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Utilization of sugars by Lactobacillus acidophilus strains
D Srinivas1, B K Mital, S K Garg
1Food Science and Technology Department, College of Agriculture, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Nainital, India.
International Journal of Food Microbiology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Lactobacillus acidophilus utilizes glucose and fructose most effectively for growth and acid production. Glucose also supports the fastest bacterial generation time compared to other tested sugars.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Food Science
- Probiotics
Background:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus is a key probiotic bacterium.
- Understanding carbohydrate utilization is crucial for optimizing its growth and function.
- Different strains may exhibit varying metabolic capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utilization of various carbohydrates by Lactobacillus acidophilus strains.
- To determine the preferred carbon sources for growth, acid production, and sugar metabolism.
- To compare the generation times of Lactobacillus acidophilus on different carbohydrate media.
Main Methods:
- Culturing Lactobacillus acidophilus strains in Lactobacillus Selection Broth.
- Supplementing media with different carbohydrates: glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose, and galactose.
- Measuring viable counts, acid production, and sugar utilization.
- Determining bacterial generation times.
Main Results:
- Optimal growth, acid production, and sugar utilization were observed with glucose and fructose.
- Sucrose utilization was moderate, followed by lactose and galactose.
- Generation times were significantly shorter in glucose medium compared to sucrose or lactose.
Conclusions:
- Glucose and fructose are the most efficiently utilized carbohydrates by Lactobacillus acidophilus strains.
- Carbohydrate source significantly impacts Lactobacillus acidophilus growth rate and metabolic activity.
- These findings aid in formulating optimal growth media for Lactobacillus acidophilus in probiotic applications.