Biotechnological characterization of lactic acid bacteria isolated from "chicha", a traditional maize-based fermented beverage from Northwestern Argentina.

AZNAR, ROSA; ILLESCAS, V; ELIZAQUIVEL, PATRICIA; NÁCHER-VÁZQUEZ, MONSERRAT; COCCONCELLI, PIER S.; VIGNOLO, GRACIELA

Leipzig

Congreso; FEMS2013 -5th Congress of European Mierobiologists; 2013

Federation of European Microbiologycal Societies

Chicha is a traditionally homemade fermentad alcoholie OOverage derived from maize and produced in Northwestern Argentina. The lactie acid bacteria are the dominant bacterial populations during the process. To date they have scarcely been studiad and, therefore, constitute a natural reservoir for biotechnology relevant mieroorganisms. Objectlves To investigate the biotechnological potential of chicha LAB isolates OOlonging to the genera Leuconostoc, Lactobaci//us, Weisse/la and Enterococcus by sereening them for traits of interest the design of functional tood. Methods A total of 146 chicha isolates OOlonging to the above mentionad genera were assayed for their ability to grow in the presence of ethanol (6, 8, 10, 12 %), fitase production (Anastasio et al., 2010), folate production (laino et al., 2012), dextran production in the presence of suerose and antibiotics resistance (ISO 10932:2010). Conclusions Lactobacíllus strains are the most resístant to ethanol concentrations followad by Leuconosfoc but Enteroccocus are sensitive. Folate producers are mainly Weise/la, Leuconostoc and Lactobaci//us strains but none of the Enteroccocus does. Around 50 % of Leuconostoc, Enterococcus and Lactobacillus strains produce fitases but none of the Weissella does. AlI Leuconostoc and 10% Lactobacillus produce dextran. Altogether, 10% of Lactobaci//us and 20'* 01 Leuconostoc strains show positive results 10r all the biotechnological properties tested and thus, they are potential strains for functional food. References Anastasio, M., et al. 2010. Journal of tood science 75. 28-35. Anonymous, 2010. International Standard Organisation ISO 109321IDF223. laino, J.E. et al. 2012. Canadian Journal of Mierobiology 58, 581-588