Probiotic Formulations as Antimicrobial and Anti-adhesive Agents

Lynch, Jack (2022) Probiotic Formulations as Antimicrobial and Anti-adhesive Agents. Masters by Research thesis (MSc), Manchester Metropolitan University.

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Abstract

Probiotics are defined as being live microorganisms promoted as having various health benefits. The general public know probiotics as bacteria with gut and digestive benefits, as advertised through many different commercial products. The effectiveness of probiotics in these applications have been widely researched and shown to promote beneficial digestive functions in humans and other animals, in addition to preventing dysbiosis of the natural microflora which is directly linked to disease and pathogenic infection. The mechanisms underpinning the internal medicinal benefits of probiotic use are well established and include competitive exclusion, secretion of antimicrobial proteins, co-aggregation and inhibition of biofilm formation. Using these concepts, this study looked at the potential for using probiotic formulations as domestic cleaning products, with the aim of elucidating any probiotic-mediated antimicrobial effects, surface conditioning and effect on pathogen challenges on representative surface types. Results displayed promising effects of probiotics as antimicrobial agents, in particular against S. enterica, L. monocytogenes and P. aeruginosa. Additionally, probiotics were shown to significantly affect surface properties, namely hydrophobicity and surface roughness, factors known to affect bacterial adhesion which may potentially reduce pathogenic bacterial contamination. Evaluation of pathogen challenges against probiotic-treated surfaces showed no significant results, though a number of important factors may have affected the in vitro nature of this aspect. To conclude, this research represented an important baseline for beginning to understand the antimicrobial and anti-adhesive effects of domestic probiotic cleaning products, and future research should now focus on in vivo case studies and improved in vitro surface conditioning.