Screening, Identification, and Characterization of Two Folate-Producing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strains

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Nutritional Science
• Food Science

Background:

• Folate is essential for human health, and microbial production offers a sustainable source.
• Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is recognized for its probiotic potential and metabolic capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To screen and characterize two novel folate-producing strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Grx1201 and Grx1202).
• To evaluate the safety and folate production efficiency of these strains for potential use in functional foods.

Main Methods:

• Folate production was assessed using folic acid assay medium (FAAM) with exogenous folic acid supplementation.
• Bacterial safety was evaluated through antibiotic resistance, biogenic amine synthesis, and hemolytic activity assays.
• Gene transcription analysis of the folate synthesis pathway was performed.

Main Results:

• Supplementation with 4 μg/100 mL folic acid increased folate production by Grx1201 and Grx1202 to 9.01 μg/100 mL and 10.47 μg/100 mL, respectively.
• Both strains demonstrated high survival rates at pH 3.0 and were confirmed safe for biological applications.
• Analysis revealed differences in the transcription levels of key folate synthesis genes between the two strains.

Conclusions:

• Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Grx1201 and Grx1202 are efficient folate producers with favorable safety profiles.
• These bacterial strains hold significant potential for enhancing folate content in functional foods.