A New Approach to Harness Probiotics Against Common Bacterial Skin Pathogens: Towards Living Antimicrobials

Abstract

In this study, the potential of certain lactic acid bacteria—classified as probiotics and known to be antimicrobially active against pathogens or food-poisoning microorganisms—was evaluated with respect to their activity against bacterial skin pathogens. The aim of the study was to develop a plaster/bandage for the application of inhibitory substances produced by these probiotics when applied to diseased skin. For this purpose, two Streptococcus salivarius strains and one Lactobacillus plantarum were tested for production of antimicrobials (bacteriocin-like substances) active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens using established methods. A newly designed membrane test ensured that the probiotics produce antimicrobials diffusible through membranes. Target organisms used were Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Moreover, the L. plantarum 8P-A3 strain was tested against additional bacteria involved in skin disorders. The Lactobacillales used were active against all potential skin pathogens tested. These probiotics could be enclosed between polymer membranes—one tight, the other permeable for their products, preserved by vacuum drying, and reactivated after at least three months storage. Importantly, the reactivated pads containing the probiotics demonstrated antibacterial activity on agar plates against all pathogens tested. This suggests that the probiotic containing pads may be topically applied for the treatment of skin disorders without the need for a regular antibiotic treatment or as an adjunctive therapy.

Microbiome Modulation as a Therapeutic Approach in Chronic Skin Diseases

“…[135]. as well as two S. salivarius strains and one L. plantarum strain, were also reported to show antimicrobal activity in in vitro studies against C. acnes and other pathogens [136].…”

In Vitro Preventive Effect and Mechanism of Action of Weissella cibaria CMU against Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Formation and Periodontal Pathogens

“…We determined the antagonistic activity between oral probiotics and pathogens using line tests (a conventional antagonism test) as previously described, with minor modifications [46]. In summary, 20 µL S. mutans culture diluted to 10 6 CFU/mL was first dropped onto agar mixed with equal amounts of BHI and MRS or BHI alone and allowed to flow vertically.…”

Role of Probiotics on Skin Health

“…The report of Benítez-Chao et al (2021) gave emphasis on the necessity to increase in vivo testing of bacteriocins and advance the in vivo models that both evaluate the efficacy of bacteriocins as antimicrobial agents and introspect probable toxicity and side effects, which are crucial factors to define their achievement as prospective therapeutic agents in the fight against infections triggered by multidrug-resistant microorganism. In a recent report by Khalfallah et al (2021), antimicrobials from two Streptococcus salivarius strains and one Lactobacillus plantarum were used to develop a plaster/bandage for the application to diseased skin. The anti-cancer activity of bacteriocin to other types of organs also reported.…”