Investigation of some probiotic properties of Lactobacillaceae strains isolated from traditional Tulum cheese in Turkey

The aim of this study was to evaluate the probiotic properties of Lactobacillaceae strains isolated from Tulum, Turkey. Ten strains of Lactobacillaceae spp. were taxonomically identified as follows: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum (6), Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (2), Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (1) and Lacticaseibacillus casei (1). Their probiotic properties, antimicrobial activities and tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal conditions such as low pH, pepsin, pancreatin and bile salts were evaluated. The results show that 10 lactic acid bacterial strains have high auto aggregation, coaggregation and hydrophobic properties. Antibiotic resistance and haemolytic activity were determined for safety assessment of the strains. Selected isolates showing high antimicrobial activity and the ability to remove cholesterol were also detected. These bacteria were found to have antioxidant activity as well. Therefore, these ten extracted lactic acid bacteria are promising potential candidates for use as probiotics. In this comprehensive study, L. plantarum SM27, L. plantarum S74 and L. paracasei RU39-7 were found to have the best probiotic properties. Important information was obtained on the probiotic and functional properties of Lactobacillaceae strains isolated from traditionally fermented Tulum cheese, which can be used as a rich source of probiotic bacteria. It was found that it is possible to isolate probiotic bacteria from traditional fermented cheeses.