The globalization of trade and lifestyle ensure that the factors responsible for the emergence of diseases are more present than ever. Despite biotechnology advancements, meat-based foods are still under scrutiny because of the presence of pathogens, which causes a loss of consumer confidence and consequently a fall in demand. In this context, Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) as GRAS organisms offer an alternative for developing pathogen-free foods, particularly avoiding Listeria monocytogenes, with minimal processing and fewer additives while maintaining the foods’ sensorial characteristics. The use of LAB strains, enabling us to produce antimicrobial peptides (bacteriocins) in addition to lactic acid, with an impact on quality and safety during fermentation, processing, and/or storage of meat and ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products, constitutes a promising tool. A number of bacteriocin-based strategies including the use of bioprotective cultures, purified and/or semi-purified bacteriocins as well as their inclusion in varied packaging materials under different storage conditions, have been investigated. The application of bacteriocins as part of hurdle technology using non-thermal technologies was explored for the preservation of RTE meat products. Likewise, considering that food contamination with L. monocytogenes is a consequence of the post-processing manipulation of RTE foods, the role of bacteriocinogenic LAB in the control of biofilms formed on industrial surfaces is also discussed.

Angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of peptides derived from the hydrolysis of sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar porcine proteins by the action of Lactobacillus sakei CRL1862 and Lactobacillus curvatus CRL705 (whole cells+cell free extracts) was investigated at 30°C for 36 h. The protein hydrolysates were subjected to RP-HPLC in order to fractionate the extracts for further evaluation of ACE inhibitory activity. Bioactive fractions were only found from the hydrolysis of sarcoplasmic proteins by both assayed lactobacilli strains. Identification of peptides contained in the bioactive fractions was carried out by tandem mass spectrometry using a nanoLC-ESI-QTOF instrument and the mascot search engine. From the four most active fractions obtained, a total of eighteen and fifty peptides were characterized from L. sakei CRL1862 and L. curvatus CRL705 protein hydrolysates, respectively. The sequence FISNHAY was generated by the proteolytic activity of the two lactobacilli species. Sequence similarity analyses between the peptides identified in this study and those previously identified as ACE inhibitory peptides and detailed in the BIOPEP database were outlined. Results suggest that meat-borne Lactobacillus were able to generate peptides with ACE inhibitory activity, highlighting their potential to be used in the development of functional fermented products. The results of this study would enable the obtention of porcine functional foods by applying lactic acid bacteria generating bioactive peptides. ACE inhibitory peptides obtained by the hydrolytic action of L. curvatus CRL705 and L. sakei CRL1862 on sarcoplasmic proteins were analyzed. Among them, the peptide FISNHAY exhibited the highest activity and its sequence has not yet been reported.

Aims The capacity of Lactobacillus sakei CRL1862 to prevent the growth of pathogens and its ability to degrade sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins in pork meat systems was evaluated. In addition, basic safety aspects of Lact. sakei CRL1862 such as production of biogenic amines and antibiotic susceptibility were addressed. Methods and Results The bacteriocin-producing Lact. sakei CRL1862 showed respectively bactericide and bacteriostatic effect against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus in beaker sausage assay during 9 days of storage at 22°C. The hydrolytic effect of Lact. sakei CRL1862 on protein extracts was evaluated by SDS-PAGE and reverse phase HPLC. A more pronounced proteolysis was evidenced in inoculated sarcoplasmic proteins compared with myofibrillar extracts with the generation of predominantly hydrophilic peptides and increase of total free amino acids concentration. Lactobacillus sakei CRL1862 produced neither histamine nor tyrosine and exhibited no resistance to the antibiotics assayed. Conclusions Lactobacillus sakei CRL1862 effectively controlled the growth of L. monocytogenes and Staph. aureus; moreover, it was able to hydrolyse pork meat extracts generating peptides and amino acids, which may improve hygienic and sensorial attributes of fermented meat products. Significance and Impact of the Study The use of an integrated approach to evaluate the major traits of Lact. sakei CRL1862 showed it can be applied as an autochthonous functional starter in meat fermentation.