Characterization of plantaricin KW30, a bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus plantarum

A protease‐sensitive antibacterial substance, produced by a strain of Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from fermented corn, was classified as a bacteriocin and designated plantaricin KW30. The bacteriocin was stable to heat, pH and treatment with surfactants, and unaffected by α‐amylase, lipase or lysozyme. Plantaricin KW30 exhibited a bactericidal and non‐bacteriolytic mode of action against indicator cells, and inhibitory activity was limited to other lactobacilli. Maximum production was in MRS broth, and coincided with the onset of stationary phase under conditions of low pH and high cell numbers. In a complex medium bacteriocin production was enhanced by the presence of sodium acetate and Tween 80. Curing experiments gave derivatives that no longer produced the bacteriocin but retained immunity to it. These Bac derivatives showed the same plasmid pattern as the parent strain suggesting a chromosomal location for the genes for bacteriocin production.