Logistic-like Growth Model of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus in Palm Oil Santan

Abstract

Palm oil santan is a healthier coconut milk replacement made from Palm oil. It was developed by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) in order to cater and to increase healthy food demand in Malaysia. In this study, we examined the growth and behavior of three yogurt starter cultures; Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus when they were inoculated into palm oil santan. All three starter cultures grew to 8–9 log(cfu/ml) in palm oil santan and fitted with a logistic-like growth model. Interestingly, L. acidophilus shows diauxic growth behaviour; an uncommon growth pattern usually found in substrates rich with sugar carbohydrates whereas palm oil in santan is a lipid substrate.