Although bacteriocins with anti-listerial activity have been isolated from a wide
variety of lactic acid bacteria, little is known about those from
Leuconostoc lactis, a heterofermentative bacterium that
produces diacetyl and exopolysaccharides in dairy foods. In this study, an
anti-listerial bacteriocin was isolated from Leuc. lactis SD501
and characterized. It was particularly potent against Listeria
monocytogenes and also inhibited Enterococcus
faecalis. Anti-listerial activity reached a maximum during the
early stationary phase and then decreased gradually. The anti-listerial
substance was sensitive to proteinase K and ɑ-chymotrypsin, confirming
its proteinaceous nature. Its activity remained stable at pH values ranging from
1 to 10. In addition, it was strongly resistant to high temperatures, retaining
its activity even after incubation for 15 min at 121℃. The apparent
molecular mass of the partially purified anti-listerial bacteriocin was
approximately 7 kDa. The characteristics of the SD501 bacteriocin, including its
small molecular size (<10 kDa), strong anti-listerial activity, wide pH
stability and good thermostability, indicate its classification as a Class IIa
bacteriocin.