Engineered probiotic biofilms as functional biocontrol agents against aquaculture pathogens: development of health-promoting Lactobacillus acidophilus consortium for enhanced food safety in fish farming systems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31989/bmp.v3i3.1948Abstract
Introduction: Aquaculture pathogenic bacteria threaten food safety in Sub-Saharan Africa. Antibiotic resistance necessitates novel functional food safety interventions. Engineered probiotic biofilms are innovative biocontrol agents that combine antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties.
Objectives: This investigation characterizes engineered Lactobacillus acidophilus biofilm consortia as functional biocontrol agents. The study isolated and screened L. acidophilus strains from Nigerian fermented foods, developed an optimized consortium, characterized antimicrobial mechanisms and metabolites, evaluated efficacy against multidrug-resistant pathogens, and assessed integration through animal studies.
Methods: Lactobacillus acidophilus strains were screened for biofilm formation. The optimal consortium (BAC-1, BAC-2, BAC-3) was characterized through microscopy. In vitro antagonism against multidrug-resistant pathogens was assessed through agar confrontation and liquid co-culture. Metabolite profiling employed high-performance liquid chromatography. African catfish feeding trials evaluated growth performance and immune markers.
Results: The consortium biofilm achieved a maximum biomass of 2.84 ± 0.18 mg/cm². Significant inhibition occurred against Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Aeromonas hydrophila. Metabolite profiling identified lactic acid, bacteriocins, and butyric acid. Fish supplemented with biofilm demonstrated 23.4% improved growth and 87.9% survival following pathogenic challenge versus 56.7% control.
Conclusions: Engineered Lactobacillus acidophilus biofilm consortium provides dual antimicrobial and immunomodulatory benefits for sustainable aquaculture.
Novelty: This is the first systematic investigation of engineered Lactobacillus acidophilus biofilm consortia as functional biocontrol agents in African aquaculture, demonstrating efficacy while conferring health benefits to farmed fish.
Keywords: probiotic biofilms; aquaculture; Lactobacillus acidophilus; functional food safety; pathogenic microbial control; immunomodulation; animal health; antimicrobial resistance; aquaculture food systems; sustainable aquaculture
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