Evaluation of Pediococcus pentosaceus strains isolated from Idly batter for probiotic properties in vitro

Abstract

Idly batter is a traditional fermented food in South India and distribution of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) varies with season. Six bacteriocinogenic Pediococcus pentosaceus strains isolated from Idly batter were evaluated for probiotic properties in vitro. These isolates exhibited effective inhibition against various intestinal Gram positive and negative pathogens like Escherichia coli. These isolates especially, VJ13, VJ31 and VJ49 could tolerate 0.3% bile salt, gastric and intestinal conditions. All isolates exhibited strong auto-aggregation and co-aggregation (against Listeria monocytogenes and E. coli) with higher hydrophobicity and thus they could eliminate pathogen and prevent its adhesion to intestinal cells. All isolates except VJ41 assimilate cholesterol effectively, suggesting that they can lower the cholesterol, and because they produce β-galactosidase they can be used for lactose intolerance. Heat-killed P. pentosaceus VJ13 also assimilated cholesterol (19%) but not as effectively as live strains (73%). Among these isolates, VJ13 and VJ49, which exhibited efficient probiotic property, were evaluated for in vitro adhesion with Caco-2 cells. These isolates adhere more effectively with Caco-2 cells than the intestinal pathogen L. monocytogenes and prevent the pathogen adhesion to intestinal cells. Among these isolates, VJ13 has beneficial probiotic properties which can be exploited for formulation of functional foods.