Biogenic amine and antibiotic resistance profiles determined for lactic acid bacteria and a propionibacterium prior to use as antifungal bioprotective cultures

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and propionibacteria are two microbial groups studied as alternatives to chemical preservatives in foods. As potential bioprotective cultures in the food industry, not only does antimicrobial efficiency need to be ensured, but safety criteria should be evaluated. Here, 21 LAB and 1 propionibacterium with previously determined antifungal properties were screened for two relevant criteria: biogenic amine production and antibiotic resistance patterns. Low risk profiles were observed for 15 strains, highlighting their potential industrial use as bioprotective cultures. Some exceptions were identified: both Lactobacillus buchneri strains tested were histamine-producers, while 1 Lactobacillus brevis, 2 Lactobacillus rhamnosus and 1 Leuconostoc mesenteroides strains were tyramine-producers. These same strains were resistant to up to 5 antibiotics, thus excluding them as candidates for industrial use. These results confirm the importance of ensuring safety criteria are met before considering a candidate strain for use as a bioprotective agent in food products.