Unveiling the Probiotic Properties of <i>Lacticaseibacillus paracasei</i> UFTM 2.9 Through Probiogenomic Analysis

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) comprise a group of Gram-positive bacteria with biotechnological applications. LAB, including Lacticaseibacillus spp., are recognized as potential probiotics due to their ability to confer benefits to the host. Here we employ probiogenomic and in vitro analyses to characterize the probiotic potential of Lc. paracasei UFTM 2.9, a LAB that previously demonstrated probiotic properties in vitro. The draft genome of Lc. paracasei UFTM 2.9 comprises 127 contigs, totaling 3 216 252 base pairs, with a GC content of 46.20%. The bacteria showed metabolic versatility, growing in five carbon sources. A total of 170 genes potentially associated with probiotic characteristics were identified, with functions linked to stress resistance (n = 106), adhesion (n = 12), biosynthesis of vitamins (n = 10), and others. No virulence genes or CRISPR elements were detected, and two phages were identified in Lc. paracasei UFTM 2.9. Gene clusters encoding bacteriocins were detected and confirmed in vitro. Lc. paracasei UFTM 2.9 inhibited all indicator bacteria tested (n = 12), including strains of Listeria innocua, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Escherichia coli. The results indicate the potential use of Lc. paracasei UFTM 2.9 as a probiotic, considering its genetic potential to express traits of interest and survive in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).