Three Leuconostoc and one Lactobacillus strains were isolated
from kimchi. Among the four strains, Lb. plantarum C182 showed
significant degree of resistance against low pH and 0.3% bile salts.
All Leuconostoc strains showed very strong adhesion capacities to
HT-29 cells. The strains were sensitive to common antibiotics used
for the treatment of diseases for human or animals. All strains
possess high b-Gal and b-Glu activities. Considering these results,
Leu. mesenteroides F27 and Lb. plantarum C182 can be used not only
as kimchi starters but also as potential probiotics. They might be
used as a single organism or a member of multiple strains. In the
future, studies including animal tests are needed to evaluate their
probiotic potentials.
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by grant 201300290 to Solar Salt
Research Center of Mokpo National University from Ministry of
Oceans and Fisheries of Korea. K. W. Lee, J. M. Shim, and S. K. Park
were supported by BK21 plus program, MOE, Republic of Korea.