The viscous spoilage of beer, caused by exopolysaccharide(EPS)-producing lactobacilli was investigated in this study. The viscosity-increasing effect was found to rely on formation of a capsular beta-glucan, which is mediated by a plasmid-encoded glycosyltransferase. This gene was sufficient to induce glucan synthesis in other lactic acid bacteria as well. Capsular glucan formation increased the cell’s resistance against stress factors and contributed to adhesive capabilities. PCR primers targeting the glycosyltransferase enabled the specific detection of brewery-associated EPS-producing LAB.
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The viscous spoilage of beer, caused by exopolysaccharide(EPS)-producing lactobacilli was investigated in this study. The viscosity-increasing effect was found to rely on formation of a capsular beta-glucan, which is mediated by a plasmid-encoded glycosyltransferase. This gene was sufficient to induce glucan synthesis in other lactic acid bacteria as well. Capsular glucan formation increased the cell’s resistance against stress factors and contributed to adhesive capabilities. PCR primers target...
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