Optimal conditions for the production of exopolysaccharide by <i>Pediococcus acidilactici</i> and impact of the bacterium, its <scp>EPS</scp> and dextran on the quality of Kariesh cheese

Abstract

The effect of some growth conditions on the production of exopolysaccharide (EPS) by Pediococcus acidilactici was studied. Furthermore, the impact of utilisation of the isolated EPS, dextran and P. acidilactici on some properties of Kariesh cheese was investigated. The maximum EPS production by P. acidilactici was obtained after 10 h of incubation at 37°C in MRS medium with an initial pH of 7. Kariesh cheese manufactured with dextran or P. acidilactici exhibited the highest ( P ≤ 0.05) moisture content and the lowest hardness values. Protein, fat, ash, total bacterial and yeast and mould counts were not significantly affected by the applied treatments. However, the body and texture of Kariesh cheese were significantly improved.