Evaluation of Probiotic Potential and Safety Assessment of Lactobacillus pentosus MMP4 Isolated From Mare's Lactation

Lactic acid bacteria isolated from indigenous milk of different animals were investigated for their efficacy, safety, and probiotic potential. The most potential isolate MMP4 was screened from mare's milk, which was further identified as Lactobacillus pentosus by using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogeny. The probiotic potential of strain MMP4 was assessed by its ability to survive under acidic environment and in presence of bile salts along with the ability to inhibit food-borne as well as clinical pathogenic microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella typhi. The phenol tolerance with cogent hydrophobicity to different hydrocarbons was demonstrated. Bile salt hydrolase activity of L. pentosus MMP4 was confirmed by detecting the Bsh gene by using colony PCR. The presence of Mub, Map, and EF-Tu genes involved in adhesion conferred the behavior of passage and adherence to gastrointestinal tract. Scanning electron microscopy of intestinal autopsy from albino mice revealed the attachment of bacterial cells on the mucus-lined intestinal walls against pathogens and further proved in vivo adhesion ability. The presence of intrinsic antibiotic resistance and lack of DNase, gelatinase, and hemolytic activity in MMP4 support its safety as probiotic traits. Thus, MMP4 bears an excellent and pragmatic properties for being used as probiotic and may be exploited in dairy industry.