Phenotypic and Genomic Analysis of a ProbioGel with Antimicrobial Activity Against Skin Pathogens

The growing misuse of antibiotics has contributed to multidrug resistance, making bacterial infections a growing concern for public health. Numerous current wound dressings, which can cause skin irritation or allergies, are often insufficient for managing large wounds, frequently leading to infections. This highlights the need for better antibacterial materials. Nypa fruticans (Nipa palm), native to Southeast Asia, has been utilized for various purposes due to its multiple benefits, including antimicrobial properties, the presence of probiotics, and high cellulose content. This study evaluated the use of cellulose hydrogels from Nipa fronds loaded with probiotics (ProbioGel) as antimicrobial agents to prevent infections. The study involved an in vitro assay in which the Kirby–Bauer method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the gel against common wound pathogens. Additionally, whole-genome sequencing and promoter analysis were performed to identify genes supporting their biochemical properties. The results showed that ProbioGel exhibited the presence of genes for Class II bacteriocin and lysozyme M1 precursor in Lacticaseibacillus paracasei BCRC-16100 is linked to its notable antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, S. epidermidis, and C. albicans. This study highlighted the potential of ProbioGel as an innovative and effective antimicrobial and anti-infection agent for wound care. The discovery of genes in the probiotic strain responsible for encoding antimicrobial peptides further supports its therapeutic potential.