Functional and safety assessment of Staphylococcus simulans PMRS35 with high lipase activity isolated from high salt-fermented fish (Budu) for starter development

The objective of this study was to examine the safety and functional properties of Staphylococcus simulans PMRS35 isolated from Budu. This strain possessed good lipase activity and moderate protease activity, tolerated 25% of salt, and did not exhibit decarboxylase activity. In addition, this strain displayed not only negative results towards pathogenic genes, hemolytic activity, and biofilm formation ability but also sensitivity to conventional antibiotics which included chloramphenicol, vancomycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, and gentamycin. Most importantly, the isolate maintained its viability towards simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions with survival rate of more than 80%. This strain showed pronounced values of auto-aggregation and cell surface hydrophobicity properties as 34.2 +/- 1.4 and 39.14%, respectively. Additionally, the isolates showed strong antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens, particularly S. aureus. These results demonstrated that this species has potential for use as starter to improve the quality and the health functionality of fermented foods.