Utilization of amino acids and dipeptides by Lactobacillus plantarum from orange in nutritionally stressed conditions.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate amino acid and dipeptide utilization by Lactobacillus plantarum N4 isolated from orange peel, in a nutritionally depleted medium based on MRS (Mann, Rogosa, Sharpe).


RESULTS
In MRS with 0.1 g l(-1) of meat extract and without peptone and yeast extract, growth increased when essential and stimulatory amino acids and nonessential amino acid were added to the medium. Replacement of the essential amino acid, leucine, and the nonessential amino acid, glycine, by leucyl-leucine (Leu-Leu) and/or glycyl-glycine (Gly-Gly) significantly enhanced growth. Essential amino acids were mainly consumed and the dipeptides were almost completely used at the end of growth. Leucine and glycine accumulated internally from the peptides were higher than from the free amino acids. Glucose utilization increased in the media containing dipeptides compared with the medium containing free amino acids.


CONCLUSIONS
In a N-depleted medium, Leu-Leu and/or Gly-Gly were more effective than the respective amino acids in supporting growth of the micro-organism. The more efficient internal accumulation of glycine and especially leucine from dipeptides confirmed the ability of the strain to assimilate mainly complex nitrogen molecules rather than simple ones.


CONCLUSIONS
The ability of Lact. plantarum N4 to efficiently use dipeptides could contribute to spoilage development in the natural medium of the organism, orange juice.
Saguir
F M
FM
Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina.
Loto Campos
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IE
Manca de Nadra
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MC
D000596:Amino Acids / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D001628:Beverages; D002957:Citrus; D003470:Culture Media; D004151:Dipeptides / Q000378:metabolism*; D005285:Fermentation; D005516:Food Microbiology; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D048191:Lactiplantibacillus plantarum / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D008461:Meat Products
D000596:Amino Acids; D003470:Culture Media; D004151:Dipeptides; D005947:Glucose