EFFECTS OF CULTIVATION CONDITIONS ON THE GROWTH RATE OF Lactobacillus acidophilus

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of carbon sources and concentrations, the mixing ratio of peptone to yeast extract, as well as aeration rate on the biomass production of Lactobacillus acidophilus. The results showed that glucose and fructose were suitable carbon sources, among which glucose at 2.5% yielded the highest biomass of 3.633 ± 0.076ᵃg/L after 24 hours. A meat extract to yeast extract ratio of 1:2 produced the highest biomass (3.517 ± 0.076ᵃg/L), and the optimal aeration rate was found to be 0.4 v/v/m, resulting in a biomass of 3.970 ± 0.141ᵃg/L. Appropriate aeration not only ensured sufficient dissolved oxygen but also helped reduce the accumulation of secondary metabolites that may inhibit microbial growth. These findings provide a scientific basis for designing efficient fermentation conditions applicable to large-scale probiotic production.