Comparison of exopolysaccharide production by strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus paracasei grown in chemically defined medium and milk

Exopolysaccharide (EPS) production was compared among three strains of lact obacilli. Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain 9595M can be Classified among the highest EPS-producing strains of lactic acid bacteria reported to date with a maximum EPS production of 1275 mg L-1. Under controlled pH, no significa nt differences in the quantity of EPS produced could be detected between ca rbon source (glucose or lactose) or fermentation temperature (32 or 37 degr ees C). In milk, strains ATCC 9595M and R produced more than 280 mg L-1 EPS whereas strain Type V produced less than 80 mg L-1 EPS.