Antagonistic activity of lactobacilli isolated from natural ecotopes

Lactobacilli are widely used in silage production, for fermentation of foodstuffs, and as probiotics. Their therapeutic effect in preparations is based on their antagonistic activity against pathogens. In this work, antagonistic activity of Lactobacillus strains isolated from silage and fermented plant-derived foodstuffs was studied in order to select the strains promising for industry, agriculture, and medicine. Twenty Lactobacillus strains were ranked according to the intensity and rate of acid production and antibiotic resistance. Lactobacillus sp. CD degrees 9L was selected as a promising starter culture strain for biotechnology based on the optimal combination of acid production, rate of acidification, and antibiotic resistance.