ESTEROLYTIC ACTIVITIES OF ENTEROCOCCUS-DURANS AND ENTEROCOCCUS-FAECIUM STRAINS ISOLATED FROM GREEK CHEESE

The esterolytic activities were studied of six Enterococcus durans and six Enterococcus faecium strains, isolated from traditional Greek che ese. Spectrometric detection was based on the hydrolysis of the 4-nitr ophenyl esters of acetate (C2), butyrate (C4), caproate (C6), caprylat e (C8), caprate (C10), laurate (C12), myristate (C14), palmitate (C16) and stearate (C18). Post-electrophoretic detection was based on two e lectrophoretic systems, one disc-continuous system at pH 8.3 and one c ontinuous system at pH 7.2. In both systems, activities were detected on the gel with the amides of alpha-naphthylamine and the listed fatty acids as substrates, and Fast Red TR as colour agent. The results of the three methods indicated that the esterolytic systems of the two co ccus species were different.