Probiotic and Metabolic Characterization of Vaginal Lactobacilli for a Potential Use in Functional Foods

• Main Authors: Margherita D’Alessandro, Carola Parolin, Danka Bukvicki, Lorenzo Siroli, Beatrice Vitali, Maria De Angelis, Rosalba Lanciotti, Francesca Patrignani
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-04-01
• Series: Microorganisms
• Subjects: probiotic; functional characterization; <i>Lactobacillus crispatus</i>; <i>Lactobacillus gasseri</i>; <i>Limosilactobacillus vaginalis</i>; biolog
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/9/4/833

The main aim of this work was to verify the metabolic and functional aptitude of 15 vaginal strains belonging to <i>Lactobacillus crispatus</i>, <i>Lactobacillus gasseri</i>, and <i>Limosilactobacillus vaginalis</i> (previously <i>Lactobacillus vaginalis</i>), already characterized for their technological and antimicrobial properties. In order to evaluate the metabolic profile of these vaginal strains, a phenotype microarray analysis was performed on them. Functional parameters such as hydrophobicity, auto-aggregation, deconjugation of bile salts, adhesion to an intestinal cell line (Caco-2), and a simulated digestion process were evaluated for these strains. A good number of these strains showed hydrophobicity values higher than 70%. Regarding the auto-aggregation assay, the most promising strains were <i>L. crispatus</i> BC9 and BC1, <i>L. gasseri</i> BC10 and BC14, and <i>L. vaginalis</i> BC17. Moreover, <i>L. crispatus</i> BC4, BC6, BC7, and BC8 were characterized by strong bile salts hydrolase activity (BHS). In addition, <i>L. crispatus</i> BC8 and <i>L. vaginalis</i> BC17 were characterized by a medium ability to adhere to Caco-2 cells. Data related to digestion process showed a strong ability of vaginal lactobacilli to withstand this stress. In conclusion, the data collected show the metabolic versatility and several exploitable functional properties of the investigated vaginal lactobacilli.