Effect of physical factors on the production of bacteriocin from Pediococcus acidilactici ITV 26

The effect of pH, temperature and agitation on growth and bacteriocin production by Pediococcus acidilactici ITV 126 was investigated. Experiments were made in flasks containing MRS medium at 30 to 40°C, pH 5 to 7 and agitation 0 to 200 rpm. Factor levels were arranged in a 2³ factorial design with central and axial points. Anova and Tukey paired comparison tests showed that a temperature of 35°C favored bacteriocin production, whereas 40°C was best for cell growth. A statistical interaction of temperature and agitation was observed affecting microbial growth. pH 5 favored both cell growth and bacteriocin production. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (2001) 26, 191–195. Received 30 October 1999/ Accepted in revised form 31 January 2001