Influence of pH, temperature and culture media on the growth and bacteriocin production by vaginal Lactobacillus salivarius CRL 1328

Aims: To study the influence of pH, temperature and culture medium on the growth and bacteriocin production by vaginal Lactobacillus salivarius subsp. salivarius CRL 1328. Methods and Results: The study was performed using a complete factorial experimental design. Lactobacillus salivarius was cultivated in LAPTg and MRS broths, adjusted to specific initial pH, and at different temperatures of incubation. The growth, which was evaluated by the Gompertz model, was higher in MRS broth than in LAPTg broth. The initial pH of the culture medium and the temperature had a dramatic effect on the production of bacteriocin. The optimal conditions for bacteriocin production were different to those for optimal growth. The decrease in the pH of the culture medium was parallel to the growth; pH had similar final values in both the MRS and the LAPTg broths. Conclusions: The optimal growth conditions were recorded in MRS broth, with an initial pH of 6.5 and a temperature of 37degreesC. The maximum bacteriocin activity was obtained in LAPTg after 6 h at 37degreesC, and at an initial pH of 6.5 or 8.0. Significance and Impact of the Study: The application of a complete factorial design, and the evaluation of the growth parameters through the Gompertz model, enabled a rapid and simultaneous exploration of the influence of pH, temperature and growth medium on both growth and bacteriocin production by vaginal Lact. salivarius CRL 1328.