Probiotics are microorganisms that are safe and stable under product development conditions and are used as adjuncts to food and drugs to promote health, including the acceleration of nutrient digestion. Here, we present evidence on the ability of two isolates, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei BCRC-16100 and L. paracasei ZFM54, to (1) enhance carbohydrate digestion, (2) tolerate processing conditions, and (3) demonstrate safety in terms of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These approaches include whole-genome sequence (WGS) analysis, gene expression, and bioactivity assays. WGS revealed genes encoding enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion, tolerance to processing conditions, and AMR. The ability of the two strains to digest carbohydrates was confirmed by glucose release when cultured alongside starch. The isolates also showed versatility across a range of temperatures and alcohol concentrations, indicating their suitability for product development. Genes cause AMR, particularly against vancomycin, through three mechanisms: transporter control, transcriptional regulation, and efflux pumps. Furthermore, promoter, gene expression, and transposable element analyses showed that some upregulated AMR genes in the presence of antimicrobials were transposable. Altogether, we show the potential of the two isolates for incorporation into products as probiotics to improve carbohydrate digestion, while considering precautions regarding mobile AMR genes that may compromise safety.

Introduction: Impaired epithelial wound repair contributes to increased infection risk and delayed tissue recovery. Limitations associated with conventional topical therapies, including antimicrobial resistance, highlight the need for alternative strategies. Postbiotics, defined as bioactive microbial metabolites, have emerged as potential modulators of tissue repair and immune responses. Methods: A postbiotic hydrogel formulated with metabolites derived from Lactobacillus paracasei 7060 was applied to full-thickness dorso-lumbar wounds in a murine model. Wound closure was assessed over a 21-day period. Histological analyses evaluated epithelialization and tissue organization, and expression of immune- and repair-associated genes was quantified by quantitative PCR. Results: Treatment with the postbiotic hydrogel resulted in accelerated wound closure and earlier epithelial restoration compared with both the commercial hydrogel and untreated control groups. Histological assessment demonstrated improved epidermal continuity and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in treated wounds. Gene expression analysis revealed a transient upregulation of Toll-Like Receptor 2 ( TLR2 ) during the early phase of healing. Discussion: The observed transient activation of TLR2 suggests a regulated immune response that may support early host defense and macrophage recruitment without sustained inflammation. Genomic features of L. paracasei 7060 are consistent with the production of metabolites involved in immune modulation, tissue repair, angiogenesis, and stress response pathways. Conclusion: These findings indicate that a L. paracasei 7060–derived postbiotic hydrogel supports epithelial wound repair through coordinated immune and regenerative mechanisms.

Probiotics are microorganisms infused in products for health benefits including acceleration of nutrient digestion, however, it is also important to ensure the safety prior to incorporation. Here, we present evidence of the ability of two probiotic isolates,Lacticaseibacillus paracasei BCRC-16100 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei ZFM54, in the (1) enhancement of carbohydrate digestion, (2) tolerance to stress, and (3) antibiotic resistance. Approaches include whole genome sequence (WGS) analysis and bioactivity assays. WGS revealed genes suggesting the ability of the two isolates to promote carbohydrate digestion, tolerance to stress and antibiotic resistance. Carbohydrate digestive ability was confirmed through a biochemical assay where the two isolates cause glucose release from starch. The two isolates also showed versatility in a range of temperature and alcohol concentration. For antibiotic resistance particularly on vancomycin, there are three mechanisms namely transporter control, transcriptional regulation, and efflux pump. Furthermore, promoter and transposable element analysis showed that some of the active antibiotic resistant (AbR) genes can be laterally transferred. Altogether, we show the potential of two probiotic isolates to be incorporated in products for improved carbohydrate digestion and the need to address the removal of active and mobile antibiotic resistance genes that may compromise safety.

Probiotics are microorganisms infused in products for health benefits including acceleration of nutrient digestion, however, it is also important to ensure the safety prior to incorporation. Here, we present evidence of the ability of two probiotic isolates, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei BCRC-16100 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei ZFM54, in the (1) enhancement of carbohydrate digestion, (2) tolerance to stress, and (3) antibiotic resistance. Approaches include whole genome sequence (WGS) analysis and bioactivity assays. WGS revealed genes suggesting the ability of the two isolates to promote carbohydrate digestion, tolerance to stress and antibiotic resistance. Carbohydrate digestive ability was confirmed through a biochemical assay where the two isolates cause glucose release from starch. The two isolates also showed versatility in a range of temperature and alcohol concentration. For antibiotic resistance particularly on vancomycin, there are three mechanisms namely transporter control, transcriptional regulation, and efflux pump. Furthermore, promoter and transposable element analysis showed that some of the active antibiotic resistant (AbR) genes can be laterally transferred. Altogether, we show the potential of two probiotic isolates to be incorporated in products for improved carbohydrate digestion and the need to address the removal of active and mobile antibiotic resistance genes that may compromise safety.

Chronic wounds remain a major challenge in healthcare, with conventional dressings often leading to infections and lacking advanced healing capabilities. This study evaluated the wound healing potential of NIMO-CH, a cellulose hydrogel derived from nipa fronds and enriched with indigenous microorganisms, particularly Lacticaseibacillus paracasei BCRC-16100. Using ICR mice with excisional wounds, three treatments were compared: no treatment, NIMO-CH, and DuoDERM. Results showed that NIMO-CH and DuoDERM both achieved 100% wound closure, with NIMO-CH-treated wounds showing complete healing with hair growth by day 18-20, while untreated wounds healed by day 20. Minimal scarring was observed in both NIMO-CH and DuoDERM groups. Histological analysis confirmed similar healing processes, including granulation tissue formation and moderate inflammatory responses, with no significant differences in collagen fiber orientation. Furthermore, genome sequencing revealed that Lacticaseibacillus paracasei BCRC-16100 contained genes sodA and gsiC, responsible for coding enzymes necessary for the wound healing process. These results suggest that NIMO-CH could be an effective alternative for wound care applications.

The growing misuse of antibiotics has contributed to multidrug resistance, making bacterial infections a growing concern for public health. Numerous current wound dressings, which can cause skin irritation or allergies, are often insufficient for managing large wounds, frequently leading to infections. This highlights the need for better antibacterial materials. Nypa fruticans (Nipa palm), native to Southeast Asia, has been utilized for various purposes due to its multiple benefits, including antimicrobial properties, the presence of probiotics, and high cellulose content. This study evaluated the use of cellulose hydrogels from Nipa fronds loaded with probiotics (ProbioGel) as antimicrobial agents to prevent infections. The study involved an in vitro assay in which the Kirby–Bauer method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the gel against common wound pathogens. Additionally, whole-genome sequencing and promoter analysis were performed to identify genes supporting their biochemical properties. The results showed that ProbioGel exhibited the presence of genes for Class II bacteriocin and lysozyme M1 precursor in Lacticaseibacillus paracasei BCRC-16100 is linked to its notable antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, S. epidermidis, and C. albicans. This study highlighted the potential of ProbioGel as an innovative and effective antimicrobial and anti-infection agent for wound care. The discovery of genes in the probiotic strain responsible for encoding antimicrobial peptides further supports its therapeutic potential.