Dextran-like exopolysaccharide-producing Leuconostoc and Weissella from kimchi and its ingredients

Abstract

Dextran-like exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing lactic acid bacteria were isolated from kimchi and its ingredients. Analysis of 16S rRNA genes (500-600 bp) of 158 isolates revealed that dextran-like EPS-producing strains were most similar to either Leuconostoc or Weissella. The gene sequence analysis of the strains revealed a similarity to Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Weissella confusa in the samples. The molecular masses of dextranlike polymers from the most isolated Leuconostoc and Weissella strains were 1,176 and 1,158 kDa, respectively. Fourier transform infrared analysis of these polymers showed a similarity to the structure of commercial dextran from Leu. mesenteroides B-512F.