Researchers achieve a high-efficiency fermentation process for the probiotic bacterium Bacillus coagulans
A study published in AMB Express (2025) by Yonghong Li and colleagues from Zhengzhou University has developed an optimized fermentation strategy for Bacillus coagulans, a spore-forming probiotic known for its strong resistance to stress and potent antibacterial activity.
In response to the global rise of antibiotic resistance and restrictions on antibiotic use in livestock feed, researchers sought a safe, efficient alternative. Bacillus coagulans, with its ability to produce lactic acid and durable spores, has emerged as a promising probiotic candidate for animal health, food preservation, and medical applications.
Screening and optimization process
The team screened Bacillus coagulans strains capable of inhibiting major pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Aeromonas hydrophila. Using a multi-step optimization approach involving single-factor experiments, Plackett–Burman design, and response surface methodology, they refined both the fermentation medium and culture parameters.
The optimal medium contained 14.64 g/L molasses, 0.4848 g/L MgSO₄, 0.0833 g/L MnSO₄, 1.5 g/L K₂HPO₄, 0.5 g/L KCl, 8 g/L peptone, and 10 g/L corn syrup powder. The ideal conditions were 40 °C, pH 6.0, inoculation 4%, 30% volume loading, and 140 rpm agitation for 44 hours.
Scale-up and production results
When scaled to a 10 L fermenter, feed strategy optimization dramatically improved yields. The concentrations of live bacteria and spores reached 4.63 × 10⁹ and 4.03 × 10⁹ CFU/mL, respectively—representing up to 16-fold enhancement compared to unoptimized conditions.
Significance
This achievement not only increases the industrial feasibility of Bacillus coagulans production but also lowers the overall cost, offering a viable path toward replacing antibiotics in livestock and food processing. The work also provides a valuable framework for biotechnological process optimization using response surface methodology.
Reference
Li, Y., Wu, X., Li, M., Li, X., Wang, J., & Li, K. (2025). Fermentation process optimization of a bacteriostatic Bacillus coagulans based on response surface methodology. AMB Express, 15(1), 145. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13568-025-01912-7
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