Abstract
This study aimed to isolate Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains with potent anti-Listeria activity, desirable probiotic properties, and safety from traditional Chinese fermented foods. Initial screening of 102 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolates yielded 43 strains inhibitory to Listeria monocytogenes. Eight L. plantarum strains exhibiting strong inhibition zones (>15 mm) were selected for probiotic characterization and safety assessment. Among these, strain Z-5 demonstrated remarkable cell surface properties and a favorable safety profile. Further analysis revealed that strain Z-5 demonstrated significant tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a 3.38 Mb chromosome and identified a complete plantaricin biosynthesis gene cluster encoding Pln A, Pln E, and Pln F. The crude bacteriocin extract exhibited high stability and significantly reduced L. monocytogenes counts in milk stored at 4 °C and 25 °C in a concentration-dependent manner. Our integrated phenotypic and genomic analyses confirm L. plantarum Z-5 as a promising multifunctional probiotic candidate and natural biopreservative for controlling L. monocytogenes in foods.