Comparison of probiotic properties between free cells and encapsulated cells of <i>Limosilactobacillus fermentum</i> InaCC B1295

Abstract

<abstract> <p>Probiotics are microflora that can improve intestinal health and the immune system, positively impacting human health. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of free cells and <italic>Limosilactobacillus fermentum</italic> InaCC B1295 (LFB1295) cells encapsulated with cellulose microfiber hydrogel (CMFH) from oil palm fronds (OPF) against gastric acid, bile ox gall, autoaggregation, coaggregation, and hydrophobicity of surface cells to reach the columns with high viability numbers and be capable of attaching to and colonizing the colon. The research was carried out experimentally by referring to previous research methods. Research data in resistance to gastric acid and bile salts, autoaggregation, coaggregation, and cell surface hydrophobicity were analyzed statistically using the t-test and displayed in table and figure form. The results showed that free cells were more susceptible to gastric acid and bile salts than CMFH-encapsulated cells from OPF, as indicated by a much more promising reduction in the viability of free cells compared to CMFH-encapsulated LFB1295 cells from OPF. Hence, LFB1295 free cells had higher autoaggregation, cell surface hydrophobicity, and coaggregation values than CMGH-encapsulated cells from OPF. Free and encapsulated cells generally have high coaggregation values with fellow lactic acid bacteria (LAB), <italic>Pediococcus pentosaceus</italic>, compared to coaggregation with pathogenic bacteria, namely <italic>S. aureus</italic> and <italic>E. coli</italic>. These findings indicate that free cells or cells encapsulated with CMFH-OPF have excellent acid and bile salts, autoaggregation, coaggregation, and hydrophobicity and qualify as probiotics.</p> </abstract>