Aims To evaluate tomato epiphyte lactic acid bacteria (LAB) hydrophobicity and auto‐aggregation as an indicator of bacteria adhesion to tomato. Likewise, use LAB adhesion and co‐aggregation as mechanisms to antagonize pathogen attachment. Methods and Results Fifty‐four LAB were screened to evaluate their hydrophobic, auto‐ and co‐aggregative properties against Salmonella Typhimurium, Saintpaul, Montevideo and Escherichia coli O157:H7. Subsequently, tomato adhesion of Enterococcus faecium Col1‐1C, Weisella cibaria 11‐E‐2 and W. confusa Col 1‐13 with high, medium and low hydrophobicity and high co‐aggregation was investigated as well as their pathogen antagonism. Results indicate that bacteria hydrophobicity and auto‐aggregation correspond to LAB adhesion to tomato. Enterococcus faecium Col1‐1C interfered in most of the pathogen adhesion and micrographs revealed that such effect could be related to the inhibition of structures‐type biofilm on E. coli O157:H7 and the aggregate formation on Salmonella. Conclusions Lactic acid bacteria hydrophobicity and auto‐aggregation can estimate bacteria adhesion to tomato and adhesive and co‐aggregative properties could serve as a tool to antagonize foodborne pathogens under specific conditions. Significance and Impact of the Study This study evidence the interference of Ent. faecium Col1‐1C in E. coli O157:H7 biofilm formation and Salmonella colonization.

Preservation of probiotics by lyophilization is considered a method of choice for developing stable products. However, both direct consumption and reconstitution of dehydrated probiotic preparations before application “compromise” the survival and functional characteristics of the microorganisms under the stress of the upper gastro-intestinal tract. We evaluated the impact of different food additives on the viability, mucin adhesion, and zeta potential of a freeze-dried putative probiotic, Lactiplantibacillus (Lp.) plantarum HAC03. HAC03-compatible ingredients for the formulation of ten rehydration mixtures could be selected. Elevated efficacy was achieved by the B-active formulation, a mixture of non-protein nitrogen compounds, sugars, and salts. The survival of Lp. plantarum HAC03 increased by 36.36% compared rehydration with distilled water (4.92%) after passing simulated gastro-intestinal stress conditions. Cell viability determined by plate counting was confirmed by flow cytometry. B-active formulation also influenced Lp. plantarum HAC03 functionality by increasing its adherence to a Caco-2 cell-line and by changing the bacterial surface charge, measured as zeta potential.Hydrophobicity, mucin adhesion and immunomodulatory properties of Lp. plantarum HAC03 were not affected by the B-active formulation. The rehydration medium also effectively protected Lp. plantarum ATCC14917, Lp. plantarum 299v, Latilactobacillus sakei (Lt.) HAC11, Lacticaseibacillus (Lc.) paracasei 532, Enterococcus faecium 200, and Lc. rhamnosus BFE5263.