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Limosilactobacillus vaginalis Exerts Bifidogenic Effects: A Novel Postbiotic Strategy for Infant Prebiotic

Barbara Giordani1, Carola Parolin1, Angela Abruzzo1

  • 1Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy.

Nutrients
|October 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Heat-killed Limosilactobacillus vaginalis BC17, a vaginal microbe derivative, promotes beneficial Bifidobacterium growth in infants. This postbiotic is safe and aids gut microbiota development, potentially preventing infant disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiome research
  • Pediatric health
  • Postbiotics

Background:

  • Infant gut microbiota is crucial for well-being and long-term health.
  • Cesarean-section and formula feeding lead to low gut microbial diversity in infants, increasing disorder risk.
  • Supplementation with vaginal microbes or derivatives (postbiotics) can promote healthy gut microbiota development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the bifidogenic activity of heat-killed Limosilactobacillus vaginalis BC17.
  • To assess the safety of L. vaginalis BC17 for infant use.
  • To evaluate the potential of heat-killed L. vaginalis BC17 as a postbiotic for infant gut health.

Main Methods:

  • Whole genome sequencing of L. vaginalis BC17 using Nanopore technology.
  • Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) testing for antibiotic susceptibility.
  • In vitro assessment of heat-killed BC17 effects on Bifidobacterium spp. growth, biofilm formation, and pathogen inhibition.
  • Formulation of heat-killed BC17 in a sunflower oil suspension for infant oral intake and testing its stability and functional properties.

Main Results:

  • L. vaginalis BC17 genome analysis revealed no antibiotic resistance genes or virulence factors, confirming safety.
  • Heat-killed BC17 significantly enhanced planktonic growth and biofilm formation of Bifidobacterium spp.
  • Heat-killed BC17 demonstrated antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens.
  • The formulated product showed optimal technological and functional properties, including stability after acidic pre-digestion.

Conclusions:

  • Heat-killed L. vaginalis BC17 is a safe and effective postbiotic with bifidogenic properties.
  • This postbiotic can stimulate beneficial Bifidobacterium growth and biofilm formation in infants.
  • It also exhibits antimicrobial effects against pathogens, supporting healthy infant gut microbiota development.

Keywords:
Limosilactobacillus vaginalisbifidobacteriaheat-killed probioticinfant gut microbiotapostbiotic

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