Evaluation of the probiotic characteristics and prophylactic potential of Weissella cibaria strains isolated from kimchi

The objective of this study was to evaluate the probiotic and prophylactic properties of two Weissella cibaria strains (D29 and D30) isolated from kimchi; Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), a well-known commercial strain, and W. cibaria JW15, a previously reported probiotic strain, were used for comparative analysis. The isolates exhibited tolerance to artificial gastric juice (pH 2.5; 0.3% pepsin) and bile salts (0.3% oxgall) and a high binding capacity for intestinal epithelial cells. The isolates showed antibiotic resistance patterns similar to those of LGG and showed no beta-glucuronidase production and hemolysis. The isolates inhibited the intestinal adherence and growth of representative foodborne pathogens. Isolates showed the comparatively lower lactic acid production but the higher butyric acid production. Furthermore, the isolates exhibited an antioxidant potential by scavenging DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl, and superoxide anion radicals and expressing the superoxide dismutase against hydrogen peroxide challenge. In addition, the isolates showed a higher exopolysaccharide production ability. Collectively, potential probiotic isolates could contribute towards the maintenance and improvement of health and could therefore be applicable for developing of functional probiotic products.