Use of a broad-host-range bacteriocin-producing Lactococcus lactis transconjugant as an alternative starter for salami manufacture

Int J Food Microbiol. 1998 Sep 8;43(3):231-5. doi: 10.1016/s0168-1605(98)00115-9.

Abstract

Lactococcus lactis DPC4268 is widely used for Cheddar cheese manufacture in Ireland where it is recognised for its reliable fast acid producing ability in dairy environments. A transconjugant of this strain, L. lactis DPC4275, was generated which produces the broad spectrum, two-component bacteriocin lacticin 3147, which is inhibitory to a variety of undesirable gram-positive bacteria including Clostridium, Bacillus, Enterococcus, Listeria, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Both DPC4268 and DPC4275 were used as single strain starters for manufacture of salamis. These products were compared with a salami manufactured with a conventional starter (Lactobacillus sake and Staphylococcus carnosus) in terms of pH development, a(w)-value, weight loss, colour development and sensory characteristics. Salamis produced with either lactococcal culture exhibited pH values below 5.1 and a(w)-values below 0.90 which is favourable for preservation and hygienic stability. In addition, these salamis had good sensory and colorimetric qualities. A minimum lacticin 3147 concentration of 640 AU/g was detected in the salamis which were produced with L. lactis DPC4275.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacteriocins / analysis
  • Bacteriocins / biosynthesis
  • Bacteriocins / metabolism*
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Colorimetry
  • Conjugation, Genetic / physiology
  • Fermentation
  • Food Microbiology*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Lactococcus lactis / genetics
  • Lactococcus lactis / metabolism*
  • Meat Products / microbiology*
  • Smell
  • Swine
  • Taste
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Bacteriocins
  • Water