Enhancing Nutritional Parameters with Bacterial Symbionts from Macrotermes Species: A Potential Frontier in Nutritional Biotechnology

Abstract

Macrotermes species, commonly known as termites, have a unique gut microbiota that enables them to thrive on a recalcitrant lignocellulosic diet. These bacterial symbionts play a crucial role in nitrogen fixation, vitamin synthesis, and the production of hydrolytic enzymes. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of bacterial symbionts from the gut of Macrotermes species to boost key nutritional parameters. The bacterial symbionts used in this study were Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain ZG308 (LPZ3), Limosilactobacillus fermentum strain 2760 (LF2), Bifidobacterium dentum strain MB0148 (BDM1), and Bifidobacterium bifidum strain CNCM1-4319 (BBC4). The results of this study revealed a significant increase in mineral and vitamin content in the treatment groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Specifically, the Nutrient-Enhanced Symbiont Group (D3) recorded the highest nutrient content, followed by D4, D2, and D1. The statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in the mineral and vitamin content among the treatment groups (p < 0.05). This study concludes that the bacterial symbionts of Macrotermes species enhance the micronutrients of feeds in agriculture, highlighting their potential as a frontier in nutritional biotechnology. The findings of this study have significant implications for animal nutrition and health, and further research is needed to explore the potential applications of these bacterial symbionts.