Abstract

Probiotics are live microorganisms which when consumed in required number with a food promote the health of the consumer. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from indigenous sources such as passion fruit and potato. The two isolates were biochemically characterised. Weissella cibaria from passion fruit and Lactococcus lactis from potato were deposited in NCBI with accession MK368397 and MK368420, respectively. Both isolates showed positive reaction on qualitative tests for exopolysaccharide production. As a part of assessing the probiotic potential, isolates were exposed to the harsh conditions of acid and bile. W. cibaria showed growth even after 3h of exposure to pH 2.0. It also showed remarkable tolerance to 0.6 per cent bile salts. To evaluate the adhesion potential, cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) and auto aggregation were determined. CSH value and auto aggregation values of W. cibaria and L. lactis was found to be 89.1% and 79.6 % and 83.8 % and 33.7 % respectively. Both the isolates were non-haemolytic and not capable of liquifying gelatin, which indicates the possible absence of virulence factors. 

Keywords : Lactic acid bacteria, probiotics, W.cibaria, L.lactis