Bacteriocins of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been extensively studied due to their possible applications
in food preservation. However, components of the food matrix may interfere or inhibit bacteriocin
production, and entrapment of the bio-protective strains may protect them of the adverse conditions in
the food environment. In this study, a bacteriocinogenic LAB (Lactobacillus curvatus MBSa2) isolated from
salami was entrapped in calcium alginate and tested for functionality in MRS broth and in salami
experimentally contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes AL602/08 (a meat isolate), during 30 days
simulating manufacture process conditions, including fermentation and maturation steps. The entrapment
process did not affect bacteriocin production by Lb. curvatus MBSa2 in MRS broth and in salami.
Both, free and entrapped Lb. curvatus MBSa2 caused reduction in a similar manner in the counts of
L. monocytogenes AL602/08 in salami during manufacture process.