POTENTIAL OF Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis MTCC 3041 AS A BIOPRESERVATIVE

Lactic acid bacteria especially in developing countries can be exploited against frequently occurring spoilage organisms of fresh fruits and vegetables in addition to pathogens. Keeping in views this antagonism imparted by bacteria Lactococci, the present study was taken and effectiveness of bacteriocin of Lactococci was also studied in preservatives and enzymes. Lactic acid bacteria Lactococcus lactis subs. Lactis MTCC 3041 was used as bacteriocin producer strain. Isolation of most frequently occurring spoilage organisms from spoiled Mango and Kinnow was done by microbiological procedures and were identified by microscopic studies as Isolate 1 and Isolate 2. It has limited use in processed salted food as no zone of inhibition was observed at and above 5% NaCl (w/v). 0.3% (w/v) is the minimum concentration of KMS that provides stress to the microorganism for the production of bacteriocin. It is not suitable for food having sodium benzoate as preservative as with increase in concentration growth of Lactococcus lactis decreases. Presence of bacteriocin hinders the growth of the isolate 1 as fresh weight of the mycelium in test sample is 7.09% less than the control. Being nonpathogenic this organism can be safely used against spoilage organisms in addition to food borne pathogens.