Growth optimization of Pediococcus damnosus NCFB 1832 and the influence of pH and nutrients on the production of pediocin PD-1

Aims: Optimization of the growth of Pediococcus damnosus NCFB 1832 and the production of pediocin PD-1 by traditional fermentation methods. Methods and Results: Fermentation studies were conducted in De Man Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) broth (Oxoid), preadjusted to specific pH values, and in MRS broth supplemented with various nitrogen sources, MnSO4, MgSO4 and Tween 80. The production of pediocin PD-1 closely followed the growth curve of Ped. damnosus NCFB 1832. Maximum levels of bacteriocin activity (3249 AU ml(-1)/O.D.(max)) were recorded in MRS broth with an initial pH of 6.7. In media with an initial pH of 4.5 bacteriocin activity as low as 222 AU ml(-1)/O.D.(max) was recorded. The highest bacteriocin activity was recorded in growth conditions allowing the greatest pH variation (highest Delta pH). The addition of bacteriological peptone (1.7%, w/v), MnSO4 (0.014%, w/v) and Tween 80 (3%, v/v) to MRS and adjustment of the medium pH to 6.7 resulted in a further increase in activity (from,3249 to 5078 AU ml(-1)/O.D.(max)). The same medium, but with an initial pH of 6.2, resulted in an 82.5% decrease in bacteriocin activity. Conclusions: Pediocin PD-1 production is not only stimulated by the presence of specific growth factors (e.g. bacteriological peptone, MnSO4 or Tween 80), but may also be stimulated by the lowering in pH during growth (highest Delta pH), and thus also the amount of organic acids produced. Significance and Impact of the Study: The production of pediocin PD-1 by the wild-type producer strain was significantly improved by using a defined medium and traditional fermentation methods.