An advanced enzyme system allows propionic acid bacteria to utilize
a number of carbon sources (saccharides, organic acids). It creates the
possibility of the disposal of waste materials containing essential
nutrients. Moreover, it gives the opportunity for simultaneous
acquisition of valuable metabolites. According to Bergey, P. freudenreichii
T82 successfully utilizes, among others, glucose and fructose (positive reaction in 90 up to 100% strains), certain strains of this species also 214 have the ability to ferment saccharose (positive reaction in 10 up to 40% 215 strains) [11].