Effect of inulin on growth and antimicrobial activity of Lactobacillus spp.

Prebiotics function by acting as selective substrates for probiotic microorganisms, thus enhancing their growth and colonization in the intestine. Inulin, a fructooligosaccharide, is effective in reducing intestinal disturbances, when ingested along with probiotics. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of inulin in enhancing the growth and antimicrobial activity of a Lactobacillus spp. Growth and antimicrobial activity of five lactobacilli strains in inulin containing broth were compared with MRS broth. All lactobacilli cultures were able to utilize inulin, however growth and antimicrobial activity were differ from culture to culture. Lactobacilli acidophilus NCDC 14 showed maximum growth. Lactobacillus cultures antimicrobial activity against indicator organisms in presence of inulin. Lactobacillus casei NCDC 298 showed antimicrobial activity against all three indicator organisms. Inulin utilization, growth and antimicrobial activity were variable among the Lactobacillus cultures tested.