International Science Community Association International Research Journal of Biological Sciences 2278-3202 12 1 2023 05 10 Screening Lactic Acid Bacteria from locally fermented products for probiotic potential 1 9 EN Sendaydiego Judy P. 1 Biology Department, Xavier University, Corrales Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines Sinco Astrid L. 2 Biology Department, Xavier University, Corrales Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines Kahlil R. Abejuela Kahlil R. 3 Biology Department, Xavier University, Corrales Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines Hinacay Ric Louis 4 Biology Department, Xavier University, Corrales Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines Jumawid Nel Kina 5 Biology Department, Xavier University, Corrales Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines > Research Paper 2022 4 2 2023 05 10 Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from fermented coconut sap and sugar cane were characterized and screened for probiotic potential. A total of 5 species of LAB from these local products were identified and characterized. These are Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus collinoides, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus pentosus. Six prototypes of probiotic cocktails were formulated with varying combinations. These prototypes were assayed for acid tolerance, bile resistance and antibacterial activity. All probiotic cocktails were acid tolerant with pH ranging from 2 to 4. Growth of LAB at pH 2 was significantly slower than those at pH 3 and 4 (p<0.001). LAB in all the cocktails were bile resistant but growth was significantly reduced (p<0.001). Test for antimicrobial potential revealed that two probiotic cocktails composed of L. collinoides, L. plantarum, and L. fermentum inhibited all the test bacteria (p=0.00). Overall, cocktails composed of L. collinoides, L. fermentum and L. plantarum were acid tolerant, bile resistant and exhibited inhibitory potential against the test bacteria. These cocktails can be further assayed to confirm their probiotic potential. Copyright@ International Science Community Association