Abstract
In the present study, a Lactobacillus plantarum FPL strain exhibiting fructophilic behavior has been isolated for the first time from honeydew. It is a probably syntrophic bacterium inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract of Coccus hesperidum L. and taking part in sugar metabolism. The promising growth characteristics and biochemical properties of Lb. plantarum FPL indicate that this may be a facultatively fructophilic species, whose properties are not associated with the loss of the alcohol/acetaldehyde dehydrogenase gene. The article attempts to classify the peculiar behavior of this strain by means of tests that are characteristic for FLAB as well as through a classic identification approach. In this study, we used a reference strain Lb. plantarum NRRL B-4496, which showed no fructophilic properties. With the FLAB group, the new strain shares the habit, such as a fructose-rich environment, the preference of this sugar for growth, and similar growth curves. However, it exceeds FLAB in terms of osmotolerance to high sugar content. The fructophilic Lb. plantarum FPL strain can proliferate and grow on a medium wherein the sugar concentration is 45 and 50% (w/v). Our findings indicate that honeydew can be a promising source of new fructophilic lactic acid bacteria.
Highlights
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are an example of organisms that evolve depending on the environment in which they live (Douglas et al 2015)
The reference strain Lb. plantarum NRRL B-4496 showed no differences in utilization of carbohydrates, except inulin, raffinose, and mannitol, which were used only by the fructophilic Lb. plantarum FPL
The main goal of this work was to isolate fructophilic lactic acid bacteria in honeydew from Poland to understand the variability of species in honeydew originating from an area with a temperate climate
Summary
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are an example of organisms that evolve depending on the environment in which they live (Douglas et al 2015). Fructophilic lactic acid bacteria (FLAB) described recently by Endo and coworkers were found to possess the ability to invade niches rich in high concentrations of sugar, especially fructose (Endo and Okada 2008). They can be found in such environments as flowers, nectar, fruits, and in regional foods like tempoyak (made mainly from fermented durian) or taberna (alcoholic beverage) (Endo et al 2009). To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there have been no reports on Fructobacillus from Eastern Europe (Antunes et al 2002; Endo et al 2010, 2012; Endo 2012)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
