A simple method for the screening of lactic acid bacteria for the production of exopolysaccharides in liquid media

A rapid and convenient screening metnod for the production of exopolysaccharides (EPS) from lactic acid bacteria based on the measurement of ef_ux time in Microhaematocrit capillaries was developed. The traditional pick test was more sensitive in detecting evidence of polysaccharide production on solid media but did not re_ect the potential for EPS production in liquid media. Measurement of ef_ux time in Microhaematocrit capillaries provided quantitative results which were correlated with viscosity measurements and EPS concentration and were amenable to statistical analysis.