Lactobacillus casei cell immobilisation on mineral carriers for continuous lactic acid production

The first purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of incubation parameters for efficiency of bacterial adhesion on surface of three solid, mineral porous carriers. Second aim of the study was the use of the immobilized Lactobacillus casei cells, in the production of lactic acid and selection, best carriers for continuous production using column bioreactor. The results showed that bacterial adhesion was different depending on the incubation conditions. In all tested samples, the highest efficiency of bacterial adhesion achieved after incubation at 30 °C without shaking which was related to bacterial viability. The results showed that, the highest efficiency of lactic acid production by free cells has been obtained at 30 °C after 48h – 110% (w/w) (lactic acid yield from consumed glucose). This results have been confirmed by further tests which have shown that in stationary culture, the highest production of lactic acid was reached by immobilised bacteria cells on pumice and kermiste after 48 hours at 30 °C.