Characteristics of Lactic Acid Bacteria as Potential Probiotic Starters and Their Effects on the Quality of Fermented Sausages

The aim of this study was to explore the potential of commercial lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as probiotic starters in fermented sausages. We initially investigated the growth activity, acid production capability, and tolerance to fermentation conditions of Lactobacillus sakei, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and Pediococcus pentosaceus. All three LAB strains proved viable as starters for fermented sausages. Subsequently, we explored their potential as probiotics based on their antibacterial and antioxidant capabilities. L. plantarum exhibited stronger inhibition against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. All three strains displayed antioxidant abilities, with cell-free supernatants showing a higher antioxidant activity compared to intact cells and cell-free extracts. Moreover, the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase were stronger in the cell-free supernatant, cell-free extract, and intact cell, respectively. Finally, we individually and collectively inoculated these three LAB strains into sausages to investigate their impact on quality during the fermentation process. External starters significantly reduced pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and sodium nitrite levels. The improvements in color and texture had positive effects, with the L. plantarum inoculation achieving higher sensory scores. Overall, all three LAB strains show promise as probiotic fermentation starters in sausage production.