Targeting Melanogenesis with Postbiotics: An Integrated Zebrafish-Based Assessment of Lactobacillus salivarius BGHO-1 and Lactobacillus paracasei BGSJ2-8
Open accessAbstract
Skin hyperpigmentation disorders represent a major dermatological challenge, and safe alternatives to conventional depigmenting agents remain scarce. Probiotics and their postbiotic derivatives have emerged as promising natural candidates; however, only a few bacterial strains have been investigated for melanogenesis-inhibitory activity, and their true potential remains largely unexplored. Here, we report for the first time the biosafety profile and anti-melanogenic activity of Lactobacillus salivarius BGHO-1 and Lactobacillus paracasei BGSJ2-8, and assess their possible use in the treatment of skin hyperpigmentation. Two complementary zebrafish-based approaches were employed: (i) image-assisted analysis of pigmentation patterns, melanocyte morphology, and melanocytotoxicity, and (ii) quantitative melanin analysis, enabling integrated safety and efficacy evaluation. We investigated both native and heat-inactivated preparations, including whole cultures, cell-free supernatants, isolated cells, and separated cell walls/membranes and cytoplasmic fractions. While several fractions demonstrated the ability to inhibit melanogenesis, the cell wall/membrane fraction was the most potent, reducing melanin content by 64% compared to untreated embryos, while causing no systemic side effects and preserving melanocyte structure. Furthermore, this fraction did not elicit inflammatory responses or neutropenia, underscoring its favorable safety profile at anti-melanogenic doses. Collectively, this study identifies specific postbiotics as effective and safe modulators of melanogenesis and highlights their translational potential in developing novel approaches for treating skin hyperpigmentation.
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Recent studies have reported that postbiotic fractions from various Lactobacillus species can reduce α-MSH-induced melanin synthesis and downregulate MITF and tyrosinase expression in B16F10 cells.
“Recent studies have reported that postbiotic fractions from various Lactobacillus species can reduce α-MSH-induced melanin synthesis and downregulate MITF and tyrosinase expression in B16F10 cells [23].”
From Anti-Photoaging and Anti-Melanogenic Effects of a Novel <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> RKBP Isolated from Giant <i>Centella asiatica</i> (2026) · cites this paper as [23]
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Seo, J., Sung, E. J., Son, D. Y., Yoo, D. S., Seo, D. B., Kim, M., & Yoo, C. (2026) · Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology · doi:10.4014/jmb.2603.03011
Shabat-Simon, M., Cohen, O., Yaval, L., Hujerat, S., Pitashny, P. A., Jackson, K., & Musa, S. (2026) · Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters · doi:10.1016/j.bmcl.2026.130707
- Authors
- Katona, G., Jovanovic Ljeskovic, N., Strahinic, I., Stanisavljevic, N., Vojvodic, S., Djuris, J., & Pavic, A.
- Affiliations
- University of Novi Sad (RS)
- Faculty of Pharmacy Novi Sad, University Business Academy in Novi Sad, Heroja Pinkija 4, 21101 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Institute of Molecule Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
- Venue
- Molecules
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Published
- 2025-10-20
- Volume
- 30
- Issue
- 20
- Pages
- 4134
- ISSN
- 1420-3049 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC12567018
- OpenAlex
- W4415370438
- Cited by
- 1
- References
- 58
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1
- FWCI
- 0.50
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Molecules (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- IMAGINE - Repository of the Institute of molecular genetics and genetic engineering (University of Belgrade) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
- Funders
- the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovations of the Republic of Serbia (451-03-66/2024-03/200042)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › melanin and skin pigmentation
- Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Food Science › Probiotics and Fermented Foods
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Biotechnology › Microbial Metabolism and Applications
- Keywords
- postbiotics, melanogenesis inhibition, hyperpigmentation, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus paracasei, probiotics, zebrafish embryos, melanin quantification, melanocyte morphology, heat-killed bacteria, biosafety, anti-melanogenic activity
- MeSH terms
- Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Melanogenesis, Animals, Lactobacillus, Melanins, Melanocytes, Zebrafish, Hyperpigmentation, Probiotics
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