Physio-chemical, microbiological properties of tempoyak and molecular characterisation of lactic acid bacteria isolated from tempoyak

Characterization and Probiotic Potential of Levilactobacillus brevis DPL5: A Novel Strain Isolated from Human Breast Milk with Antimicrobial Properties Against Biofilm-Forming Staphylococcus aureus

Lactobacillus is a key genus of probiotics commonly utilized for the treatment of oral infections The primary aim of our research was to investigate the probiotic potential of the newly isolated Levilactobacillus brevis DPL5 strain from human breast milk, focusing on its ability to combat biofilm-forming pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus. Employing in vitro approaches, we demonstrate L. brevis DPL5's ability to endure at pH 3 with survival rates above 30%, and withstand the osmotic stress often found during industrial processes like fermentation and freeze drying, retaining over 90% viability. The lyophilized cell-free supernatant of L. brevis DPL5 had a significant antagonistic effect against biofilm-producing nasal strains of Staphylococcus aureus, and it completely eradicated biofilms at subinhibitory concentrations of 20 mg·mL-1. Higher concentrations of 69 mg·mL-1 were found to have a 99% bactericidal effect, based on the conducted probability analysis, indicating the production of bactericidal bioactive extracellular compounds capable of disrupting the biofilm formation of pathogens like S. aureus. Furthermore, genome-wide sequencing and analysis of L. brevis DPL5 with cutting-edge Nanopore technology has uncovered over 50 genes linked to probiotic activity, supporting its ability to adapt and thrive in the harsh gut environment. The genome also contains multiple biosynthetic gene clusters such as lanthipeptide class IV, Type III polyketide synthase (T3PKS), and ribosomally synthesized, and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPP-like compounds), all of which are associated with antibacterial properties. Our study paves the way for the further exploration of DPL5, setting the stage for innovative, nature-inspired solutions to combat stubborn bacterial infections.

Screening of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Fermented Cowpea and Optimization of Biomass Production Conditions

Considering the four characteristics of strains, including acid production, acid tolerance, salt tolerance, and nitrite degradation rate, Pediococcus pentosaceus NCU006063 was selected as the fermentation agent, and the medium composition of Pediococcus pentosaceus NCU006063 was optimized using Plackett-Burman and central composite rotational design. Three of the seven factors studied in the Plackett-Burman design significantly affected the viable counts. A central composite rotational design was used to optimize the significant factors and generate response surface plots. Using these response surface plots and point predictions, the optimal factors were soy peptone (38.75 g/L), FeSO4 (0.10 g/L), and VB7 (20 g/L). In addition, the optimized incubation conditions were a temperature of 39 °C, an initial pH value of 7, and an inoculation volume of 3%. The optimized biomass production parameters were a constant pH (6.5), neutralizing agent types (25% NH3·H2O), and gas types (N2). Under these optimal conditions, Pediococcus pentosaceus NCU006063 exhibited a great viable bacterial count of up to 2.65 × 1010 CFU/mL, which is 9.71 times higher than that of MRS broth (2.73 × 109 CFU/mL). These results demonstrated that the Pediococcus pentosaceus NCU006063 strain has excellent potential as a fermentation agent and can provide a theoretical base for the in-depth exploration and promotion of fermented cowpea use in human diets.

Resistance and Biofilm Production Profile of Potential Isolated from Kpètè-Kpètè Used to Produce Traditional Fermented Beer

This study aimed to characterize the pathogenicity of bacteria isolated from the starter of two traditional beers produced and consumed in Benin. After standard microbial identification, species were identified by specific biochemical tests such as catalase, coagulase, and API 20 E. Antibiotic sensitivity was tested according to the French Society of Microbiology Antibiogram Committee. The crystal violet microplate technique evaluated the biofilm production and conventional PCR was used to identify genes encoding virulence and macrolide resistance. According to our data, the traditional starter known as kpètè-kpètè that is used to produce beer is contaminated by Enterobacteriaceae and staphylococci species. Thus, 28.43% of the isolated bacteria were coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), and 10.93% coagulase-positive staphylococci (CPS). Six species such as Klebsiella terrigena (1.38%), Enterobacter aerogens (4.14%), Providencia rettgeri (5.51%), Chryseomonas luteola (6.89%), Serratia rubidae (15.16%), and Enterobacter cloacae (27.56%) were identified among Enterobacteriaceae. Those bacterial strains are multi-resistant to conventional antibiotics. The hight capability of produced biofilms was recorded with Enterobacter aerogens, Klebsiella terrigena (100%), Providencia rettgeri (75%), and Staphylococcus spp (60%). Enterobacter cloacae (4%) and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (5.55%) harbor the macrolide resistance gene. For other strains, these genes were not detected. Foods contaminated with bacteria resistant to antibiotics and carrying a virulence gene could constitute a potential public health problem. There is a need to increase awareness campaigns on hygiene rules in preparing and selling these traditional beers.

Bioactive Ingredients in Traditional Fermented Food Condiments: Emerging Products for Prevention and Treatment of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are severe metabolic diseases due to inappropriate lifestyle and genetic factors and their prevention/treatment cause serious problems. Therefore, searching for effective and safe approaches to control obesity and T2D is an essential challenge. This study presents the knowledge regarding the possible use of traditional fermented condiments (TFC), a known major source of bioactive compounds (BACs), as an adjuvant treatment for obesity and T2D. Data on antiobesity, antidiabetic, and different mechanisms of BACs action of TFC were collected using a methodical search in PubMed, Scopus databases, Web of Science, SciELO, and the Cochrane Library. We discuss the mechanisms by which BCs prevent or treat obesity and T2D. The effects of TFC on obesity and T2D have been found both in animal, human, and clinical studies. The findings demonstrated that BACs in TFC confer potential promising antiobesity and antidiabetic effects. Because of the potential therapeutic significance of bioactive ingredients, the consumption of TFC could be recommended as a functional condiment. Nevertheless, further investigation is required in more clinical studies of TFC to support the formulation of functional fermented condiments and nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.

Genomic diversity in Fructobacillus spp. isolated from fructose-rich niches

The Fructobacillus genus is a group of obligately fructophilic lactic acid bacteria (FLAB) that requires the use of fructose or another electron acceptor for their growth. In this work, we performed a comparative genomic analysis within the genus Fructobacillus by using 24 available genomes to evaluate genomic and metabolic differences among these organisms. In the genome of these strains, which varies between 1.15- and 1.75-Mbp, nineteen intact prophage regions, and seven complete CRISPR-Cas type II systems were found. Phylogenetic analyses located the studied genomes in two different clades. A pangenome analysis and a functional classification of their genes revealed that genomes of the first clade presented fewer genes involved in the synthesis of amino acids and other nitrogen compounds. Moreover, the presence of genes strictly related to the use of fructose and electron acceptors was variable within the genus, although these variations were not always related to the phylogeny.

Prebiotic Functions of Konjac Root Powder in Chocolate Milk Enriched with Free and Encapsulated Lactic Acid Bacteria

This study investigated the prebiotic functions of Konjac root powder (KRP) when added to chocolate milk (ChM) enriched with 2% of free or microencapsulated lactic acid bacteria (FLAB or ELAB). The effects of different concentrations of KRP (0%, 2% and 4%) and refrigerated storage time on the physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of this chocolate milk were examined. The results show that pH significantly declined (p < 0.05), while titratable acidity increased in all ChM samples with KRP and FLAB or ELAB during refrigerated storage. The pH values ranged from 6.0 ± 0.03 in samples enriched ELAB and 4% KRP to 6.33 ± 0.03 in ChM enriched with FLAB and 2% KRP. Viscosity of ChM was affected mainly by the added amounts of KRP and storage time. The largest viscosity (5500 cP) was observed in all samples containing 4% KPR on day zero and decreased significantly (p < 0.05) over storage time to reach 2800 cP in ChM samples containing 0% LAB and 4% KRP after 21 days of storage. Changes in LAB counts proved the initial hypothesis that KRP could act as prebiotics in the presence of LAB using chocolate milk as a carrier. The initial LAB counts in inoculated samples on day zero of refrigeration storage were not significantly different (p > 0.05) among all treatments. However, ChM enriched with 2% and 4% KRP and ELAB revealed significantly (p < 0.05) larger LAB counts (4.91 ± 0.78 and 5.0 ± 0.57 log CFU/mL, respectively) than the control (3.85 ± 0.55 log CFU/mL) after 21 days of storage.

Novel Candidate Microorganisms for Fermentation Technology: From Potential Benefits to Safety Issues

Fermentation is one of the oldest known production processes and the most technologically valuable in terms of the food industry. In recent years, increasing nutrition and health awareness has also changed what is expected from fermentation technology, and the production of healthier foods has started to come a little more forward rather than increasing the shelf life and organoleptic properties of foods. Therefore, in addition to traditional microorganisms, a new generation of (novel) microorganisms has been discovered and research has shifted to this point. Novel microorganisms are known as either newly isolated genera and species from natural sources or bacterial strains derived from existing bacteria. Although novel microorganisms are mostly studied for their use in novel food production in terms of gut-microbiota modulation, recent innovative food research highlights their fermentative effects and usability, especially in food modifications. Herein, Clostridium butyricum, Bacteroides xylanisolvens, Akkermansia muciniphila, Mycobacterium setense manresensis, and Fructophilic lactic acid bacteria (FLAB) can play key roles in future candidate microorganisms for fermentation technology in foods. However, there is also some confusion about the safety issues related to the use of these novel microorganisms. This review paper focuses on certain novel candidate microorganisms for fermentation technology with a deep view of their functions, benefits, and safety issues.

The Potential of Fermented Food from Southeast Asia as Biofertiliser

The intensive amount of chemical usage in agricultural practices could contribute to a significant impact on food safety issues and environmental health. Over-usage of chemical fertilisers may alter soil characteristics and contaminate water sources, leading to several human and animal health issues. Recently, there have been efforts to use microbial biofertilisers as a more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practice in the common household of Southeast Asia. Traditionally, this method tends to utilise leftover food materials and readily available bacterial cultures, such as yoghurt drinks, and ferment them under a specific period in either solid or liquid form. So far, most of the testimonial-based feedbacks from local communities have been positive, but only limited information is available in the literature regarding the usage of biofertiliser fermented food (BFF). Previously, raw food waste has been used in the agriculture system to promote plant growth, however, the functional role of fermented food in enhancing plant growth have yet to be discovered. An understanding of the symbiotic relationship between fermented food and plants could be exploited to improve agricultural plant production more sustainably. Fermented food is known to be rich in good microbial flora (especially lactic acid bacteria (LAB)). LAB exist in different sources of fermented food and can act as a plant growth-promoting agent, improving the nutrient availability of food waste and other organic materials. Therefore, in this review, the potential use of seafood-based, plant-based, and animal-based fermented food as biofertiliser, especially from Southeast Asia, will be discussed based on their types and microbial and nutritional contents. The different types of fermented food provide a wide range of microbial flora for the enrichment of proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals content in enhancing plant growth and overall development of the plant. The current advances of biofertiliser and practices of BFF will also be discussed in this review.

Comparative Analysis of Traditional and Modern Fermentation for Xuecai and Correlations Between Volatile Flavor Compounds and Bacterial Community

Differences in flavor compounds and bacterial communities of Xuecai by traditional and modern fermentation are poorly understood. Allyl isothiocyanate (E9), ethyl acetate (E1), 3-butenenitrile (N1), phenol (P1), ethanol (A1), and 3-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl) acrylaldehyde (L11) were the main flavor compounds that differed between Xuecai produced by traditional and modern fermentation. Among these compounds, the contents of N1 and E9 were higher in modern fermentation Xuecai. Traditional fermentation Xuecai possessed higher contents of A1, P1, E1, and L11. High-throughput sequencing showed that Lactobacillus-related genera was the most abundant genus (50%) in modern fermentation Xuecai. However, in traditional fermentation Xuecai, Halanaerobium (29.06%) and Halomonas (12.96%) were the dominant genera. Halophilic bacteria (HB) positively contribute to the flavor of Xuecai. Carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid metabolism were the most abundant pathways associated with the bacterial communities of the Xuecai. This indicated that Xuecai flavor formation is mainly dependent on protein and carbohydrate degradation. This study provides a novel insight that HB may be important for flavor formation of Xuecai.

Isolation and Genetic Identification of Endophytic Lactic Acid Bacteria From the Amazonian Açai Fruits: Probiotics Features of Selected Strains and Their Potential to Inhibit Pathogens

The açai palm (Euterpe oleracea) is native to the Amazon basin, a humid tropical forest. High levels of total mesophilic bacteria with high diversity have been consistently reported in açai fruits. As local consumers have few digestive problems, the results of the present study reveal the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) recovered from açai fruits with characteristics that suggest they are possible candidates for probiotics and antagonistic potential against pathogens for the first time. Açai fruits were sampled from five different locations in the Eastern Amazonia floodplains. Sixty-six isolates were recovered from fruits and tested for some probiotic characteristics following FAO/WHO guidelines. Approximately 65% of the isolates showed no catalase or oxidase activity, Gram-positive staining or cocci and bacilli cell morphology. Furthermore, 48% of the isolates demonstrated preliminary characteristics that suggest safety for use, as they presented no coagulase enzyme activity or gamma-hemolysis. These strains were identified as belonging to the genera Lactiplantibacillus and Pediococcus, and 32 strains also presented resistance to vancomycin, ciprofloxacin and streptomycin. In addition, 28 isolates showed a survival rate, expressed as log cycle reduction, higher than 0.9 under gastric conditions (pH 2). All strains tested positive in bile salts deconjugation tests and showed a survival rate higher than 0.8 in the presence of this salt. Regarding antimicrobial activity against pathogens, all strains were able to inhibit Salmonella Typhimurium (ATCC^® 14028^TM) and 97% were capable of inhibiting Escherichia coli (ATCC^® 25922^TM). Concerning the results of in vitro antagonistic assays, three isolates (B125, B135, and Z183 strains) were selected for antagonistic tests using açai juice contaminated with these two pathogens. All tested LAB strains were able to inhibit pathogen growth in açai juice. In summary, açai fruits are a potential source of LAB isolates to be investigated as probiotics.

Evaluation of lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from fructose-rich environments for their mannitol-production and milk-gelation abilities

Mannitol is a sugar alcohol, or polyol, widely used in the food industry because of its low-calorie properties. Industrial production of mannitol is difficult and expensive. However, certain bacterial species are known to produce mannitol naturally, including certain lactic acid bacteria and fructophilic lactic acid bacteria (LAB). In this study, bacterial strains isolated from fructose-rich sources, including flowers, leaves, and honey, were identified by 16S rRNA sequence analysis as Leuconostoc, Fructobacillus, Lactococcus, and Lactobacillus species and 4 non-LAB species. DNA profiles generated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis discriminated 32 strains of Leuconostoc mesenteroides and 6 Fructobacillus strains. Out of 41 LAB strains isolated, 32 were shown to harbor the mdh gene, which encodes the mannitol dehydrogenase enzyme, and several showed remarkable fructose tolerance even at 50% fructose concentrations, indicating their fructophilic nature. Several of the strains isolated, including Leuconostoc mesenteroides strains DPC 7232 and DPC 7261, Fructobacillus fructosus DPC 7237, and Fructobacillus fructosus DPC 7238, produced higher mannitol concentrations than did the positive control strain Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 20016 during an enzymatic screening assay. Mannitol concentrations were also examined via HPLC in 1% fructose de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe medium (FMRS) or 1% fructose milk (FM). Among the strains, Fructobacillus fructosus DPC 7238 displayed high fructose utilization (9.27 g/L), high mannitol yield (0.99 g of mannitol/g of fructose), and greatest volumetric productivities (0.46 g/L per h) in FMRS. However, Leuconostoc mesenteroides DPC 7261 demonstrated the highest fructose utilization (8.99 g/L), mannitol yield (0.72 g of mannitol/g of fructose), and volumetric productivities (0.04 g/L per h) in FM. Storage modulus G' (>0.1 Pa) indicated a shorter gelation time for Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 20016 (8.73 h), followed by F. fructosus DPC 7238 (11.57 h) and L. mesenteroides DPC 7261 (14.52 h). Our results show that fructose-rich niches can be considered important sources of fructophilic LAB strains, with the potential to be used as starter cultures or adjunct cultures for the manufacture of mannitol-enriched fermented dairy products and beverages.

Bacterial and Fungal Dynamics During the Fermentation Process of Sesotho, a Traditional Beer of Southern Africa

Sesotho is an indigenous cereal-based fermented drink traditionally produced in the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, Southern Africa. The present study sought to examine the microbial (bacterial and fungal) community composition of Sesotho at five fermentation stages in five different locations. Using culture-independent (Illumina sequencing) techniques it was found that the bacterial communities followed similar successional patterns during the fermentation processes, regardless of geographical location and recipe variation between breweries. The most abundant bacterial taxa belonged to the phyla Firmicutes (66.2% of the reads on average) and Proteobacteria (22.1%); the families Lactobacillaceae (54.9%), Enterobacteriaceae (14.4%) and Leoconostrocaceae (8.1%); and the genera Lactobacillus (54%), Leuconostoc (10.7%), Leptotrichia (8.5%), and Weissella (5.5%). Most fungal taxa were from the phyla Ascomycota (60.7%) and Mucoromycota (25.3%); the families Rhizopodaceae (25.3%), Nectriaceae (24.2%), Saccharomycetaceae (16%) and Aspergillaceae (6.7%); and the genera Rhizopus (25.3%), Saccharomyces (9.6%), and Aspergillus (2.5%). Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) such as Enterococcus, Pediococcus, Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, and Wiesella; as well as yeasts belonging to the genus Saccharomyces, were dominant in all breweries during the production of Sesotho. Several pathogenic and food spoilage microorganisms (e.g., Escherichia, Shigella, Klebsiella, etc.) were also present, but the study demonstrated the safety potential of the Sesotho fermentation process, as these microbial groups decline throughout Sesotho production. The functional profiles of the different brewing steps showed that the process is dominated by chemoheterotrophic and fermentative metabolisms. This study reveals, for the first time, the complex microbial dynamics that occur during Sesotho production.

Bioactive Compounds, Nutritional Value, and Potential Health Benefits of Indigenous Durian (Durio Zibethinus Murr.): A Review

Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) is an energy-dense seasonal tropical fruit grown in Southeast Asia. It is one of the most expensive fruits in the region. It has a creamy texture and a sweet-bitter taste. The unique durian flavour is attributable to the presence of fat, sugar, and volatile compounds such as esters and sulphur-containing compounds such as thioacetals, thioesters, and thiolanes, as well as alcohols. This review shows that durian is also rich in flavonoids (i.e., flavanols, anthocyanins), ascorbic acid, and carotenoids. However, limited studies exist regarding the variation in bioactive and volatile components of different durian varieties from Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Experimental animal models have shown that durian beneficially reduces blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Durian extract possesses anti-proliferative and probiotics effects in in vitro models. These effects warrant further investigation in human interventional studies for the development of functional food.

Fructose-rich niches traced the evolution of lactic acid bacteria toward fructophilic species

Fructophilic lactic acid bacteria (FLAB) are found in fructose-rich habitats associated with flowers, fruits, fermented foods, and the gastrointestinal tract of several insects having a fructose-based diet. FLAB are heterofermentative lactobacilli that prefer fructose instead of glucose as carbon source, although additional electron acceptor substrates (e.g. oxygen) remarkably enhance their growth on glucose. As a newly discovered bacterial group, FLAB are gaining increasing interest. In this review, the ecological context in which these bacteria exist and evolve was resumed. The wide frequency of isolation of FLAB from fructose feeding insects has been deepened to reveal their ecological significance. Genomic, metabolic data, reductive evolution, and niche specialization of the main FLAB species have been discussed. Findings to date acquired are consistent with a metabolic model in which FLAB display a reliance on environmental niches and the degree of host specificity. In light of FLAB proximity to lactic acid bacteria generally considered to be safe, and due to their peculiar metabolic traits, FLAB may be successfully exploited in food and pharmaceutical applications.

Introduction of bifunctional alcohol/acetaldehyde dehydrogenase gene (adhE) in Fructobacillus fructosus settled its fructophilic characteristics

Fructophilic lactic acid bacteria (FLAB) are unique in the sense that they prefer D-fructose over D-glucose as main carbon source. If D-glucose is metabolised, electron acceptors are required and significant levels of acetate are produced. These bacteria are found in environments rich in D-fructose, such as flowers, fruits and the gastrointestinal tract of insects feeding on fructose-rich diets. Fructobacillus spp. are representatives of this unique group, and their fructophilic characteristics are well conserved. In this study, the bifunctional alcohol/acetaldehyde dehydrogenase gene (adhE) from Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRIC 1541^T was cloned into a plasmid and transferred to Fructobacillus fructosus NRIC 1058^T. Differences in biochemical characteristics between the parental strain (NRIC 1058^T) and the transformants were compared. Strain 1-11, transformed with the adhE gene, did not show any fructophilic characteristics, and the strain grew well on D-glucose without external electron acceptors. Accumulation of acetic acid, which was originally seen in the parental strain, was replaced with ethanol in the transformed strain. Furthermore, in silico analyses revealed that strain NRIC 1058^T lacked the sugar transporters/permeases and enzymes required for conversion of metabolic intermediates. This may be the reason for poor carbohydrate metabolic properties recorded for FLAB.

Fructophilic Lactic Acid Bacteria, a Unique Group of Fructose-Fermenting Microbes

Fructophilic lactic acid bacteria (FLAB) are a recently discovered group, consisting of a few Fructobacillus and Lactobacillus species. Because of their unique characteristics, including poor growth on glucose and preference of oxygen, they are regarded as "unconventional" lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Their unusual growth characteristics are due to an incomplete gene encoding a bifunctional alcohol/acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (adhE). This results in the imbalance of NAD/NADH and the requirement of additional electron acceptors to metabolize glucose. Oxygen, fructose, and pyruvate are used as electron acceptors. FLAB have significantly fewer genes for carbohydrate metabolism than other LAB, especially due to the lack of complete phosphotransferase system (PTS) transporters. They have been isolated from fructose-rich environments, including flowers, fruits, fermented fruits, and the guts of insects that feed on plants rich in fructose, and are separated into two groups on the basis of their habitats. One group is associated with flowers, grapes, wines, and insects, and the second group is associated with ripe fruits and fruit fermentations. Species associated with insects may play a role in the health of their host and are regarded as suitable vectors for paratransgenesis in honey bees. Besides their impact on insect health, FLAB may be promising candidates for the promotion of human health. Further studies are required to explore their beneficial properties in animals and humans and their applications in the food industry.

Probiotic potentials of Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from fermented durian (Tempoyak), a Malaysian traditional condiment

Lactic acid bacterium isolated from fermented durian (tempoyak) was investigated for its potentials as a probiotic strain. Bacterial tolerance toward gastrointestinal environment, adhesion, and cytotoxic activity in human colon adenocarcinoma cell line HT-29 was evaluated. 16S rRNA sequencing identified the lactic acid bacterium as Lactobacillus plantarum. The bacterium demonstrated good tolerance toward gastrointestinal pH 2.0 and 0.3% bile salts. It showed strong adhesive capacity in human intestinal cell line, HT-29, with an adhesion index of 159 ± 10. Cytotoxicity of L. plantarum was investigated using both live bacterial cells (BC) and cell-free supernatant (CFS). Findings showed that both BC and CFS of L. plantarum reduced proliferation of HT-29 colon adenocarcinoma cells using MTT assay. The results imply potential probiotic properties of L. plantarum isolated from tempoyak.

Probiotic Properties of Exopolysaccharide-Producing Lactobacillus Strains Isolated from Tempoyak

Tempoyak is a functional Malaysian food (an acid-fermented condiment) which is produced from the pulp of the durian (Durio zibethinus) fruit. The current study aimed to isolate and identify potential exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing Lactobacillus strains from tempoyak for potential use as probiotics. Seven isolates (DUR2, DUR4, DUR5, DUR8, DUR12, DUR18, and DUR20) out of 44 were able to produce EPS, and exhibited resistance to acid and bile salt compared to the reference strains Lactobacillus rhmnosus (ATCC53103) and L. plantarum (ATCC8014). The seven isolated strains belonged to five different species-L. plantarum, L. fermentum, L. crispatus, L. reuteri, and L. pentosus-which were identified using API 50 CHL and 16S rRNA gene sequences (Polymerase chain reaction, PCR - based). The seven strains displayed different ability to produce EPS (100-850 mg/L). Isolates exhibited a high survivability to acid (pH 3.0), bile salts (0.3%), and gastrointestinal tract model (<70%). Results showed that the auto-aggregation and cell surface hydrophobicity ranged from 39.98% to 60.09% and 50.80% to 80.53%, respectively, whereas, the highest co-aggregation value (66.44%) was observed by L. fermentum (DUR8) with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The isolates showed good inhibitory activity against tested pathogens, high antioxidant activity (32.29% to 73.36%), and good ability to reduce cholesterol (22.55% to 75.15%). Thus, the seven tested strains have value as probiotics.