Abstract:[Objective] This study aimed to explore the probiotic properties of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) ALAC-G2 and the inhibition mechanism of its antifungal peptide AFP against Candida albicans(C. albicans). [Method] The probiotic properties of L. plantarum ALAC-G2 were evaluated by in vitro experiments, including self-aggregation ability, cell surface hydrophobicity, acid tolerance, bile salt tolerance, and artificial gastrointestinal fluid tolerance. The inhibition mechanism of AFP against C. albicans was analyzed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), growth curve, cell wall and membrane permeability, hyphal phase transition, and biofilm formation of C. albicans. [Result] L. plantarum ALAC-G2 had a self-aggregation ability of 59.70% and a surface hydrophobicity of 21.43%, and it showed good tolerance to acid, bile salt, and artificial gastrointestinal fluid, showcasing good probiotic potential. The MIC of AFP against C. albicans was 16 mg/mL. AFP not only effectively inhibited the growth and reproduction of C. albicans but also caused damage to integrity of the cell wall and cell membrane, weakened the ability of transforming into the hyphal form, and significantly inhibited the adhesion and biofilm formation of the fungus. [Conclusion] This study clarified the probiotic functions of L. plantarum ALAC-G2 and the inhibition mechanism of the antifungal peptide AFP it produces, providing important technical support for the innovative application of this strain in food preservation and the development of intestinal microecological regulators.
