NOVEL STREPTOCOCCUS THERMOPHILUS STRAINS PRODUCING STABLE HIGH-MOLECULAR-MASS EXOPOLYSACCHARIDES

摘要

The invention relates to the field of exopolysaccharide producing lactic acid bacteria. The invention relates to methods and culture media for producing large amounts of expolysaccharides in safe and simple fermentation conditions. The invention more specific relates to the characterization of a Streptococcus thermophilus ST 111 strain producing a stable high-molecular-mass heteropolysaccharide, its use in functional starter cultures and its use in in food fermentation processes such as processes producing milk products, yoghurt and cheese for texture improvement and decreasing synersis during fermentation and in the fermented product.