Effects of fermentation substrates and conservation methods on the viability and antimicrobial activity of Weissella confusa and its metabolites

Lactic acid bacteria produce metabolites with antagonistic activity against other bacteria. However, growth conditions and conservation methods may reduce the viability and antimicrobial activity of lactic acid bacteria. This study evaluated the effects of fermentation substrate, lyophilization (freeze-drying) and refrigeration on the viability and antimicrobial activity of Weissella confusa strain and its metabolites against pathogens responsible for bovine mastitis. W. confusa strain was grown in MRS broth and milk supplemented with yeast extract and glucose (MYEG). The collected fractions were preserved by lyophilization or under refrigeration at 4ºC. Every seven days, the viability of W. confusa strain and the stability of its metabolites were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae by disc diffusion assays. In both fermentation substrates, the combination of lyophilized strain and metabolites ret