Preliminary characterization of bacteriocin-like substances from lactic acid bacteria isolated from organic leafy vegetables

This study presents the characterization of new strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from organic vegetables. Forty-five strains of LAB isolated from vegetables were investigated by its antimicrobial activity against taxonomically related microorganisms. Genetic identification of selected LAB was performed by means of PCR method. These strains were Enterococcus faecium, Lactococcus lactis, Enterococcus hirae and Enterococcus canis. Bacteriocin-like substances were active against Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative foodborne pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli, respectively). The antimicrobial activity of LAB strains was inactivated by the addition of proteases, thus confirming the proteinaceous nature of the inhibition. In all four strains the bacteriocin activity was stable after extended refrigerated storage and freezing–thawing cycles. This fact suggests that bacteriocin produced by the four LAB strains may find application as biopreservatives in minimally processed vegetables.