Complete Genome Sequencing Revealed the Potential Application of a Novel Weizmannia coagulans PL-W Production with Promising Bacteriocins in Food Preservative

Abstract

<i>Weizmannia coagulans</i> is an important potential probiotic with dual characteristics of <i>Bacillus</i> and <i>Lactobacillus</i>. This study describes a novel <i>Weizmannia coagulans</i> PL-W with excellent antibacterial activity isolated from Mongolian traditional cheese, in which safety and probiotic potential were evaluated by complete genome sequencing. The crude bacteriocins of <i>W. coagulans</i> PL-W showed antibacterial activity against various foodborne pathogens, including <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i> CMCC 54,004, <i>Bacillus cereus</i> ATCC 14,579, and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> ATCC 25,923. Moreover, the crude bacteriocins have outstanding stability against pH, temperature, surfactants, and are sensitive to protease. The complete genome sequencing revealed <i>W. coagulans</i> PL-W consists of 3,666,052-base pair (bp) circular chromosomes with a GC content of 46.24% and 3485 protein-coding genes. It contains 84 tRNA, 10 23S rRNA, 10 16S rRNA, and 10 5S rRNA. In addition, no risk-related genes such as acquired antibiotic resistance genes, virulence, and pathogenic factors were identified, demonstrating that <i>W. coagulans</i> PL-W is safe to use. Furthermore, the presence of gene clusters involved in bacteriocin synthesis, adhesion-related genes, and genes contributing to acid and bile tolerance indicate that <i>W. coagulans</i> PL-W is a potential candidate probiotic. Thus, antimicrobial activity and genome characterization of <i>W. coagulans</i> PL-W demonstrate that it has extensive potential applications as a food protective culture.