Abstract: [Objective] The aims of the present study were to assess the biological characteristics of Lactobacillus plantarum derived from Yichun forest pig and to comprehensively evaluate its application potential in the development of probiotic preparations. [Method] A lactic acid bacterial strain （P1M1） isolated from the feces of the healthy forest pig in Yichun City, Heilongjiang Province, was biochemically identified and then molecularly confirmed by using 16S rDNA PCR amplification and sequencing technology. The curves of growth and acid production of the strain were drawn, and its tolerance to acid （pH values at 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0） and bile salt （concentrations at 0.15% and 0.30%） were evaluated. The sensitivity of the strain to 13 antimicrobial agents and its inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus （S. aureus） of porcine origin were examined. Tests were also conducted to assess the free radical scavenging ability, exopolysaccharides yield and safety to mice of the strain. [Result] Based on the biochemical and molecular identification results, P1M1 strain was identified as Lactobacillus plantarum （L. plantarum）. L. Plantarum P1M1 strain had glycolytic ability. Its logarithmic growth phase was 2-10 h of cultivation. After 18 h of cultivation, the pH value of its culture medium stabilized at 3.8-3.9. Its 3 h survival rates at pH values of 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 were （48.97±0.61）%, （64.19±0.94）% and （78.44 ± 1.36）%, respectively, and those at bile salt concentrations of 0.15% and 0.30% were （53.86±1.14）% and （32.87±0.75）%, respectively. It was sensitive to erythromycin, enrofloxacin, norfloxacin, tobramycin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, cefoperazone, cefradine and ceftazidime, and had pronounced inhibitory effect on S. aureus of porcine origin. The scavenging rates of its cell-free supernatant against DPPH free radical, hydroxyl radical and ABTS free radical were （91.65±1.44）%, （87.32±0.22）% and （89.79±0.59）%, respectively, all significantly （P<0.05） higher than those of its intact cell suspension. Its exopolysaccharides yield was （796.73±2.43） mg/L. No death or organ damage was observed after continuous gavages of the L. plantarum P1M1 strain to mice for 2 weeks. [Conclusion] Forest pig derived L. plantarum P1M1 strain shows an early entrance into the logarithmic growth phase, has glycolytic characteristics, strong acid producing ability, and tolerance to acid and bile salt. It is sensitive to various antimicrobial agents and capable of inhibiting the growth of S. aureus of porcine origin. Furthermore, it has strong antioxidant capacity and high exopolysaccharides yield, and is safe for mice. Accordingly, it can be used as a candidate strain for the development of probiotic preparations.

Key words: Lactobacillus plantarum, probiotic trait, antioxidant property, exopolysaccharides