FIG 3.

Three different donor stains resulted in three different types of interactions. Growth curves of the six LAB strains used in the study incubated in compartmented chambers at 30°C for 24 h are shown. The proteolytic (donor) strains (bottom) were as follows: Enterococcus faecalis CIRM-BIA2412 (Efa2412), Lactococcus lactis NCDO2125 (Lla2125), and L. lactis CIRM-BIA244 (Lla244), The nonproteolytic (receiver) strains (top) were as follows: L. lactis NCDO2111 (Lla450), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CIRM-BIA465 (Lpl465), and L. plantarum CIRM-BIA1524 (Lpl1524), in mono- and cocultures. Each one of the proteolytic strains was associated with one nonproteolytic strain. Bacterial counts were made on MRS agar for L. plantarum strains and M17 for the rest of the strains.