Exopolysaccharide (EPS)-Producing <i>Streptococcus thermophilus</i>: Functional and Probiotic Potential.

ABSTRACT: This study presents a characterization of exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing Streptococcus thermophilus strains isolated from goat milk, including information about structural and functional characteristics of EPS. The isolates exhibited efficient lactose fermentation, broad carbohydrate utilization, and desirable enzymatic activities for technological applications, particularly aminopeptidases and acid phosphatase, while lacking harmful enzymes and virulence traits. Among the four strains studied, GM4 emerged as a particularly promising probiotic due to its sensitivity to all tested antibiotics, high β-galactosidase activity (56.2 × 10³ Miller units), moderate antioxidant capacity (scavenging 22.7% of DPPH and 5.7% hydroxyl radicals), cholesterol-lowering ability (26.9%),

SUBMITTER: Juraskova D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12428723 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature