Detection and characterization of a bacteriocin produced by <i>Lactobacillus plantarum</i> C19

Abstract

Strain C19, isolated from fermented cucumbers and identified as Lactobacillus plantarum, produced a bacteriocin. This bacteriocin, named plantaricin C19, was stable at acidic pH, was relatively thermostable, and had a molecular mass of about 3.5 kDa. It inhibited some pathogenic (i.e., Listeria spp.) and spoilage Gram-positive bacteria but had weak or no action against lactic acid bacteria. Its adsorption on sensitive and resistant bacteria was pH dependent and was reduced by pretreatment of cells with lipase or lysozyme. Curing treatments with acriflavine or novobiocin yielded nonproducing mutants sensitive to plantaricin C19.Key words: lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus plantarum, bacteriocin, protein.