Effects of freeze drying in complex lyoprotectants on the survival, and membrane fatty acid composition of Lactobacillus plantarum L1 and Lactobacillus fermentum L2

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of freeze-drying protective agents on the viability, survival and membrane fatty acid composition of Lactobacillus plantarum L1 and Lactobacillus fermentum L2. Cell survival rates of Lactobacillus plantarum L1 after freeze-drying without any additives was 6.57% (control group), 37.4% with a single protective agent, as compared to 97.4% when L. plantarum L1 was freeze-dried in a solution of four protectants (10% skim milk, 13% sucrose, 2% sorbitol, and 0.8% tyrosine (p < 0.05).) The L. fermentum L2 strain had the highest survival rate 92.3% when was freeze-dried in a solution containing 10% skim milk, 7% trehalose, 2% sorbitol and 0.6% tyrosine (p < 0.05). Freeze drying in the presence of all four protective agents maintained cell membrane integrity, as determined by reduced leakage of β-galactosidase and LDH, and increased ATPase activity. LAB Incubation and freeze drying in the complex protective solution increased the content of unsaturated fatty acids in the cell membrane such as oleic acid (C18:1) and C19cyc11 and it is speculated that this may correlate with the improved outcomes.