Isolation and characterization of dextran produced by Lactobacillus sakei L3 from Hubei sausage

Abstract

An exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing bacterial strain L3 was isolated from Hubei sausage and identified as Lactobacillus sakei via morphological, physiological, biochemical and 16S rDNA analysis. FT-IR spectroscopy and NMR revealed that L3 EPS was a dextran containing d-glucose residues with α-1,6 glycosidic linkage. Rheological studies showed that it had high viscosity at high concentration, low temperature, and acidic pH (pH 3.0). Scanning electron microscopy of the L3 dextran demonstrated a porous and branched morphology, and atomic force microscopy showed lumps of varying height on the rough surface of the L3 EPS polymer. The EPS was thermally stable up to 272°C and could coagulate sucrose-supplemented milk. Together, these results suggested that L3 EPS might have potential applications in food processing and other areas.