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Updated: Jul 20, 2026

The Cultivation, Growth, and Viability of Lactic Acid Bacteria: A Quality Control Perspective
Published on: June 16, 2022
Lactic acid bacteria production from whey.
María Elena Mondragón-Parada1, Minerva Nájera-Martínez, Cleotilde Juárez-Ramírez
1Departamento de Ingenieria Bioquimica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biologicas, del I.P.N. Carpio y Plan de Ayala, Centro Operativo Naranjo, Apdo. Postal C.O.N.-256, Jaime Torres Bodet No. 142, Col. Santa Maria la Rivera, CP 06401, Mexico, DF Mexico.
Researchers isolated Lactobacillus casei (MNM2) from milk, achieving high biomass production from whey. This optimized process significantly improved yields compared to flask cultures, demonstrating efficient lactic acid bacteria biomass generation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Food Science
Background:
- Whey, a dairy byproduct, presents a disposal challenge and an opportunity for resource recovery.
- Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are crucial for fermentation and can be a valuable biomass source.
- Efficient and cost-effective methods for LAB biomass production are needed, particularly using sustainable substrates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains for biomass production.
- To evaluate a whey-based medium supplemented with ammonium salt and minimal yeast extract for LAB cultivation.
- To optimize biomass yield using Lactobacillus casei MNM2 in a bioreactor.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of LAB from naturally soured milk.
- Enrichment and cultivation in a whey-based medium.
- Identification of the best-performing isolate (MNM2) using 16S rDNA sequencing.
- Kinetic study of cell growth and substrate consumption in a bioreactor.
Main Results:
- Five LAB strains were isolated; MNM2 showed high lactose utilization and biomass yield.
- MNM2 was identified as Lactobacillus casei.
- Bioreactor cultivation yielded significantly higher biomass (0.165 g/g lactose), lactose consumption (100%), and cell mass increase (2.0 g/L) compared to flask cultures.
Conclusions:
- Lactobacillus casei MNM2 effectively produces biomass from a whey-based medium.
- Optimized bioreactor conditions enhance LAB biomass yield and lactose utilization.
- This study demonstrates a sustainable approach for producing LAB biomass from dairy industry byproducts.
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