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Characterization of Bacteriocins Produced by Food Bioprocessing Propionobacteria

Objectives were to further characterize activity spectra of dairy propionibacteria bacteriocins, jenseniin G and propionicin PLG-1, purify them, examine the role of cell walls in resistance, examine their interactions with cytoplasmic membrane, explain producer immunity, and clone the responsible genes. Inhibitory spectra of both bacteriocins were further characterized. Propionicin was most effective in controlling Gram-positive, rather than Gram-negative organisms; it controlled growth of sensitive cells both in a culture medium and a model food system. Jenseniin inhibited yogurt cultures and may help prevent yogurt over-acidification. Both were active against botulinal spores; jenseniin was sporostatic; propionicin was sporicidal. Jenseniin was produced in broth culture, was stable to pH and temperature extremes, and was purified. Its molecular mass (3649 Da) and partial amino acid composition (74%) were determined. A blocked jenseniin N-terminus prevented sequencing. Methods to produce propionicin in liquid culture were improved, and large scale culture protocols to yield high titers were developed. Methods to detect and quantify propionicin activity were optimized and standardized. Stability of partially purified propionicin was demonstrated and an improved purification scheme was developed. Purified propionicin had a 9328-Da molecular mass, contained 99 amino acids, and was significantly hydrophobic; ten N-terminal amino acids were identified. Propionicin and Jenseniin interacted with cytoplasmic membranes; resistance of insensitive species was cell wall-related. Propionicin and jenseniin acted similarly; their mode of action appeared to differ from nisin. Spontaneous jenseniin-resistant mutants were resistant to propionicin but nisin-sensitive. The basis for producer immunity was not resolved. Although bacteriocin genes were not cloned, a jenseniin producer DNA clone bank and three possible vectors for cloning genes in propionibacteria were constructed. In addition, transposon Tn916 was conjugatively transferred to the propionicin producer from chromosomal and plasmid locations at transfer frequencies high enough to permit use of Tn916 for insertional mutagenesis or targeting genes in propionibacteria. The results provide information about the bacteriocins that further supports their usefulness as adjuncts to increase food safety and/or quality.