Isolation and identification of an exopolysaccharide producer Streptococcus thermophilus strain from Turkish yogurt; [Yoğurttan ekzopolisakkarit üreten Streptococcus thermophilus suşunun izolasyonu ve tanımlanması]

Production of exopolysaccharides (EPS) by starter Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) gained special interest due to technological role of these natural polymers. Yogurt samples were collected from different households in Turkey and bacterial strains were isolated and evaluated for EPS production. Strains potentially producing EPS were then identified to species level with 16S rRNA sequencing. An EPS producer Streptecoccus thermophilus strain was identified from yogurt samples. EPS was extracted from culture supernatants of S. thermophilus and partially purified and structural analysis of the crude EPS by FTIR spectroscopy revealed the presence of typical functional groups related to exopolysaccharides. This study explains the identification of a potential starter culture for yogurt production with EPS production.