Abstract

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PROBIOTIC BACTERIA FROM BOVINE MILK SOURCE

Yuvaraj K.*, Saravanan N. and Ramesh Babu N. G.

ABSTRACT

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are similar to beneficial microorganisms found in human gut. Beneficial activity of the probiotics mainly depends on their ability to withstand the normal acidic conditions of the gastric juices and the bactericidal activity of the bile salts, as well as the production of lactic acid that inhibits the growth of other microorganisms. The current study aimed at isolation of probiotic microorganisms from raw cow milk, and screening of these organisms focusing on their probiotic properties such as antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance was assessed by well diffusion method. Carbohydrate fermentation assays were performed to confirm the ability of the isolates to ferment a specific carbohydrate with the production of acid. Fermentation capability for different sugars like glucose, sucrose, sorbitol and mannitol was determined. Morphological appearance and microscopic examination of the colonies were done after staining with gram staining. Isolates were found to be gram positive rode shaped bacteria.

Keywords: Probiotics, Antibiotics resistance, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration, Carbohydrate fermentation.