Microbiota-accessible carbohydrates enhance the biological properties and promote colonization of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ZDY2013 in the intestinal tract of weaned rats

Abstract

Effective intestinal colonization is a prerequisite for lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to exert probiotic functions. However, colonization by exogenous LAB is usually transient. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ZDY2013 is a traditional fermented food source strain with the ability to colonize the host, modulate the gut microbiota and metabolize a wide range of complex carbohydrates. Microbiota-accessible carbohydrates (MACs) can act as growth factors promoting the population of intrinsic intestinal LAB. However, it is unclear whether MACs promote the intestinal colonization of exogenous L. plantarum ZDY2013. Therefore, this study evaluated the ability of different carbohydrates to improve the bioactivity and promote the metabolism of L. plantarum ZDY2013. Specifically, we explored the ability of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) to promote the colonization and regulation of intestinal flora homeostasis in a weaned rat model. Results showed that most of the selected carbohydrates effectively promoted fermentation of L. plantarum ZDY2013. In addition, the strain fermented glucose, maltose, or GOS, which increased the surface hydrophobicity and the rate of adhesion to epithelial cells, while effectively producing organic acids that inhibited the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. Meanwhile, GOS significantly facilitated colonization of L. plantarum ZDY2013 in weaned rats and maintained a higher concentration for a longer period of time. In particular, dietary GOS modulated the intestinal flora by increasing the abundance of beneficial genera in the weaned rats. This study provides a theoretical foundation for further studies on the potential mechanisms of action of functional GOS with L. plantarum ZDY2013 in promoting host’s health.