In silico prediction and in vitro analysis of bacteriocin and probiotic properties of Weissella cibaria NM1 isolated from Asian sea bass

• Main Authors: Malek, Ahmad Zuhairi Abdul, Lokman, Nur Amalina Ahmed, Tan, Boon Chin, Lim, Yin Sze
• Format: Article
• Published: Malaysian Soc Microbiology 2021
• Subjects: S Agriculture (General); TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/35689/; https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85122269623&doi=10.21161%2fmjm.211249&partnerID=40&md5=756351ffcaf92aa920acd901e9435f4a

This study aims to predict the presence of bacteriocin and probiotic-associated genes in the genome of Weissella cibaria NM1 isolated from Asian sea bass using a machine learning-based NeuBI prediction approach, followed by the investigation of the crude bacteriocin antimicrobial and probiotic properties via in vitro analysis. Methodology and results: This study utilized the machine learning-based NeuBI prediction approach with a homology search of highly conserved bacteriocin-associated genes present in the genome of W. cibaria NM1. This approach discovered a putative bacteriocin gene (WC2064) and bacteriocin operon with complete immunity, transporter, regulator and modifier genes. Furthermore, the genome of W. cibaria NM1 was found to harboured specific probiotic-associated genes that would contribute to acid and bile tolerance, adhesion on the host cell and exhibited cholesterol-reducing ability. On top of that, the genome also shows the absence of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes, which signifies the safety of W. cibaria NM1 as a potential probiotic candidate. In vitro study has confirmed the antipseudomonal activity of crude bacteriocin NM1 with MIC of 62.5 mg/mL. Weissella cibaria NM1 can tolerate 0.3 (v/v) of bile salt condition and the transit through the simulated gastric (pH 3 and 4) and small intestinal (pH 8) tract. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Current findings suggested in silico approach can speed up the search for putative bacteriocin and probiotic-associated genes from the genome of W. cibaria NM1. Nevertheless, further verification through experimental works will be deemed essentia © 2021. Malaysian Journal of Microbiology.All Rights Reserved