Butanol is cytotoxic to Lactococcus lactis while ethanol and hexanol are cytostatic

Anne-Mette Meisner Hviid, Peter Ruhdal Jensen, Mogens Kilstrup

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Abstract

Lactic acid bacteria currently used extensively by the dairy industry have a superior tolerance towards small chain alcohols, which makes them interesting targets for use in future bio-refineries. The mechanism underlying the alcohol tolerance of lactic acid bacteria has so far received little attention. In the present study the physiological alcohol stress response of Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris MG1363 towards the primary, even-chain alcohols; ethanol, butanol, and hexanol was characterized. The alcohol tolerance of L. lactis was found comparable to those reported for highly alcohol resistant lactic acid bacteria. Combined results from alcohol survival rate, live/dead staining, and a novel usage of the beta-galactosidase assay, revealed that while high concentrations of ethanol and hexanol were cytostatic to L. lactis, high concentrations of butanol were cytotoxic, causing irreparable damages to the cell membrane.
Original languageEnglish
JournalMicrobiology (United Kingdom)
Volume163
Pages (from-to)453-461
ISSN1350-0872
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

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