No description available.

Ready-to-eat meat products have been implicated in several foodborne listeriosis outbreaks. Microbial contamination of these products can occur after the product has been thermally processed and is being rapidly chilled using salt brines. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of ultraviolet irradiation on the inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes and lactic acid bacteria in a model brine chiller system. Two concentrations of brines (7.9%w/w or 13.2%w/w) were inoculated with a ~6.0 log10 CFU/ml cocktail of L. monocytogenes or lactic acid bacteria and passed through the ultraviolet (UV) treatment system for 60 minutes. Three replications of each bacteria and brine combination were performed and resulted in at least a 4.5 log reduction in microbial numbers in all treated brines after exposure to ultraviolet light. Bacterial populations were significantly reduced after five minutes exposure to UV light in the model brine chiller as compared to the control, which received no UV light exposure (P<0.05). The maximum rate of inactivation for both microorganisms in treated brines occurred between minute 1 and 15 of ultraviolet exposure. Overall, results indicate that inline treatment of chill brines with ultraviolet light (UVC) shows promise in inactivating L. monocytogenes and lactic acid bacteria. Due to the low capital involved in initiating a continuous inline UV system, the use of ultraviolet energy may prove to be beneficial for effectively controlling pathogens in recycled chill brines without interrupting the chilling operation. An inline ultraviolet system could be used in a hazard analysis and critical control points plan. / Master of Science

Listeria monocytogenes is the major pathogen in ready-to-eat meat products such as deli meats and frankfurters. Contamination can occur via the salt brines that are used to cool thermally processed meats. Both L. monocytogenes and lactic acid bacteria can grow and thrive under these brine conditions, and may become competitive with each other for available nutrients. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a three strain cocktail of lactic acid bacteria Enterococcus faecalis, Carnobacterium gallinarum, and Lactobacillus plantarum on the survival of Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria innocua in brines stored under low temperatures up to 10 days. Three brine concentrations (0%, 7.9%, and 13.2% NaCl) were inoculated with ~7.0 log₁₀ cfu/ml of one of five cocktails (L. monocytogenes, L. innocua, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), L. monocytogenes + LAB, or L. innocua + LAB) and stored for 10 days at either 4°C or 12°C. Three replications of each brine/cocktail/temperature combination were performed. No reductions of L. monocytogenes were seen in 7.9 or 13.2% NaCl with LAB; however, reductions of L. monocytogenes were seen in the 0% NaCl with LAB (1.43 log at 4°C and 3.02 log at 12°C). Listeria innocua was significantly less resilient to environmental stresses than L. monocytogenes, both with and without LAB present (p<0.05). This research indicates these strains of lactic acid bacteria are not effective at reducing L. monocytogenes in brines at low temperatures. Furthermore, the use of L. innocua as a model for L. monocytogenes is not appropriate under these environmental conditions. / Master of Science

Thesis (MSc (Wine Biotechnology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / Bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria and are active against other bacteria, either in the same species (narrow spectrum) or across genera (broad spectrum). The application of bacteriocins during the vinification process might help to prevent the production of undesired compounds by inhibiting the indigenous bacterial microflora and allowing malolactic fermentation to be conducted by a selected bacterial strain. Furthermore, the use of bacteriocins might allow reducing the total sulphur dioxide amount in wine. The purpose of this study was the selection of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) belonging to the genera Oenococcus, Lactobacillus and Pediococcus with the ability to produce bacteriocins, with respective biological activity against undesired indigenous wine LAB and the capability to complete malolactic fermentation. The first objective of this study was the screening of LAB isolated from South African red wines for the production of bacteriocins. Only 27 strains out of 330 wine isolates, belonging to the species Lb. plantarum, Lb. paracasei, Lb. hilgardii and O. oeni, showed activity towards various wine-related and non wine-related indicator strains with the colony-overlay method. It is the first time that bacteriocin activity is reported in O. oeni. The second objective was the detection and identification of known structural bacteriocin genes of Lb. plantarum wine strains. Furthermore, the web server BAGEL was used to in silico analyse putative bacteriocin-encoding genes in the genome of O. oeni and primers were designed to amplify four possible bacteriocin-encoding genes. A PCR-based screening revealed the presence of the plantaricin encoding genes plnA, plnEF, plnJ and plnK in five selected Lb. plantarum strains. Moreover, PCR analysis rendered positive results with all four chosen putative bacteriocin-encoding genes in the eight tested O. oeni strains with antimicrobial activity. The latter genes of O. oeni were heterologously expressed in different Escherichia coli host strains, but no antimicrobial activity could be detected. The third objective of this study was the transformation and expression of the heterologous bacteriocin genes nisin A and pediocin PA-1 in two selected Lb. plantarum strains. To enhance their antimicrobial activity a plasmid containing the nisin A gene was successfully cloned into the two strains. Indeed, an enhanced antimicrobial activity could be detected, but the transformed plasmid was not stable. The fourth objective in this project was the evaluation of bacteriocin production in liquid media. A co-culture experiment with a plantaricin producing Lb. plantarum strain and an Enterococcus faecalis strain as indicator was performed. A complete inhibition of cell growth of Ent. faecalis was observed within 72 hours. The last objective was the evaluation of the impacts of phenolic compounds on the activity of nisin and pediocin. The short term influence of two phenolic acids, two flavan-3-ols, grape tannins and oak tannins on the activity of nisin and pediocin PA-1 was investigated. No influence on the activity was detected. Furthermore, synergistic effects on bacterial growth inhibition were observed. This study confirms the potential use of either bacteriocin additives or bacteriocin-producing LAB in order to control the bacterial microflora during the vinification process.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Thirty lactic acid bacteria were isolated from the intestinal tract of Drosophila simulans Stuvervant and nine lactic acid bacteria from Merlot grapes collected from the same winery in the Stellenbosch region, South Africa. The isolates were grouped according to morphological, biochemical and physiological characteristics. Isolates selected from each group were identified to species level by PCR with species-specific primers, PCR-based DGGE and 16S rDNA sequencing. The majority of isolates from the intestinal tract of Drosophila simulans Stuvervant belonged to the species Lactobacillus plantarum, but Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, Enterococcus faecalis and Pediococcus pentosaceus were also identified. As far as we could determine, this is the first report on the isolation of L. paracasei, L. sanfranciscensis, L. mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides, L. lactis subsp. lactis, E. faecalis and P. pentosaceus from vinegar flies. Lactobacillus plantarum has previously been isolated from Merlot grapes. The genotypic relatedness among isolates of L. plantarum isolated from the intestinal tract of vinegar flies and from Merlot grapes were determined by RAPD-PCR. The isolates were grouped into four genotypically well-separated clusters. Thirteen isolates from grape must and five from flies yielded identical RAPD-PCR banding patterns and grouped into one cluster, suggesting that they are descendants from the same strain. This suggests that L. plantarum has the ability to use vinegar flies as a vector. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Dertig melksuurbakterieë is vanuit die dermkanaal van Drosophila simulans Stuvervant geïsoleer en nege melksuurbakterieë vanuit Merlot-druiwe. Die druiwe is afkomstig van dieselfde wynkelder in die Stellenbosch-area van Suid-Afrika. Die isolate is volgens morfologiese, biochemiese en fisiologiese eienskappe gegroepeer. Verteenwoordigende isolate vanuit die fenotipiese groepe is tot spesievlak met behulp van lukraak ge-amplifiseerde polimorfe-DNA (RAPD) polimerase ketting-reaksie (PKR), PKR met spesie-spesifieke inleiers, PKR-gebaseerde denaturerende gradient-jel elektroforese (DGGE) en 16S rDNA sekwensering geïdentifiseer. Die meerderheid isolate uit die ingewande van Drosophila simulans Stuvervant is as Lactobacillus plantarum geklassifiseer. Stamme van Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, Enterococcus faecalis en Pediococcus pentosaceus is ook geïdentifiseer. Sover bekend, is dit die eerste keer dat L. paracasei, L. sanfranciscensis, L. mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides, L. lactis subsp. lactis, E. faecalis en P. pentosaceus uit asynvlieë geïsoleer is. Lactobacillus plantarum is voorheen uit Merlot-druiwe geïsoleer. Die genotipiese ooreenkoms tussen die stamme van L. plantarum wat uit die asynvlieë en Merlot-druiwe geïsoleer is, is deur middel van RAPD-PKR bepaal. Hiervolgens is die stamme in vier genotipies goed-gedefinieerde groepe geplaas. Dertien isolate vanuit druiwemos en vyf vanuit asynvlieë het identiese RAPD-PKR bandpatrone vertoon en het in een groep gesorteer. Hierdie resultate dui daarop dat die stamme heel moontlik uit een voorouer ontstaan het en dat asynvlieë heel moontlik as vektor vir L. plantarum dien.

Thesis (MSc) -- University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Lactic acid bacteria play an essential role in the majority of fermented foods by producing organoleptic compounds and increasing the shelf life. The best-studied antimicrobial compounds are bacteriocins, i.e. ribosomally synthesized peptides. Most of these peptides have a narrow spectrum of activity and are usually only active against bacteria from the same ecological niche. The fact that all bacteriocins are degraded by proteolytic enzymes enlarges their potential use as natural food preservatives. The ideal would be to replace or reduce chemical preservatives such as sulfur dioxide, nitrates and nitrites. Bacteriocins are classified into four groups according to their structural and functional characteristics. Plantaricin 423, produced by Lactobacillus plantarum 423, is heat stable, plasmid encoded, relatively small (3.5 kDa) and is classified as a class Iia bacteriocin. The peptide is active from pH 1.0 to 10.0 and inhibits Gram-positive bacteria, including Lactobacillus spp., Leuconostoc spp., Oenococcus oeni, Pediococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., Propionibacterium spp. and pathogens such as Bacillus cereus, Clostridium spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. Production of bacteriocins may occur constitutively or may be regulated by a cell-density dependent system called quorum sensing. Plantaricin 423 is produced throughout logarithmic growth, with no apparent change in production levels when the producer strain is cultured in the presence of plantaricin 423 or Listeria innocua and Lactobacillus sakei. This led us to believe that plantaricin 423 may be produced constitutively. A reporter system was constructed which consisted of the plantaricin 423 promoter, P423, fused to the luxAB genes and cloned into a shuttle vector, pTRKH2. The newly constructed plasmid, pTAB4, was transformed to a bacteriocin-negative mutant of L. plantarum (423 B} Despite several repeats, no luciferase activity was recorded and no RNA homologous to the luxAB genes was detected. The region necessary for expression of plantaricin 423 may be located stream-up of the -80 region homologous to the -80 and -40 conserved repeats of regulated class II bacteriocins. Inclusion of the latter region in the reporter construct may result in the successful expression of luxAB. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Melksuurbakteriee speel 'n belangrike rol in die meeste gefermenteerde voedselsoorte deur die produksie van organoleptiese komponente en die verlenging van rakleeftyd. Van aile antimikrobiese komponente is bakteriosiene (ribosomaal gesintetiseerde peptiede) die beste bestudeer. Hierdie peptiede het gewoonlik 'n nou spektrum van antimikrobiese werking en is meestal aktief teen bakteriee in dieselfde ekologiese nis. Die feit dat bakteriosiene deur proteolitiese ensieme in die spysverteringskanaal vernietig word, verhoog die potensiele gebruik van bakteriosiene as preserveermiddels. Die ideaal sal wees om die konsentrasie van chemiese preserveermiddels soos swaweldioksied, nitrate en nitriete te verlaag of rnoontlik te vervang met bakteriosiene. Bakteriosiene word in vier groepe op grond van hul strukturele en funksionele karaktereienskappe geklassifiseer. Plantarisien 423, geproduseer deur Lactobacillus plantarum 423, is hitte-stabiel, word deur 'n plasmied gekodeer, is relatief klein (3.5 kDa) en sorteer onder die klas Iia bakteriosiene. Die peptied is aktief oor 'n wye pH-reeks (pH 1.0-10.0) en inhibeer Gram-positiewe bakteriee, insluitend Lactobacillus spp., Leuconostoc spp., Oenococcus oeni, Pediococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., Propionibacterium spp. en patogene soos Bacillus cereus, Clostridium spp. en Listeria monocytogenes. Produksie van bakteriosiene kan konstitutief plaasvind of kan gereguleer word deur 'n seldigtheids- afhanklike sisteem naamlik "quorum sensing". Plantarisien 423 word regdeur logaritmiese groei geproduseer, met geen verandering in produksievlakke wanneer die produserende stam in die teenwoordigheid van plantarisien 423 of Listeria innocua en Lactobacillus sakei gekweek word nie. Dit het gelei tot die hipotese dat plantarisien 423 moontlik konstitutief geproduseer word. 'n Verklikkersisteem bestaande uit 'n fusie van die plantarisien 423 promoter, P423, aan die luxAB gene is gekonstrueer en in die pendelplasmied pTRKH2 gekloneer. Die nuutgekonstrueerde plasmied, pTAB4, is na 'n bakteriosien-negatiewe mutant van L. plantarum (stam 423 B-) getransfonneer. Ten spyte van etlike herhalings kon geen lusiferase-aktiwiteit opgespoor word nie en kon ook geen homologie in die RNA met die luxAB gene opgespoor word nie. Dit is moontlik dat die area nodig vir uitdrukking van plantarisien 423 verder stroom-op van die -80 area, homoloog aan die -80 en -40 gekonserveerde herhalings van reguleerbare klas II bakteriosiene, gesetel is. Insluiting van laasgenoemde area in die verklikker-konstruk mag lei tot die suksesvolle uitdrukking van luxAB.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Lactic acid bacteria are present in many foods and beverages and are used as starter cultures in the production of a variety of fermented products. Many of these bacteria produce ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial peptides (bacteriocins), which inhibit the growth of bacteria genetically closely related to the producer cell. Since many of these target bacteria include foodbome pathogens such as Bacillus spp., Clostridium spp., Listeria spp., and Staphylococcus spp., the practical importance of these peptides as food preservatives has been well documented and, in the case of nisin and pediocin PA-I, commercially explored. The increased demand from health conscious consumers for foods with no chemical preservatives is putting renewed pressure on the producer to supply a "clean and green" product, but with the same or even an extended shelf life. Various research groups are screening lactic acid bacteria for production of novel broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptides or are exploring the possibilities of altering known bacteriocins to inhibit Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts and molds. Pediocin PD-I, produced by Pediococcus damnosus NCFB 1832, belongs to the class Ila bacteriocins, i.e. heat-stable Listeria-active peptides, containing the YGNGV -consensus sequence in the N-terminal region. Little is known about the production and mode of activity of pediocin PD-I. In this study, production of pediocin PD-I was significantly increased by optimizing the growth medium, De Man Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) broth. Addition of bacteriological peptone (1.7%, w/v), manganous sulphate (0.014%, w/v) and Tween 80 (3%, v/v), and lowering of the pH during fermentation stimulated pediocin PD-I production and the level of organic acids produced. Maximum levels of bacteriocin activity were recorded at an initial pH of 6.7 in the latter medium. Under these conditions the specific bacteriocin activity increased by a factor of approximately six after 55 h of fermentation. The effect of pediocin PD-I, plantaricin 423, produced by Lactobacillus plantarum 423, and commercial grade nisin (Aplin and Barrett Ltd., Trowbrige, Wilts, England) was tested against planktonic cells of Oenococcus oeni and a biofilm of the cells established on stainless steel surfaces identical to those used in wineries. After 5 h of treatment with 3000 AU (arbitrary units )/ml of each bacteriocin, all planktonic cells of 0. oeni in a modified Chardonnay must medium were killed. All viable cells in the biofilm were killed after only 1 h in the presence of 3000 AU/ml of anyone of the bacteriocins. In addition, pediocin PD-I, plantaricin 423 and nisin removed the biofilms from the surfaces and reduced the biomass either completely, as in the case of pediocin PD-I, or by 58% and 50% as in the case of plantaricin 423 and nisin, respectively. These same results were recorded after 5 h of treatment with 3000 AU/ml in a modified Chardonnay must medium. To our knowledge this is the first report of controlling biofilm formation of malolactic bacteria on stainless steel surfaces with natural antimicrobial peptides. This implies that, apart from being very effective in controlling the cell numbers of free-living cells of 0. oeni, the three bacteriocins, especially pediocin PD-I, could also be used as natural sanitizers. The fact that the production and activity levels ofpediocin PD-I could be increased without genetically modifying the producer strain is an added advantage. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Melksuurbakterieë is teenwoordig in verskeie soorte voedsel- en drankprodukte en word as suurselkulture in die produksie van 'n verskeidenheid gefermenteerde produkte gebruik. Baie van hierdie bakterieë produseer ribosomaal-vervaardigde antimikrobiese peptiede (bakteriosiene) wat die groei van ander bakterieë, geneties naverwant aan die produserende organisme, inhibeer. Omdat baie van hierdie bakterieë voedselpatogene soos Bacillus spp., Clostridium spp., Listeria spp. en Staphylococcus spp. insluit, is die praktiese belang van hierdie peptiede reeds deeglik ondersoek en word, soos in die geval van nisien en pediosien PA-I, kommersieel gebruik. Die toenemende behoefte van die verbruiker na voedselprodukte met geen chemiese preserveermiddels plaas nuwe druk op die vervaardiger om veilige voedselprodukte te produseer, maar met dieselfde of selfs langer rakleeftyd. Verskeie navorsingsgroepe bestudeer melksuurbakterieë vir die produksie van unieke antimikrobiese peptiede met 'n wye spektrum van inhibisie en ondersoek ook die moontlikhede om hierdie bakteriosiene geneties te manipuleer ten einde Gram-negatiewe bakterieë, giste en swamme te inhibeer. Pediosien PD-l, geproduseer deur Pediococcus damnosus NCFB 1832, word as 'n klass na bakteriosien geklassifiseer. Hierdie groep sluit in die hitte-stabiele Listeria-aktiewe peptiede, met 'n YGNGV-konsensus volgorde in die N-terminale deel van die peptied. Min is egter bekend oor die meganisme van werking van hierdie bakteriosiene. In hierdie studie is die produksie van pediosien PD-l betekenisvol verhoog met die optimalisering van die vloeibare groeimedium De Man Rogosa en Sharpe (MRS). Die toevoeging van bakteriologiese peptone (1.7%, miv), mangaan sulfaat (0.014%, miv) en Tween 80 (3.0%, v/v) en 'n afname in die pH gedurende groei het pediosien PD-l-poduksie gestimuleer en sodoende ook die vlak van organiese sure wat geproduseer is. Maksimum vlakke van bakteriosien-aktiwiteit is in hierdie medium met 'n aanvangs-pH van 6.7 waargeneem. Onder hierdie omstandighede, en na 55 uur van fermentasie, het die spesifieke aktiwiteit van die bakteriosien met 'n faktor van ongeveer ses verhoog. Die effek van pediosien PD-l, plantarisien 423, geproduseer deur Lactobacillus plantarum 423, en 'n kommersiële graad nisien (Aplin and Barrett Ltd., Trowbride, Wilts, Engeland) is teen die planktoniese selle van Oenococcus oeni en 'n biofilm van hierdie selle, gevestig op 'n vlekvrye staaloppervlak identies aan wat in wynkelders gebruik word, getoets. Na 5 ure van behandeling met 3000 AB (arbitrêre eenhede)/ml van elke bakteriosien, is al die planktoniese selle van O. oeni in 'n gemodifiseerde Chardonnay mos-medium vernietig. Alle lewensvatbare selle in die biofilm is ook na slegs 1 uur in die teenwoordigheid van 3000 AE/ml van enige een van hierdie bakteriosiene vernietig. Verdermeer het pediosien PD-I, plantarisien 423 en nisien ook die biofilm op die vlekvrye staal-oppervlak verwyder. In die geval van pediosien PD-I is 'n totale afname van die biomassa-oppervlak waargeneem, terwyl plantarisien 423 en nisien 58% en 50% van die totale biomassa verwyder het. Hierdie resultate is na 5 ure van behandeling (3000 AE/ml) in 'n gemodifiseerde Chardonnay mos-medium waargeneem. Sover ons kennis strek is hierdie die eerste verslag rakende die gebruik van natuurlike antimikrobiese peptiede om biofilm-vorming deur appel-melksuurbakterieë op vlekvrye staal oppervlaktes te beheer. Dit impliseer dat bakteriosiene, spesifiek pediosien PD-I, benewens die beheer van planktoniese selle van appel-melksuurbakterieë, ook as natuurlike oppervlak-reinigers gebruik kan word. Die feit dat die produksie en aktiwiteitsvlakke van pediosien PD-I verhoog kon word sonder om die organisme geneties te modifiseer is 'n verdere voordeel.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The winemaking process involves a complex microbial flora where the interaction of yeasts, lactic acid bacteria and acetic acid bacteria play an important role in the quality and wholesomeness of the final product. Yeasts are primarily responsible for alcoholic fermentation. Malolactic fermentation follows alcoholic fermentation and is conducted by lactic acid bacteria. These bacteria are important in winemaking and can have a positive or negative effect on the wine quality. Biogenic amines are one of the compounds produced by lactic acid bacteria, which affect the hygienic quality and wholesomeness of the wine negatively and directly pose a health risk to the consumer. The demand of consumers for higher quality and healthier foods has led to renewed interest in studies on biogenic amines. Biogenic amines occur in a wide variety of food products, such as cheese, dried sausage, sauerkraut, fishery products, chocolates, wine and beer. This thesis focussed on the presence of biogenic amines in wine. The first objective of the study was to determine the ability of lactic acid bacteria isolated from South African wine to produce biogenic amines, using a decarboxylase screening plate method. The potential to produce the biogenic amines histamine, tyramine, putrescine and cadaverine was investigated. The results obtained showed that Lactobacillus species (Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus hilgardil) might be the lactic acid bacteria responsible for tyramine and putrescine production and that it can contribute significantly to the overall biogenic amine content in wines. The results also suggest that amine production is strain dependent and not species specific. None of the lactic acid bacteria tested had the ability to produce histamine or cadaverine. It is important to remember that the ability of the lactic acid bacteria to produce biogenic amines has only been investigated in synthetic media and that it does not necessarily imply similar behaviour in wine. Wine represents a complex environment with a wide number of factors influencing microbial growth and decarboxylase activity and, thus, further investigation is necessary to determine if these amine-producing bacteria behave similarly in wine conditions. In addition, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification method was used for the identification of the tyrosine decarboxylase (TOe) gene in some of the tyramine-producing lactic acid bacteria. This was followed by the sequencing of the amplified products, which are partial TOe gene sequences, of two L. brevis strains and of a L. hilgardii strain. Only one tdc gene sequence has been described for bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis), while a partial TOC gene sequence from L. brevis lOEB 9809 was described. An amino acid sequence alignment of the three TOe gene fragments, obtained in this study, with the known TOe gene fragment of L. brevis lOEB 9809 and the tdc gene of E. faecalis showed a high degree of relatedness and conserved regions. To meet consumer demands, procedures are necessary to prevent the formation of amines in food products. One way of preventing the formation of biogenic amines is to relate amine production with certain lactic acid bacteria species involved in the winemaking process. Another possible way would be to develop a rapid detection method for bacteria carrying amino acid decarboxylase genes. The results of this study provide knowledge about which lactic acid bacteria in the winemaking process could contribute to the production of biogenic amines and the sequencing of additional partial TOe genes could possibly assist in the development of a rapid detection method for tyramine-producing lactic acid bacteria in food products. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die wynmaakproses behels 'n komplekse mikrobiese flora waar die interaksie van giste, melksuurbakterieë en asynsuurbakterieë 'n belangrike rol speel in die kwaliteit en heilsaamheid van die finale produk. Giste is primêr verantwoordelik vir alkoholiese fermentasie. Appelmelksuurgisting volg op alkoholiese fermentasie en word deur melksuurbakterieë uitgevoer. Hierdie bakterieë is belangrik in die maak van wyn en kan 'n positiewe of negatiewe uitwerking op die kwaliteit van wyn hê. Biogeniese amiene is een van die komponente wat deur melksuurbakterieë geproduseer kan word en wat die higiëniese kwaliteit en heilsaamheid van die wyn benadeel. Dit hou ook 'n gesondheidsrisiko vir die verbruiker in. Die vereiste van verbruikers vir hoër kwaliteit en gesonder voedselprodukte het nuwe belangstelling in studies op biogeniese amiene ontlok. Biogeniese amiene kom in 'n wye verskeidenheid voedselprodukte voor, soos kaas, droëwors, suurkool, vis, sjokolade, wyn en bier. Hierdie tesis fokus op die teenwoordigheid van biogeniese amiene in wyn. Die eerste doelwit van die studie was om melksuurbakterieë, wat uit Suid- Afrikaanse wyn geïsoleer is, se vermoë te bepaal om biogeniese amiene op dekarboksilase-agarplate te produseer. Die potensiaal om die biogeniese amiene histamien, tiramien, putresien en kadawerien te produseer, is bestudeer. Die resultate wat verkry is, toon dat Lactobacillus-spesies (Lactobacillus brevis en Lactobacillus hilgardit) vir tiramien- en putresienproduksie verantwoordelik is en dat hulle 'n belangrike bydrae kan lewer tot die totale biogeniese amienkonsentrasie in wyn. Die resultate dui ook daarop dat die produksie van amiene afhanklik is van die ras, en nié 'n spesifieke spesie nie. Geen melksuurbakterieë wat getoets is, het die vermoë getoon om histamien of kadawerien te produseer nie. Dit is belangrik om in ag te neem dat die vermoë van die melksuurbakterieë om amiene te produseer slegs in sintetiese media bestudeer is en dat dit nie noodwendig dieselfde gedrag in wyn sal toon nie. Wyn is 'n komplekse omgewing met 'n wye verskeidenheid faktore wat die mikrobiese groei en dekarboksilase-aktiwiteit kan beïnvloed, daarom is verdere studie nodig om vas te stelof hierdie amien-produserende bakterieë dieselfde gedrag in wyn sal toon. Die polimerase-kettingreaksie (PKR) amplifikasie-metode is vir die identifikasie van die tirosiendekarboksilase-geen (TDK) in sommige van die tiramienproduserende melksuurbakterieë gebruik. Dit is gevolg deur die volgordebepaling van die geamplifiseerde produkte, wat gedeeltelike TDK-geenvolgordes is, van twee L. brevis- en van een L. hilgardii-ras. Slegs een tdk-geenvolgorde is al voorheen vir bakterieë beskryf, nl. Enterococcus faecalis, asook 'n gedeeltelike TDK-geenvolgorde vir L. brevis lOEB 9809. 'n Vergelyking van die aminosuurvolgordes van die drie TDK-geenfragmente wat in die studie verkry is, het 'n hoë graad van ooreenkoms en gekonserveerde areas met die bekende TDK-geenfragment van L. brevis lOEB 9809 en die tdk-geen van E. faecalis getoon. Om verbruikers se behoeftes te bevredig, is dit noodsaaklik dat die vorming van amiene in voedselprodukte voorkom word. Een manier van voorkoming is om amienproduksie aan sekere melksuurbakterieë wat in die wynmaakproses betrokke is, te koppel. 'n Ander manier sal wees om 'n vinnige metode te ontwikkel vir die opsporing van bakterieë wat aminosuurdekarboksilase-gene dra. Die resultate van die studie verskaf kennis van watter melksuurbakterieë in die wynmaakproses tot die produksie van biogeniese amiene kan bydra. Die volgordebepaling van addisionele gedeeltelike TDK-gene kan moontlik tot die ontwikkeling van 'n vinnige opsporingsmetode van tiramien-produserende melksuurbakterieë in voedselprodukte bydra.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Lactobacillus plantarum 285, isolated from sorghum beer, produces bacteriocin 285, which displays activity against several food spoilage organisms. For future application of bacteriocin 285 in the food industry, it was important to characterize the peptide and identify the genes encoding its production. The effect of bacteriocin 285 on sensitive cells was determined through the use of an indicator (sensitive) organism, Lactobacillus sakei DSM 20017. The indicator strain was genetically modified to express GFP (green fluorescent protein), with the aim of quantifying the antibacterial activity of bacteriocin 285 as a function of GFP fluorescence. Bacteriocin 285 proved to be identical to plantaricin 423 produced by L. plantarum 423. Plantaricin 423 is a class lIa bacteriocin and displays antimicrobial activity towards a broad spectrum of bacteria, including several food spoilage organisms. The sensitivity of L. sakei DSM 20017 towards antibacterial peptides produced by Lactobacillus curvatus DF38, L. plantarum 285, Lactobacillus casei LHS and Lactobacillus salivarius 241 is not limited to the growth stage of the organism. Cells remained sensitive to all four of these bacteriocins, from lag phase to late exponential growth. To inhibit growth of up to 90% of the cells of L. sakei DSM 20017, 1 AU/ml bacteriocin 285 (7 ng/ml) of partially purified bacteriocin 285 was required. However, to kill all viable cells of L. sakei DSM 20017, 16 AU/ml (110 ng/ml) of partially purified bacteriocin 285 was required. The gfpuv gene, encoding GFPuv, was cloned downstream of the Idh promoter and successfully expressed in L. sakei DSM 20017. However, GFPuv fluorescence could not be used as a direct method to quantify the antimicrobial activity of bacteriocin 285, since cells of strain DSM 20017 remained fluorescent for prolonged periods after treatment with lethal concentrations of the bacteriocin. The non-viability of the cells was confirmed with epifluorescence microscopy and a L1VE/DEAD® Baclight™ Bacterial Viability Probe. Cells that were stained with the viability probe indicated that the majority of untreated L. sakei DSM 20017 cells were viable. However, treatment of strain DSM 20017 with 16 AU/ml bacteriocin 285 rendered all visible cells non-viable. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Lactobacillus plantarum 285 wat uit sorgumbier geïsoleer is, produseer bakteriosien 285. Die bakteriosien toon aktiwiteit teen verskeie organismes wat voedselbederi veroorsaak. Vir toekomstige aanwending van bakteriosien 285 in die voedselindustrie was dit belangrik om die peptied te karakteriseer en die gene wat vir die produksie daarvan kodeer, te identifiseer. Die effek van bakteriosien 285 op sensitiewe selle is bepaal deur die gebruik van 'n indikator (sensitiewe)-organisme, Lactobacillus sakei DSM 20017. Die indikator-organisme is geneties verander om die GFP (groen fluoreserende proteïen) uit te druk. Die doel was om die antibakteriese aktiwiteit van bakteriosien 285 te kwantifiseer as 'n funksie van GFP fluorisensie. Bakteriosien 285 is identies aan plantarisien 423 wat deur L. plantarum 423 produseer word. Plantarisien 423 is 'n klas Iia bakteriosien en vertoon antimikrobiese aktiwiteit teenoor 'n wye verskeidenheid bakterieë, insluitende verskeie organismes wat voedsel bederf. Die sensitiwiteit van L. sakei DSM 20017 teenoor antibakteriese peptiede wat deur Lactobacillus cutveius DF38, L. plantarum 285, Lactobacillus casei LHS en Lactobacillus salivarius 241 geproduseer word, word nie beïnvloed deur die groeifase van die organisme nie. Selle het sensitief gebly teenoor al vier die bakteriosiene van sloer- tot laat eksponensiële groei. Om groei van tot 90% van L. sakei DSM 20017 selle te inhibeer, word 1 AU/ml (7 ng/ml) gedeeltelik gesuiwerde bakteriosien 285 benodig. Om alle lewensvatbare L. sakei DSM 20017 selle te dood, word 16 AU/ml (110 ng/ml) gedeeltelik gesuiwerde bakteriosien 285 benodig. Die gfpuv-geen, wat GFPuv kodeer is stroomaf van die Idh-promoter gekloneer en suksesvol in L. sakei DSM 20017 uitgedruk. GFPuv fluoresensie kon nie as direkte metode gebruik word om die antimikrobiese aktiwiteit van bakteriosien 285 te bepaal nie, aangesien die selle van L. sakei DSM 20017 fluoreserend gebly het lank na behandeling met dodelike konsentrasies van die bakteriosien. Die lewensvatbaarheid van die selle is bevestig deur epifluoresensiemikroskopie en 'n LlVE/DEAD® Bac/ight™ bakteriese lewensvatbaarheidspeiler. Selle van L. sakei DSM 20017 wat deur die peiler gekleur is, het gewys dat die meeste selle wat nie deur bakteriosien 285 behandel was nie, lewensvatbaar was. Behandeling van L. sakei DSM 20017 met 16 AU/ml bakteriosien 285 het al die sigbare selle gedood.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Barley malt is the predominant raw material for beer brewing world-wide. To meet consumer demand, a constant high quality malt product is required. Malt quality is determined by the degree of substrate hydrolysis during germination and mashing which serves as fermentable substrates for alcoholic fermentation during brewing. It is often difficult to sustain malt of high quality due to inconsistent malt batches and poor germination capacities of dormant barley. External additives such as chemicals and gibberellic acid have been used to overcome these difficulties but are unwanted in the beverage industry. Maltsters are consequently always in search of alternative solutions. Microbes produce diverse enzymes which can contribute to substrate hydrolysis during germination. The development of such starter cultures might provide a natural and economically feasible alternative to augment barley germination. Starter culture technology has been employed in the malting industry, although the main focus has been to improve the microbial stability of malt. The exploitation of cultures with hydrolytic capabilities to augment barley germination is consequently largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to develop a starter culture which can contribute to the enzymatic degradation of barley polymers. Geotrichum spp. and Lactobacillus plantarum were isolated from substrates rich in polymers present in barley and screened for enzymatic capabilities. Geotrichum spp. produced cellulase, xylanase, protease and β-glucanase activities, while L. plantarum harboured cell-bound and extracellular α-amylase activities. These cultures were added in different combinations during the malting of Erica and SSG 564 cultivars, but did not enhance germination significantly. Improved malt parameters did not correlate with microbial enzyme activities and the data were not repeatable. Preliminary plate assays could thus not be used to predict enzyme production in a malting environment. Cell-free supernatants with known enzyme activities of Aspergillus sp., Trichoderma reesei and Rhizopus sp. significantly enhanced malt quality. To our knowledge, the use of fungal supernatant to augment malt modification is a novel concept. Supernatant is more convenient than starter cultures and will aid to deliver more constant malt products than live cultures, as known enzyme levels are added. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Garsmout is wêreldwyd die oorheersende roumateriaal vir bier brou. Om die aanvraag van verbruikers te bevredig, word 'n konstante hoë gehalte mout produk vereis. Die kwailiteit van mout word bepaal deur die graad van substraathidrolise gedurende ontkieming, wat dien as fermenteerbare substraat vir alkoholiese fermentasie tydens verbrouing. Dit is dikwels moeilik om ʼn konstante, hoë gehalte, moutproduk te lewer as gevolg van variasie in mout en die swak ontkiemingsvermoë van dormante gars. Hierdie probleem kan oorbrug word met eksterne toevoegings soos chemikalieë en gibberelliensuur, maar dit is nie ʼn gewensde praktyk in die broubedryf nie. Vermouters is gevolglik gedurig op soek na alternatiewe oplossings. Mikroörganismes produseer diverse ensieme wat kan bydra tot substraathidrolise gedurende ontkieming. Die ontwikkeling van sodanige suurselkulture is moontlik 'n natuurlike en ekonomies praktiese alternatief om die ontkieming van gars te stimuleer. Suurselkulture is reeds in die moutindustrie gebruik, alhoewel die fokus hoofsaaklik was om die mikrobiese stabiliteit van mout te verbeter. Die konsep om kulture met hidrolitiese vermoëns te gebruik om garsontkieming aan te vul is gevolglik grootliks onverken. Die doel van hierdie studie was om 'n suurselkultuur te ontwikkel wat kan bydra tot 'n ensiematiese afbraak van die polimere in gars. Geotrichum spp. en Lactobacillus plantarum is uit substrate ryk aan polimere teenwoordig in gars geïsoleer en vir hul ensiem aktiwiteite getoets. Geotrichum spp. het sellulase, xylanase, protease en β-glukanase aktiwiteit getoon, terwyl L. plantarum sel-gebonde en ekstrasellulêre α-amilase aktiwiteit getoon het. Hierdie kulture is in verskillende kombinasies tydens die vermouting van Erica en SSG 564 kultivars bygevoeg, maar het nie tot ʼn verbetering in die ontkieming van die gars gelei nie. Geen korrelasie is gevind tussen verbeterde mout parameters en mikrobiese ensiemaktiwiteit nie. Die resultate was ook nie herhaalbaar nie. Voorlopige plaattoetse kan dus nie as 'n maatstaf gebruik word om ensiem produksie deur suurselkulture in vermounting te voorspel nie. Sel-vrye supernatante van Aspergillus sp., Trichoderma reesei en Rhizopus sp., met bekende ensiem aktiwiteit, het die gehalte van mout aansienlik verbeter. Sover ons kennis strek is die gebruik van supernatante van fungi om die ontkieming van gars te stimuleer ʼn nuwe konsep. Supernatant is meer gerieflik as suurselkulture en sal help om konstante mout produkte te lewer aangesien ensiemvlakke beter beheer kan word.