Antimicrobial and prebiotic properties of Weissella confuse B4-2 exopolysaccharide and its effects on matrix metalloproteinase genes expression.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Bacterial polysaccharides have diverse applications, including antimicrobial compounds, bio-preservatives, prebiotics, and wound-healing hydrogels. Weissella confusa is notable for its high polysaccharide yield among lactic acid bacteria.

Materials and methods: The bacteria were identified via 16s rRNA and exopolysaccharide (EPS) production was performed in a 10% skim milk and 10% sucrose medium. FT-IR, SEM, and HPTLC analyzed functional groups, spatial structure, and EPS units. Moreover, MTT assay, DPPH, and Kirby-Bayer disk method assessed cell proliferation, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial effects of EPS. Additionally, Prebiotic potential and growth kinetics of exopolysaccharide were examined using the Thitiratsakul method. Furthermore, EPS effects on MMP and TIMP gene expression in fibroblast cells were evaluated.

Results: The purified polysaccharide from W. confusa B4-2 (Accession: KY290603), with a yield of 53 g/L, consists of glucose, fructose, and diglucuronic acid. This non-toxic polysaccharide (99-100% cell survival) exhibits 75% free radical scavenging activity along with significant antimicrobial effects against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It also shows a high prebiotic score (0.912), accelerating wound healing in fibroblast cells while reducing collagen-degrading gene expression, particularly matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Notably, exopolysaccharides downregulated MMP1, MMP2, MMP3, and MMP9 gene expression levels by approximately 1.3, 1.2, 1.5, and 1.16 times, respectively.

Conclusion: These features highlight the commercial significance of W. confusa in the food, pharmaceutical, and health industries, surpassing lactobacilli with lower production yields.