Autochthonous Bacillus licheniformis: Probiotic potential and survival ability in low‐fishmeal extruded pellet aquafeed

In recent years, Bacillus spp. have garnered attention as probiotic supplements in aquafeed owing to the production of heat stable and low pH resistant spores. Herein, we isolated and characterized an autochthonous Bacillus licheniformis KCCM 43270 from the intestine of olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) for supplementation in low‐fishmeal extruded aquafeeds. The KCCM 43270 was screened based on amylase, protease, cellulase, and lipase as well as non‐hemolytic activities. The isolate was able to grow in carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), xylan, and soybean meal (SBM) when used as a single carbon source in the minimal nutrient M9 medium. The KCCM 43270 spores displayed complete survival in acid (pH 2.5) and bile (0.3%, w/v) for 3 hr, strong biofilm formation, and nearly 50% adhesion with intestinal mucus. The spores of the isolate also showed significant survival ability at 80, 90, 100°C for 60, 30, and 1 min, respectively. In addition, the spores in a blend of SBM complex carrier showed significant heat stability at 120°C for 5 min and under different drying conditions. Furthermore, the spores also survived the extrusion process during low‐fishmeal aquafeed manufacturing, implying the potential application of B. licheniformis KCCM 43270 in aquafeed industry.