Conclusions
The results indicated that phenolics which could increase food antioxidant properties were produced by different lactic acid bac- teria strains during S ̧ algam fermentation process. The P. pentosaceus GK5 strain and Lb. plantarum GK1, Lb. plantarum GK3, Lb. plantarum GK12 and Lb. plantarum GK13 strains which were isolated from s ̧algam juice samples and determined as phenolic acid decarboxylase producer could be reported as potential starter cultures. The novel isolates may contribute to sensory and nutri- tional characteristics of foods. Further studies on genotypically identification of 6 strains producing PAD enzymes with 16S rRNA as well as determination of the highest level of phenolics produced by those strains is warranted. Finally based on this study, ethanol can be used as a component of the mobile phase instead of acetonitrile in the HPLC method for the determination of phenolics.