Preliminary Evaluation of the Safety and Probiotic Potential of Akkermansia muciniphila DSM 22959 in Comparison with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG

In this study, for the first time, we examined some of the physico-chemical properties of the cell surface of Akkermansia muciniphila DSM 22959, comparing it with those of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG—one of the most extensively studied probiotic microorganisms. In particular, hydrophobicity, auto-aggregation, co-aggregation, and biofilm formation were investigated. In addition, antibiotic susceptibility, co-culture, and antimicrobial activity of the two strains were compared. Hydrophobicity was evaluated using xylene and toluene, showing that A. muciniphila DSM 22959 possessed moderate hydrophobicity. A. muciniphila showed a faster and higher auto-aggregation ability than Lb. rhamnosus GG, but a lower aptitude in biofilm formation. In the co-aggregation test, the best performance was obtained by Lb. rhamnosus GG. Regarding the susceptibility to antibiotics, the differences between the two strains were remarkable, with A. muciniphila DSM 22959 showing resistance to half of the antibiotic tested. Interesting results were also obtained with regard to the stimulating effect of Lb. rhamnosus GG on the growth of A. muciniphila when co-cultured.