The ability of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to inhibit Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium, the main contaminants
in bread, was evaluated. Only four strains (Lactobacillus plantarum CRL 778, Lactobacillus reuteri
CRL 1100, and Lactobacillus brevis CRL 772 and CRL 796) from 95 strains tested displayed antifungal activity.
The major antifungal compounds were acetic and phenyllactic acids. The fermentation quotient
(FQ = 2.0) and the leaven volume (80 cm3
) of doughs with LB and yeasts were higher than doughs without
LB. The inclusion of antifungal LAB strains in the starter culture allowed a reduction in the concentration
of calcium propionate by 50% while still attaining a shelf life similar to that of traditional bread containing
0.4% CP.