: The isolates endured conditions resembling gastric stress, including pH (3), bile salt (4%), NaCl (6%), and phenol (0.6%). The selected isolates were identified as L. fermentum and L. plantarum strains by 16 S rRNA sequencing. In a simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT), isolate SR1 outperformed other cultures in terms of viability. Auto-aggregation, and mucin adhesion abilities were tested for colonization potential. In which, compared to other isolates, MCR1 showed greater mucin adherence. SR1 and MCR1 showed higher percentages of auto-aggregation than GG. The auto-aggregation ranged from 9% to 88%., the levels significantly increase after 24 h incubation. The lower Salt aggregation Test (SAT) values indicated efficient hydrophobicity necessary for persistence in GIT and competitive inhibition to pathogens. All the isolates displayed considerably higher galactosidase activity than GG, isolate FCR2 expressed the highest, up to 613±0.92 Miller’s unit/ml activity. The probiotic candidates displayed broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against food-spoilage fungi and entero-pathogens. The study of safety aspects such as hemolytic, DNase activity, antibiotic susceptibility confirmed unavailability of any virulent factor. Conclusion: The isolates developed substantial galactosidase activity and significant broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. These characteristics make isolates an effective commercial option for β-galactosidase production in the food sector to create low-lactose or lactose-free products. Overall, the isolates' capacity for survival, colonization, and other useful traits may be of commercial relevance. Additionally, isolates can be researched for the production of antibacterial agents and in vivo studies for development of future functional food products. Moreover, these findings lay a robust groundwork for future exploration in probiotics, functional foods and nutraceuticals, while also shedding light on the mechanisms underlying the health benefits of the specified traditional food source. Significance: This investigation uncovered potential probiotic LAB of Indian fermented rice origin. By doing so, it expands our understanding of LAB diversity and presents promising candidates for applications in gut health improvement, functional food development, and exploration of natural antibacterial solutions.