Probiotic Potential of Lactobacillus paracasei CT12 Isolated from Water Kefir Grains (Tibicos)

Probiotic Potential of Lactobacillus paracasei CT12 Isolated from Water Kefir Grains (Tibicos):

Abstract

The water kefir grains are a multi-species starter culture used to produce fermented beverages of sucrose solution with or without fruit extracts. The water kefir grains are known in Mexico as Tibicos, which are mainly used to produce Tepache, a traditional Mexican drink made by fermenting pineapple peel. The microbiota of Tibicos mainly include lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and since most probiotics belong to this group, Tibicos may represent a potential source of probiotic bacteria. Moreover, several bacteria isolated from kefir samples have been recognized as probiotics. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the probiotic properties of a Lactobacillus strain isolated from Tibicos. The isolated, designed as CT12, was identified as Lactobacillus paracasei by sequencing 16S RNA gene. L. paracasei CT12 showed a survival rate of ca. 57% and 40% following simulated gastric and intestinal digestion, respectively. Besides, the strain was sensitive to ampicillin and erythromycin, and exhibited hydrophobicity (97–99%), autoaggregation (ca. 70%) and mucin adhesion properties (up to 90%), while no possessed haemolytic capacity. Furthermore, its cell-free supernatant displayed relevant antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant capacity. Hence, L. paracasei CT12 appears to possess a potential probiotic value.

Unlike regular kefir, which is made from cow, sheep or goat milk, water kefir is made by combining sugar water with water kefir grains — a type of grain-like culture of bacteria and yeast. The mixture is then typically fermented for 24–48 hours, producing a probiotic beverage rich in beneficial bacteria.Dec 21, 2018

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