Preliminary tests on nisin and pediocin production using waste protein sources. Factorial and kinetic studies.

Lactic acid bacteria, the object of current interest as bacteriocin producers, are microorganisms with complex requirements for peptidic sources, making them appropriate indicators for testing the suitability of formulations based on proteinaceous wastes for use as microbiological media. Different peptones obtained from visceral and fish muscle residues promoted growth of lactic acid bacteria when applied individually or in combination. Kinetic parameters and bacteriocin production were similar and, in some cases (pediocin), far superior (>500%) to those obtained with bactopeptones and commercial media specifically recommended for lactic acid bacteria growth. Visceral residues, especially when subjected to a brief process of autohydrolysis at 20 degrees C, were more efficient for bacterial growth than muscle, even when muscle was treated with pepsin.