LACTIC-ACID BACTERIA - HYDROPHOBICITY AND STRENGTH OF ATTACHMENT TO MEAT SURFACES

The hydrophobicity and strength of attachment of several lactic acid b acteria with antimicrobial activity were studied. Hydrophobicity was d etermined by bacterial adherence to hydrocarbons (BATH; octane or xyle ne), adhesion to nitrocellulose filters (NCF), salt aggregation test ( SAT) and adherence to phenyl-Sepharose beads (PSB). The relative hydro phobicity of lactic acid bacteria depended markedly on the method used . No correlation between either SAT or BATH (octane) and strength of a ttachment (Sr value) existed. However, a significant relationship betw een strength of attachment and BATH (xylene), NCF and PSB, respectivel y, was observed, showing the highest correlation coefficient (r = 0.77 8) for BATH (xylene).