Abstract
Previous studies have shown that complex cheese starter cultures are extremely stable in its composition. This compositional stability of these cultures results from a combination of factors like genetic repertoire, plasmid content and bacteriophage sensitivity and was achieved by the course of evolution during long term use in dairy industry [1]. The main focus of this study was on the role of bacteriophages in the maintenance of functional stability. Many single colony isolates of a complex starter culture were isolated and characterized regarding bacteriophage sensitivity and plasmid content. This information was used in designing defined blends of those single colony isolates. Blends consisting of different numbers of colony isolates were exposed (or not) to bacteriophage predation and sequentially propagated in milk (back-slopping) for many generations. The functionality and population dynamics of the blends were monitored at specified time points.
A systematic approach (from simple to more complex) in defined blends design allowed control over the applied level of diversity. Three different levels of diversity were gradually applied to defined blends: 1) isolates from two different genetic lineages: sensitive and resistant, 2) different levels of bacteriophage sensitivity: sensitive, moderately resistant and resistant among isolates from one of the two genetic lineages used, 3) many isolates (different levels of sensitivity) of all genetic lineages found in the complex starter. Comparative characterization of isolates from initial and end time point of sequential propagation of defined blends was performed to understand the mechanisms controlling compositional stability and maintaining culture complexity.
1 Multifactorial diversity sustains microbial community stability Oylum Erkus, Victor CL de Jager, Maciej Spus, Ingrid J van Alen-Boerrigter, Irma MH van Rijswijck, Lucie Hazelwood, Patrick WM Janssen, Sacha AFT van Hijum, Michiel Kleerebezem and Eddy J Smid; ISME Journal (2013), 1751-7362/13
| Original language | English |
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| Title of host publication | Abstract book 11th International Symposium on Lactic Acid Bacteria |
| Pages | C002 |
| Publication status | Published - 2014 |
| Event | 11th International Symposium on Lactic Acid Bacteria, Egmond aan Zee, The Netherlands - Duration: 31 Aug 2014 → 4 Sept 2014 |
Conference/symposium
| Conference/symposium | 11th International Symposium on Lactic Acid Bacteria, Egmond aan Zee, The Netherlands |
|---|---|
| Period | 31/08/14 → 4/09/14 |