Genomic and metabolomic insights into the antimicrobial and therapeutic potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum UTNGt28L isolated from Amazonian star apple

Abstract

Introduction: Probiotic candidates from underexplored ecological niches represent a valuable source of novel functional traits. This study reports, for the first time, the probiotic potential and safety profile of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum UTNGt28L (Gt28L), a strain isolated from the Amazonian star apple (Chrysophyllum cainito), using an integrated multi-omics approach to link genomic features with functional bioactivity. Methods: Whole-genome sequencing was performed followed by functional annotation, phylogenetic analysis, and biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) prediction. Untargeted intracellular metabolomic profiling (Met-Int) was conducted using gas chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC/MS-QTOF). In silico analyses were applied to assess antimicrobial potential, virulence determinants, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and ADME-Tox (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) properties. Additionally, extracellular metabolites (Met-Ext) from culture supernatants were characterized for chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and total polyphenol content using in vitro assays. Results: Genomic analysis revealed a stable and biosafe genome (3.23 Mb) devoid of mobile virulence factors and ARGs, while encoding multiple class IIb plantaricins consistent with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Metabolomic profiling identified several bioactive compounds, including phenyllactic acid, γ-aminobutyric acid, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)lactic acid, and benzoic acid. In vitro and in silico evaluations supported the strain’s safety, favorable ADME characteristics, and functional antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, establishing a strong correlation between genomic potential and observed bioactivity. Conclusion: L. plantarum UTNGt28L exhibits a robust safety profile and multifunctional probiotic traits supported by integrated genomic and metabolomic evidence. These findings position Gt28L as a promising candidate for probiotic and postbiotic applications in food, health, and pharmaceutical biotechnology, particularly leveraging the biodiversity of Amazonian ecosystems.