Effect of carbon source on cell surface properties and in vitro adhesion of probiotic and culture starters bacteria

The influence of carbon source on the cell surface properties (CSP) and the in vitro adhesion of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were investigated. Strains fermented glucose, fructose, sucrose and lactose but not mucin, dextran and guar gum. The cell surfaces were hydrophilic, acidic and electron donating based on the microbial adhesion to solvent (MATS) test. In vitro mucin adhesion and Congo red binding (CRB) formation were dependent on the strain, growth media, and carbon source. Glucose at 150.0 g L^-1 in the media enhanced the in vitro adhesion to mucin of yogurt starters but not in the "potential probiotic". Dextran at 5.0 g L^-1 increased the adhesion in Lactobacillus plantarum (LPCH) and Streptococcus thermophilus (ST4), but not in Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (LB1). Hence, the adequate type and concentration of carbon source in the media can modulate the in vitro adhesion to mucin in the LAB strains tested.