Antibacterial compound production of lactic acid bacteria through co-cultivation

Abstract

The escalating threat of antibiotic resistance necessitates the exploration of alternative antimicrobial strategies. Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), known for producing Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) antibacterial compounds, present a promising solution. This study aimed to optimize the production of antibacterial compounds by LAB isolated from goat’s milk through co-cultivation. Three LAB isolates from a previous study were co-cultivated, and their antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli BIOTECH 1634, Pseudomonas aeruginosa BIOTECH 1335, Bacillus subtilis BIOTECH 1679, and Staphylococcus aureus BIOTECH 1582. The research was conducted from October 2024 to February 2025 at the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern Mindanao. Results demonstrated that co-cultivation significantly enhanced antimicrobial activity compared to individual isolates, as evidenced by larger inhibition zones against all tested indicator organisms. Although the antibacterial compounds themselves were not isolated or chemically characterized, the observed inhibition likely resulted from their production. These findings suggest that co-cultivation of LAB can effectively increase the yield and spectrum of antimicrobial compounds. This approach offers a promising alternative to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens and improve food safety, healthcare, and agricultural practices. Further research is warranted to explore the practical applications and mechanisms of LAB-derived antimicrobial compounds in various industries.