Purpose: This study aimed the characterization of the potential biogenic amines production by bacteriocinogenic lactic acid bacteria isolated from raw goat’s milk.
Methods: From a lactic acid bacteria culture collection obtained from raw goat’s milk, 57 isolates were characterized as bacteriocinogenic strains and identified by molecular methods (32 Enterococcus spp. and 25 Lactococcus spp.). These 57 isolates were subjected to PCR reactions to detect genes associated to the production of the following biogenic amines: tyramine, histamine and putrescine. In addition, the same isolates were subjected to phenotypic tests (using decarboxylase culture media) to verify the production of the same biogenic amines.
Results: Among the isolates, all Enterococcus and 7 Lactococcus presented PCR amplification products expected for tyramine gene while all 57 isolates showed negative reaction for histamine and putrescine genes. Considering the phenotypic results, 30 Enterococcus and 12 Lactococcus were capable to produce tyramine, when histamine and putrescine were not produced by any isolate.
Significance: The identification of lactic acid bacteria that are carriers biogenic amines related genes is a relevant finding, once these isolates can transfer these genes to other microorganisms in foods. In addition, the presented data highlighted the relevance of studying biogenic amines production and related genes in lactic acid bacteria isolates obtained from foods, in order to identify their potential risk and leading their proper application as biopreservatives or starter cultures in dairy industries. Acknowledgments: CAPES, CNPq, FAPEMIG