Integrative Genomics and Phenotypic Profiling Reveal Lacticplantibacillus plantarum BGI-N6 as a Multifunctional Candidate for Dermatological Probiotic Development

Abstract

Probiotics and postbiotics are recognized for their potential to benefit skin health, and complete genome analysis serves as a pivotal tool to accelerate the exploration of probiotic functionalities. To investigate this relationship, this study aimed to elucidate the skin-promoting potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BGI-N6 (BGI-N6) through integrated genomic analysis and phenotypic analysis. Results indicated that the high-precision complete genome of BGI-N6 comprises 3 257 641 bases with a 45% GC content and 3030 CDSs, involving multiple genes related to carbon source fermentation, gastrointestinal tolerance, and environmental adaptability. Notably, BGI-N6 possessed several bacteriostatic, antioxidant, and enzyme activity inhibition-related genes, which could encode the biosynthetic pathways of bacteriocins, glutathione/thioredoxin antioxidant systems, NADH peroxidase, catalase, and various organic acids. Supporting these genomic insights, in vitro experiments comparative evaluation revealed that BGI-N6 exhibited superior capabilities relative to Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v (299v) in antioxidant activity, inhibition of cutaneous pathogens growth, and suppression of skin-damaging enzyme (e.g., collagenase and elastase) activity. These effects were correlated with the production of lactic acid, 6-hydroxyhexanoate, coumarins, and other bioactive compounds by BGI-N6. The evidence from integrated genomic analysis and in vitro experiments established a critical theoretical foundation for the development of BGI-N6 as a candidate for probiotic and postbiotic applications targeting skin health.