Screening and Genome Analysis of Potential Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum with Anti-Listeria monocytogenes Activity from Traditional Fermented Foods

This study aimed to isolate <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> strains with potent anti-<i>Listeria</i> 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 <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i>. Eight <i>L. plantarum</i> 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 <i>L. monocytogenes</i> counts in milk stored at 4 °C and 25 °C in a concentration-dependent manner. Our integrated phenotypic and genomic analyses confirm <i>L. plantarum</i> Z-5 as a promising multifunctional probiotic candidate and natural biopreservative for controlling <i>L. monocytogenes</i> in foods.