Conclusion
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.