Habitat-driven variations in specific biological activities of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum exhibits notable genetic plasticity, enabling survival across diverse niches. Comparative genomic analyses have shown that strains inhabiting similar ecological niches often share convergent functional traits. However, the precise relationship between isolation habitats and specific functional phenotypes remains poorly defined. In this study, 107 Lpb. plantarum strains isolated from three habitats (naturally fermented dairy products, fermented grape must, and naturally fermented vegetables) were compared, at a habitat scale, for their potential health benefits in modulating metabolic disorders such as hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension, as well as their ability to produce bioactive compounds like indole-3-lactic acid and phenyllactic acid and degrade harmful substances like nitrites. Results indicated no significant habitat-specific differences across the strains from distinct sources in terms of hypoglycemic potential, nitrite degradation ability, or indole-3-lactic acid production ability. However, habitat-dependent heterogeneity was observed in specific functionalities. Fermented grape must-derived strains demonstrated significantly superior hypocholesterolemic potential than those from other habitats. Strains from both grape must and vegetable origins exhibited significantly higher phenyllactic acid production ability than those from dairy origin. Conversely, fermented soymilk prepared with dairy-associated strains showed significantly greater hypotensive potential than that prepared with strains from other origins. Hierarchical and K-means clustering analyses further highlighted associations between strain habitats and specific biological properties. This study confirms heterogeneity in certain biological properties among Lpb. plantarum strains from different origins, thereby offering theoretical guidance for more efficient acquisition of strains with desired biological activities.