The effect of lactose derivatives on intestinal lactic acid bacteria

Nine strains of lactic acid bacteria were studied for growth and fermentation end products on lactulose, lactitol, and lactobionic acid. In addition, human fecal and biopsy isolates were screened for new potential by probiotic strains utilizing lactose derivatives, and one new isolate of Lactobacillus rhamnosus was enriched. The utilization of lactose derivatives and the effect on the fermentation end products were dependent on strain. Typical mixed-acid fermentations were observed with Lb. rhamnosus and Lactococcus lactis. Microbiota enriched from fecal and biopsy samples using modified MRS medium consisted mainly of enterococci and streptococci. The adhesion of tested strains to Caco-2 cells was not dependent on carbon source. The new Lb. rhamnosus strain VTT E-97800 has potential for further probiotic studies.