In vitro Digestion: Exploring the probiotic abilities and metabolization of human milk oligosaccharides by two strains of Limosilactobacillus fermentum isolated from breast milk

Abstract

Human breast milk (HBM) serves as the most optimal nourishment for infants, not only providing essential nutrition but also boasting a rich array of immune components. These include secretory antibodies, immune cells, antimicrobial proteins (like lactoferrin and lysozyme), cytokines, and human milk oligosaccharides. Today, the presence of a specific microbiome in human milk is known. Our primary research involves the examination of certain probiotic properties displayed by two strains of Limosilactobacillus fermentum, which were isolated from breast milk. Furthermore, our goal was to evaluate their ability to metabolize breast milk-derived oligosaccharides through an in vitro digestion simulation system. The in vitro model simulating gastrointestinal digestion was performed according to INFOGEST method with some modification. We used various molecular techniques to isolate and identify strains from breast milk. Additionally, we employed different biochemical analyses to determine specific enzyme activities, and we also assessed the fundamental probiotic characteristics of two strains Limosilactobacillus fermentum. We found good probiotic characteristics in the examined strains, as well as favorable growth properties in the presence of specific human milk oligosaccharides. In this regard, we believe that breast milk represents a rich source for isolating potential probiotic strains.