Research Projects

In conclusion, the native isolates of LAB were found to possess desirable in vitro probiotic properties. In our investigation we have been able to detect probiotic marker genes by PCR and found that their presence correlated with in vitro probiotic properties. All cultures displayed great survivability in simulated fluid conditions and also displayed an array of probiotic and functional traits like cell surface hydrophobicity, adhesion to cell surface proteins, BSH activity, cholesterol reduction, antimicrobial activity and anti-oxidant potential. In addition use of molecular typing tools helped in the differentiation of isolates at the strain level and also revealed the genomic diversity of strains from different sources. These methods are rapid, non laborious, easy to perform and cost-effective, aiding in the identification of adhesion domains of mucin binding and fibronectin binding proteins. Moreover, to exert the health benefits on the host, colonization and adherence properties of probiotic bacteria is crucial. In this context, the results obtained indicated the variability among native isolates for adherence gene that was also supported with bioinformatic analysis.