Development of Novel Host-Associated Low-Temperature Probiotics (HALP) Tailored to Aquaculture Applications
摘要
Aquaculture temperatures vary depending on the fish species, and probiotics used in aquaculture must remain effective under these conditions. Therefore, our study developed host-associated low-temperature probiotics (HALP) adapted to temperature conditions relevant to aquaculture. Three bacterial strains, Rahnella inusitata NBL2302 (RI), Pseudoalteromonas arctica NBL2303 (PA), and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NBL2306 (LP), were isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of Korean rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii). Safety assessments, in vitro probiotic characterization (including antioxidant activity, acid/salt/bile tolerance, antimicrobial activity, and adhesion), and a feeding trial were conducted. All three strains were confirmed to be safe, exhibiting no hemolytic or cytotoxic activity. Among the three strains, LP exhibited the highest adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells and showed antimicrobial activity against fish pathogens. RI supplementation significantly enhanced innate immune markers such as serum total protein (TP), triglycerides (TG), and myeloperoxidase (MPO), along with the upregulation of immune-related genes (HSP70, IL-1β, TNF-α) (p < 0.05). PA supplementation resulted in the greatest weight gain and significantly improved specific growth rate (SGR), likely due to increased digestive enzyme activity. LP promoted immunostimulatory responses (elevated expression of MPO, TP, HSP70, and TNF-α) and pronounced changes in the beta diversity of the gut microbiota. Microbiome analysis revealed that LP-fed fish harbored higher abundances of beneficial genera such as Pseudomonas, Ralstonia, and Sphingomonas. Overall, each strain displayed unique characteristics and exerted distinct effects during feeding trials. These findings, which take host temperature preferences into account, underscore the potential of HALP in aquaculture and highlight the need for further research into optimized combination strategies.