Megaplasmid encoding novel sugar utilizing phenotypes, pediocin productionand immunity in Pediococcus acidilactici C20

A bacteriocinogenic strain of Pediococcus acidilactici C20 isolated from fo wl intestine was found to bear a single megaplasmid! Strain C20 exhibited a n ability to ferment a wide range of sugars including lactose, maltose and melibiose. Curing experiments employing novobiocin and high temperature ind icated that the genetic determinants for pediocin production, immunity func tion and utilization of several sugars resided on the megaplasmid Pediocin production with different sugars was tested and culture filtrate activity v aried from 2500 AU ml(-1) to 3500 AU ml(-1) at 1% of carbon source. Molecul ar and biochemical techniques were used to characterize the bacteriocin pro duced by strain C20. It was found to be a pediocin AcH/PA-1 I like bacterio cin with high antilisterial activity (C) 2000 Academic Press.