Assessment of the Probiotic Properties of Pediococcus acidilactici, Pediococcus pentosaceus, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strains Isolated From Fermented Maize Grains

This study aimed to evaluate the probiotic properties of 11 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains isolated from corn kernels. After phenotypic and biochemical characterization confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the results revealed that eight isolates (AA1, AA4, AA5, AA7, AA8, BB1, Z3, and Z4) belonged to Pediococcus acidilactici, two (Z2 and Z5) to Pediococcus pentosaceus, and one (AA6) to Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. Antibiotic sensitivity analysis showed general resistance to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and colistin, but strains such as AA4, AA6, Z2, and AA1 were sensitive to ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and ceftriaxone. No signs of hemolytic activity were observed, confirming the safety of the strains. Simulated gastrointestinal tolerance tests demonstrated high survival rates: between 55.64% and 96.61% under 0.3% pepsin at pH 2.5, between 91.24% and 96.67% with bile salts (0.3%), and between 72.95% and 99.66% with phenol (0.4%). Autoaggregation capacities ranged from 54.87% to 90.57%, and coaggregation rates with E. coli and S. enterica were also significant. The strains exhibited hydrophobicity rates between 46.65% and 77.17%, notable antioxidant capacities (58.46–69.6%), and inhibited the growth of foodborne pathogens. Finally, enzymatic profiles revealed proteolytic and lipolytic activities. The isolates Z2 and Z3 stand out due to their wide range of probiotic characteristics, making them promising candidates for future research.