Production of conjugated linoleic acid by Propionibacterium freudenreichii

Two strains each of Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. shermanii and P. freudenreichii ssp. freudenreichii were tested for their ability to produce conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in sodium lactate medium (SLM), De Man-Rogosa-Sharpe (MRS) medium and skim-milk. Data showed that both strains were able to produce CLA in three media supplemented with different concentrations of sunflower oil. Maximum production of CLA (78.8 μg/ml) was observed after 36 h of incubation in MRS containing 12 mg/ml of sunflower oil by P. freudenreichii ssp. shermanii. Moreover, the growths of both strains were inhibited by sunflower oil and a positive relationship between CLA production and ability to tolerate sunflower oil was observed. At the same time, it was also observed that the inhibitory effects on P. freudenreichii ssp. shermanii and P. freudenreichii ssp. freudenreichii in three media follow the order SLM > skim-milk > MRS and SLM > MRS > skim-milk, respectively. Micro aerobic conditions were in favour of increasing the amounts of CLA. The amounts of CLA increased from 0 to 36 h under micro aerobic conditions and no significant (p > 0.05) increases in total CLA levels were observed after 80 h of incubation. Results showed that P. freudenreichii may have potential for producing CLA.