International Journal of Probiotics and Prebiotics Vol.10, No.4, 2015

Endang S. Rahayu*¹, Agung Yogeswara², Mariyatun¹, Linda Windiarti¹, Tyas Utami¹, and Koichi Watanabe³

¹Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Flora Street No 1 Bulaksumur, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia

²Nutritional Science Department, Universitas Dhyana Pura, Jalan Raya Padang Luwih Tegaljaya Dalung Kuta Utara, Bali 80361, Indonesia

³Department of Animal Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, No. 50, Lane 155, Sec. 3., Keelung Rd., Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C.

*Corresponding author: Endang S. Rahayu, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Flora Street No 1, Bulaksumur, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia.

Telp. (+6274) 549650, Fax. (+6274) 549650 Email: endangsrahayu@ugm.ac.id

ABSTRACT

The aims of this study were to screen indigenous probiotic strains of the Indonesian habitat and to identify them based on molecular characteristics. Screening for probiotic candidates were mainly based on the resistance of simulated gastric juice, bile salt, and antimicrobial activities against pathogens. Molecular techniques used for identification in this study were sequence of 16S rRNA, RAPD genetic profile using multiplex primer, RecA gene profile for Lactobacillus plantarum-pentosus group and pepR gene profile for Lactobacillus casei group. Results from this study shown that RAPD genetic profile could be used to distinguish among strain-level belong to Lactobacillus plantarum. RecA gene profile was able to differentiate between Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus pentosus used in this study, while pepR gene profile could be used to differentiate subspesies belong to L. casei group. Based on the molecular characteristics in this study, four strains isolated from fermented foods (Dad-13, T-3, Mut-7, and Mut-13) were clearly identified as Lactobacillus plantarum, while SNP-2 isolated from fecal of a healthy infant was identified as Lactobacillus paracasei. Based on the screening criteria, all indigenous strains from Indonesia in this study were potential as probiotic candidates.

KEYWORDS: Indigenous; Indonesia; Molecular characteristics; Probiotic