The Listeria monocytogenes strains selected in the present study exhibited similar behavior in biofilm formation, independently of the tested conditions (bacteriocin from L. plantarum ST8SH, vancomycin, propolis (a natural antimicrobial product) and EDTA (chelating agent)), individual or in associations. The individual application of vancomycin had better inhibitory activity than that of propolis and EDTA; however, the association of the previously mentioned antimicrobial agents with bacteriocins resulted in better performance. However, when we compared the effects of vancomycin, propolis and EDTA, we could clearly observe that the combined application of bacteriocin and vancomycin was more effective than the combination of bacteriocin and propolis, and bacteriocin and EDTA. Considering the current need to reduce the use of antimicrobials and chemical substances in food processing, propolis can represent an alternative to improve the inhibitory effect of bacteriocins against L. monocytogenes biofilm formation, based on the obtained results. In general, high concentrations of bacteriocin produced by L. plantarum ST8SH were more effective in biofilm inhibition, and similar results were observed for vancomycin and propolis; however, all tested EDTA concentrations had similar effect on biofilm formation.

Las cepas de Listeria monocytogenes seleccionadas en el presente estudio presentaron comportamientos similares en la formación de biofilms, independientemente de los tratamientos a las que fueron sometidas (bacteriocina de Lactobacillus plantarum ST8SH, vancomicina, própolis (produto natural antimicrobiano) y EDTA (agentes quelante)), individual o en combinaciones. La aplicación individual de vancomicina presentó una mejor actividad inhibitoria frente a las aplicaciones individuales de própolis y de EDTA; sin embargo, la combinación de estos agentes antimicrobianos con las bacteriocinas resultó en un mejor desempeño. Se observó claramente que la aplicación combinada de bacteriocina y vancomicina fue más efectiva para controlar el desarrollo de biofilm en comparación con la combinación de la bacteriocina y el própolis o de la combinación de la bacteriocina y el EDTA. Considerando la necesidad actual de reducir el uso de sustancias antimicrobianas y químicas en el procesamiento de alimentos y sobre la base de los resultados obtenidos, se puede afirmar que el própolis representa una alternativa para mejorar el efecto inhibitorio de bacteriocinas contra la formación de biofilm de L. monocytogenes. En general, altas concentraciones de la bacteriocina producida por L. plantarum ST8SH fueron más eficaces en la inhibición del biofilm, y se observaron resultados similares para la vancomicina y el própolis; sin embargo, todas las concentraciones de EDTA evaluadas tuvieron un efecto similar en la formación de biofilm.

Lactobacillus sakei subsp. sakei 2a is a bacteriocinogenic lactic acid bacterium isolated from Brazilian pork sausage, capable of inhibiting the growth of microbial pathogens, mainly Listeria monocytogenes. In order to optimize bacteriocin production for industrial applications, this study evaluated the effect of supplementation of MRS broth with glucose, Tween 20, Tween 80, sodium citrate, potassium chloride and cysteine, and effect of the initial pH and temperature of incubation of the medium on production of bacteriocins by L. sakei 2a. Adding glucose and Tween 20 to the medium, an initial pH of 5.0 or 5.5, and incubation temperatures of 25 °C or 30 °C resulted to the highest bacteriocin yields. Thus, a 24 factorial design with the four variables was performed, and statistical analysis showed that it was an adequate model (R2 = 0.8296). In the studied range, the four parameters significantly influenced bacteriocin production, with the maximum yield produced at an initial pH between 5.5 and 7.0, a temperature between 25 and 30 °C and supplementation of the MRS broth with glucose from 3.25 to 6.0 g L−1 and Tween 20 from 0.575 to 1.15% (v/v). Response Surface Methodology analysis indicated that the highest bacteriocin production (12800 AU mL−1) occurred in the MRS broth supplemented with 5.5 g L−1 glucose and 1.05% Tween 20 at an initial pH of 6.28 and an incubation temperature of 25 °C. The amount of bacteriocin produced in commercial MRS broths under the same conditions was only 5600AU mL−1.

Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogen frequently found in dairy products. Its control in fresh cheeses is difficult, due to the psychrotrophic properties and salt tolerance. Bacteriocinogenic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with proven in vitro antilisterial activity can be an innovative technological approach but their application needs to be evaluated by means of in situ tests. In this study, a novel bacteriocinogenic Lactococcus lactis strain (Lc. lactis DF4Mi), isolated from raw goat milk, was tested for control of growth of L. monocytogenes in artificially contaminated fresh Minas type goat cheese during storage under refrigeration. A bacteriostatic effect was achieved, and counts after 10 days were 3 log lower than in control cheeses with no added LAB. However, this effect did not differ significantly from that obtained with a non-bacteriocinogenic Lc. lactis strain. Addition of nisin (12.5 mg/kg) caused a rapid decrease in the number of viable L. monocytogenes in the cheeses, suggesting that further studies with the purified bacteriocin DF4Mi may open new possibilities for this strain as biopreservative in dairy products.

Lactic acid bacteria capable of producing bacteriocins and presenting probiotic potential open innovative technological applications in the dairy industry. In this study, a bacteriocinogenic strain (Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis DF4Mi) was isolated from goat milk, and studied for its antimicrobial activity. The bacteriocin presented a broad spectrum of activity, was sensitive to proteolytic enzymes, resistant to heat and pH extremes, and not affected by the presence of SDS, Tween 20, Tween 80, EDTA or NaCl. Bacteriocin production was dependent on the components of the culture media, especially nitrogen source and salts. When tested by PCR, the bacteriocin gene presented 100% homology to nisin Z gene. These properties indicate that this L. lactis subsp. lactis DF4Mi can be used for enhancement of dairy foods safety and quality.

Lactic acid bacteria capable of producing bacteriocins and presenting probiotic potential open innovative technological applications in the dairy industry. In this study, a bacteriocinogenic strain (Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis DF4Mi) was isolated from goat milk, and studied for its probiotic potential. Lc. lactis DF4Mi was resistant to acidic pH and oxbile, presented co-aggregation with Listeria monocytogenes, and was not affected by several drugs from different generic groups, being sensitive to most tested antibiotics. These properties indicate that this Lc. lactis strain can be used for enhancement of dairy foods safety and quality, in combination with potential probiotic properties.

Mastitis is considered to be the most costly disease affecting the dairy industry. Management strategies involve the extensive use of antibiotics to treat and prevent this disease. Prophylactic dosages of antibiotics used in mastitis control programmes could select for strains with resistance to antibiotics. In addition, a strong drive towards reducing antibiotic residues in animal food products has lead to research in finding alternative antimicrobial agents. In this review we have focus on the pathogenesis of the mastitis in dairy cows, existing antibiotic treatments and possible alternative for application of bacteriocins from lactic acid bacteria in the treatment and prevention of this disease.

Mastitis is considered to be the most economically costly disease affecting the dairy industry. Regular dosage of animals with antibiotics, including use of prophylactic concentrations, may select for resistant strains. The purpose of this study was to determine the mode of action of a new bacteriocin (macedocin ST91KM), to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance of mastitis pathogens to antibiotics commonly used in treatment remedies, and to introduce the possible use of an alternative antimicrobial agent. The bacteriocin macedocin ST91KM, produced by Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. macedonicus ST91KM, is bactericidal to Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus uberis and Staphylococcus aureus associated with mastitis infections, including strains resistant to methicillin and oxacillin. Sensitive cells were deformed and secreted nucleotides, K+ and β-galactosidase when exposed to macedocin ST91KM. Adsorption of the peptide to target cells decreased in the presence of solvents, suggesting that receptors on the cell surfaces have lipid moieties. No adsorption was recorded in the presence of MgCl2, KI and Na2CO3, suggesting that ionic strength plays an important role. A teat seal preparation containing macedocin ST91KM effectively released the peptide and inhibited the growth of S. agalactiae. Macedocin ST91KM could form the basis for alternative dry cow therapy to prevent mastitis infections in dairy cows as it is effective against pathogens that display resistance to conventional antibiotic therapy.

Bacteriocinas são proteínas ou complexos protéicos biologicamente ativos que apresentam atividade bactericida contra espécies relacionadas. Nas ultimas duas décadas, várias cepas de Lactobacillus plantarum produtoras de bacteriocinas foram isoladas de diferentes nichos ecológicos como carnes, peixes, frutas, vegetais e produtos lácteos e de cereais. Várias plantaricinas foram caracterizadas e suas seqüências de aminoácidos determinadas. Diferentes aspectos do modo de ação, otimização da fermentação e organização genética já foram estudados. Entretanto, muitas bacteriocinas produzidas por diferentes cepas de Lactobacillus plantarum ainda não foram completamente caracterizadas.Nesse artigo, apresenta-se uma breve revisão sobre a classificação, genética, caracterização, modo de ação, e otimização da produção de bacteriocinas de bactérias láticas em geral, e, quando apropriado, de bacteriocinas de Lactobacillus plantarum.

Bacteriocins are biologically active proteins or protein complexes that display a bactericidal mode of action towards usually closely related species. Numerous strains of bacteriocin producing Lactobacillus plantarum have been isolated in the last two decades from different ecological niches including meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, and milk and cereal products. Several of these plantaricins have been characterized and the aminoacid sequence determined. Different aspects of the mode of action, fermentation optimization and genetic organization of the bacteriocin operon have been studied. However, numerous of bacteriocins produced by different Lactobacillus plantarum strains have not been fully characterized. In this article, a brief overview of the classification, genetics, characterization, including mode of action and production optimization for bacteriocins from Lactic Acid Bacteria in general, and where appropriate, with focus on bacteriocins produced by Lactobacillus plantarum, is presented.

A bacteriocina AMA-K produzida por Lactobacillus plantarum AMA-K inibe a multiplicação de Enterococcus spp, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae e Listeria spp. A multiplicação da cepa AMA-K em BHI, leite de soja e melaço foi semelhante à multiplicação em MRS. O efeito de fontes de nitrogênio orgânico, carboidratos, glicerol, K2HPO4 e KH2PO4, MgSO4, MnSO4, citrato de triamônio, Tween 80, vitaminas e pH inicial sobre a bacteriocina AMA-K foi determinada. O modo de ação da bacteriocina AMA-K foi estudado. O efeito da bacteriocina AMA-K sobre Listeria innocua LMG13568, Listeria ivanovii subsp.ivanovii ATCC19119 e Listeria monocytogenes Scott A foi determinado. A adsorção da bacteriocina AMA-K às células-alvo em diferentes temperaturas, pH e na presença de Tween 20, Tween 80, ácido ascórbico, sorbato de potássio, nitrato de sódio a cloreto de sódio foi avaliada. A bacteriocina AMA-K apresenta grande homologia a pediocina PA-1.

Bacteriocin AMA-K produced by Lactobacillus plantarum AMA-K inhibits the growth of Enterococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Listeria spp. Growth of strain AMA-K in BHI, M17, soy milk and molasses was similar to growth in MRS. The effect of organic nitrogen sources, carbohydrates, glycerol, K2HPO4 and KH2PO4, MgSO4, MnSO4, tri-ammonium citrate, Tween 80, vitamins and initial pH on bacteriocin AMA-K was determined. The mode of action of bacteriocin AMA-K was studied. The effect of bacteriocin AMA-K to actively growing Listeria innocua LMG13568, L. ivanovii subsp. ivanovii ATCC19119 and L. monocytogenes ScottA was determined. Adsorption of bacteriocin AMA-K to target cells at different temperatures, pH and in presence of Tween 20, Tween 80, ascorbic acid, potassium sorbate, sodium nitrate and sodium chloride were studied. Bacteriocin AMA-K shares high homology to pediocin PA-1.

A bacteriocina ST712BZ produzida par Lactobacillus pentosus (peso molecular de 14,0kDa) inibe o crescimento de Lactobacillus casei,Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae e Lactobacillus curvatus. O crescimento de L. pentosus ST712BZ em BHI, M17, leite de soja e melaços foi semelhante ao observado em MRS, registando-se a produção máxima de bacteriocina (12800UA/mL) em MRS após 24 h. Observou-se o mesmo nível de produção de bacteriocina (12800UA/mL) em caldo MRS com pH inicial de 6,5, 6,0 e 5,5. No entanto, em caldo MRS (pH 6,5) suplementado com 1 mM de EDTA a produção apenas atingiu 6400UA/mL. Os níveis de atividade bacteriocinogênica detectados em caldo MRS com um pH inicial de 5,0 e 4,5 foram baixos. De todas as fórmulas de meios de cultura testadas a que apresentou a atividade máxima 12800UA/mL foi MRS suplemento de triptona (20,0g/L), glicose (20,0 e 40,0 g/L), manose (20.0 g/L), vitamina B12 e vitamina C. A produção de bacteriocinas foi inibida por concentrações de glicerol superiores ou iguais a 1.0 g/L. Verificou-se a actividade bacteriocinogênica máxima (25600UA/mL) em caldo MRS suplementado com vitamina B1 ou ácido DL-6,8-thioctic.

Bacteriocin ST712BZ (14.0kDa in size) inhibits the growth of Lactobacillus casei,Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Lactobacillus curvatus. Growth of strain ST712BZ in BHI, M17, soy milk and molasses was similar to growth in MRS, with optimal bacteriocin production (12800AU/mL) recorded in MRS after 24h. The same level of bacteriocin production (12800AU/mL) was recorded in MRS broth with an initial pH of 6.5, 6.0 and 5.5. However, MRS broth (pH 6.5) supplemented with 1mM EDTA, yielded only 6400AU/mL. Low levels of bacteriocin activity were recorded in MRS broth with an initial pH of 5.0 and 4.5. Of all media compositions tested, MRS supplemented with tryptone (20.0g/L), glucose (20.0 to 40.0g/L), mannose (20.0g/L), vitamin B12, or vitamin C yielded 12800AU/mL. Glycerol concentrations of 1.0g/L and higher repressed bacteriocin production. Maximal bacteriocin activity (25600AU/mL) was recorded in MRS supplemented with Vit. B1 or DL-6,8-thioctic acid.

Dois métodos de purificação de plantaricin ST31, uma bacteriocina produzida por Lactobacillus plantarum ST31 foram usados neste estudo - o método de precipitação pelo sulfato de amônia usando cartucho Sep-pack C18 para a filtração e HPLC de fase reversa em coluna de C18 Nucleosil, e o método de purificação direta por troca catiônica SP Sepharose "Fast Flow column Amersham" (Pharmacia Biotech). A pureza dos produtos obtidos pelos dois protocolos foi examinada através da determinação dos pesos moleculares, composição e seqüência dos aminoácidos. A comparação destes resultados revelou que, em termos da pureza dos produtos, não havia diferenças entre os dois métodos de purificação podendo-se, portanto, utilizar qualquer um dos protocolos de purificação testados. No entanto, o rendimento da purificação pelo método da troca catiônica foi de 5.9% enquanto o do método HPLC foi de 0.8%.

Two methods of purification of the plantaricin ST31, a bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus plantarum ST31 are used in this study - the method of ammonium sulfate precipitation, Sep-pack C18 cartridge and reverse-phase HPLC chromatography on C18 Nucleosil column, and the method of direct purification by cation exchange SP Sepharose Fast Flow column Amersham (Pharmacia Biotech). The purity of the products from the two experimental protocols are examined for their molecular weight, aminoacid composition and sequence. Comparison of results show that the plantaricins purified with the two methods are identical. Both methods may be used to purify plantaricin ST31. Comparison of the yield in the purification protocols is 0.8% in the HPLC experimental protocol and 5.9% in the cation-exchange chromatography method.