Evaluation of morphological and functional characteristics of Carnobacterium maltaromaticum isolated from vacuum-packaged beef with long shelf life

Carnobacterium maltaromaticum is a lactic acid bacterium, and many lactic acid bacteria associated with meat are known for their bactericidal or bacteriostatic activity against other strains, species or genera of bacteria. The presence of certain lactic acid bacteria adapted to a low temperature in fresh meat could extend the shelf life and improve the microbial stability and safety of this product. The aim of this study was to perform a morphological and functional characterization of a C. maltaromaticum strain with a potential bioprotective effect isolated from vacuum packaged beef with very long shelf life. The morphological, biochemical and enzymatic profiles, the influence of different temperatures and atmospheres, and the microbial stability of fresh beef inoculated with the C. maltaromaticum strain were evaluated. The isolated C. maltaromaticum strain presented similar morphological, biochemical and enzymatic profiles as those of two reference strains (LMG 11393 and LMG 22902). Among the studied conditions, a temperature of +12 °C and an atmosphere poor in oxygen were optimal for the growth of C. maltaromaticum. Vacuum packing is therefore suitable for this bacterium. An antimicrobial effect against Enterobacteriaceae was highlighted on inoculated fresh meat stored under N2. The functional characterization of this isolate will be further pursued by a genotypic characterization. Special attention will be taken to study its bioprotective properties.Conservation longue durée de la viande fraîche de bovins Blanc Bleu Belge : contraintes, évaluation et recommendation