Assessment of exopolysaccharide production and characterisation of potential probiotic lactic acid bacteria

Exopolysaccharides from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are valued in the food industry for their functional roles in improving texture and stability, as well as their health benefits as prebiotics. The aim of the present study was to investigate the capability of EPS synthesis of human-derived potential probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Enterococcus faecium, and Enterococcus durans. Qualitative and quantitative EPS analyses and the presence of EPS genes were performed. Results indicated that all tested LAB were able to produce EPS. Results revealed that Llb. fermentum strains were the highest EPS producers, with concentrations ranging from 118.14-138.80 mg L-1. Llb. fermentum produced more amounts of EPS than Lpb. plantarum and Enterococcus species. According to the results, mean values of rhamnose, fructose, mannose, glucose, and galactose were 104.58, 18.26, 8.05, 21.05, and 15.81 mu g g-1, respectively. Lpb. plantarum AB16-65 and Llb. fermentum strains (AB5-18, AC18-87, BB19-90, and AK2-26) were the highest EPS producers. The results of this study demonstrated the high EPS production capabilities of human derived potential probiotic LAB species, particularly Llb. fermentum and Lpb. plantarum, and these strains may be utilised for developing functional foods due to their EPS production and biofilm-forming abilities.