Interaction between Lactobacillus hilgardii and Pediococcus pentosaceus and their metabolism of sugars and organic acids

In a mixed culture of Lactobacillus hilgardii and Pediococcus pentosaceus on commerical grape juice, growth of the latter was inhibited until 24 h; after 24 h no viable cells were detected. During the early stages of growth, sugars and malic acid were consumed and production of M- and L-lactic acids was greater in the mixed culture than in either of the pure cultures.The authors are with the Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos (CERELA). Chacabuco 145, 4000 Tucumán. Argentina. M.C. Manca De Nadra is also with the Facultad de Bioquimica, Quimica y Famacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Argentina.