Effect of cryoprotective agents on survival and stability of Lactobacillus acidophilus cultured in food‐grade medium

The effect of cryoprotectants on survival and stability of freeze‐dried Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC‐4962 cultivated in food‐grade medium was evaluated. The food‐grade medium employed was more economical than the commercial de Man Rogosa and Sharpe medium and gave a higher yield of L. acidophilus ATCC‐4962. Cryoprotective agents improved significantly the cell viability. Skim milk, skim milk with malt extract and monosodium glutamate provided significantly higher viable counts, at optimum concentration of 0.3%. At higher concentration, there was a reduction in cell viability, attributed to cell shrinkage associated with osmotic pressure changes inside the cells. Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC‐4962 was stable at 28°C until 8 weeks.