Exploring infant gut-derived probiotics through 16S rRNA identification and in vitro functional characterization

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gut Microbiome Research
• Probiotic Development

Background:

• The infant gut microbiota plays a crucial role in health, influencing digestion, immunity, and metabolism.
• Identifying beneficial microbes from this source is key for developing novel probiotics.
• Probiotics offer potential health benefits, including improved gut health and immune function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize potential probiotic bacterial isolates from infant fecal samples.
• To evaluate the gastrointestinal resilience and functional properties of selected isolates.
• To confirm the safety and taxonomic affiliation of promising probiotic candidates.

Main Methods:

• Screening of 47 bacterial isolates from infant fecal samples.
• 16S rRNA sequencing for bacterial identification and phylogenetic analysis.
• In vitro assays for acid/bile tolerance, autoaggregation, hydrophobicity, bile salt hydrolase activity, and antioxidant capacity (FRAP, ABTS, DPPH).
• Antibiotic susceptibility testing for safety assessment.

Main Results:

• Two isolates, Lb. paracasei IF5YR and Ent. faecium IF5RW2, were identified as promising candidates.
• Both strains demonstrated strong tolerance to acid (pH 1.5) and bile (2%).
• High autoaggregation (>70%) and cell surface hydrophobicity (>90%) were observed.
• Significant bile salt hydrolase activity and potent antioxidant potential (FRAP >75%) were confirmed.
• Antibiotic susceptibility testing indicated a safe profile for both isolates.

Conclusions:

• Lb. paracasei IF5YR and Ent. faecium IF5RW2 show potential as probiotic candidates for gut health and oxidative stress modulation.
• These strains could be developed as functional food ingredients or health supplements.
• Further in vivo and clinical studies are warranted to validate their therapeutic efficacy.