Antibacterial activity of lactic acid bacteria isolated from traditional fermented foods and development of a starter for fermented milk

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the antibacterial activity of lactic acid bacteria isolated from traditional fermented foods and to develop a new starter for fermented milk. The isolates were identified using 16S rDNA sequencing and named Lactobacillus plantarum A, Leuconostoc lactis B and L. acidophilus C. The activity of these strains to inhibit the growth of food-borne human pathogens (Escherichia coli NCTC 12923, Salmonella Typhimurium NCTC 12023, Listeria monocytogenes NCTC 11994) was measured using the paper disc method. All these strains showed strong antibacterial activity against Li. monocytogenes NCTC 11994. The experiment groups were the fermented milks with these strains, and the control group was the fermented milk with the commercial starter (ABT 5). The change of pH, acidity and viable cell counts were measured during their aging time. All the experiment groups showed a significant difference in their aging times compared to the control group. However, the sensory test showed that the experiment groups can be used as useful starters for fermented milk. This result suggests that L. plantarum A, Leu. lactis B and L. acidophilus C have the potential to be developed as new starters for fermented milk.