Effect of LYCH (Lycium chinense P. Mill.) leaf hydrolysates on the growth of Pediococcus acidilactici IMT101

Growth stimulating effects of LYCH leaf hydrolysates on P. acidilactici IMT101 cells were observed when MRS broth was supplemented with 20% (v/v) H1+H2, the mixture of hydrolysates prepared by a tea-making process. Cells grown on MRS containing H1+H2 showed a shortened lag phase while yielding a cell concentration (X sub s) significantly higher than other conditions. The maximal specific growth rate (µ sub max) was also the highest among all. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) at 80°C for 2 hrs (M80 sub 2h) released more amino acids but less sugar (fructose, glucose, and sucrose) than in H1+H2. No correlations between amino acids and cell growth were found. In the absence of FOS, the high glucose concentration in the H1+H2 hydrolysates was found responsible for the stimulatory effects on P. acidilactici growth. These effects of LYCH leaf hydrolysates indicate the potential of developing new applications in promoting the growth of other probiotic cells using a simple process