There was a significant effect of NaCl concentration on lactic acid
utilization by L. buchneri (P < 0.05). Although lactic acid was
degraded by L. buchneri in FC with a wide range in salt concentrations
(0, 2, 4, and 6% NaCl), the rate of lactic acid utilization was
slowest in 6% NaCl (Fig. 2). More lactic acid was used in 0 and 4%
NaCl FC, and the highest rate and greatest extent of lactic acid
utilization occurred in 2% NaCl FC. It was interesting that L. buchneri
had greater metabolism of lactate in 2% NaCl than in salt-free FC
media, suggesting the possibility that sodium dependent transporters
may be involved. Lactic acid bacteria isolated from meat
curing brines had a specific NaCl requirement of up to 2% for
optimal growth (Goldman et al., 1963), which may be related to
transport processes and energy transduction