Leuconostoc
is a non-pathogenic, aero-tolerant anaerobic bacterial genus that lives on
vegetation.
Leuconostoc plays an
important role in industrial and food fermentations.
Leuconostoc is often used for physiological and genetic studies related to polymer production. Typically, a complex nutrient source comprised of beef and yeast extracts is used to support the growth of
Leuconostoc, however, the exact chemical composition of the nutrient source remains uncertain and therefore may result in less desirable growth patterns than a defined nutrient source. WIU undergraduate student, Megan McGlone has risen to the challenge for her undergraduate honors research project to determine if a defined nutrient source can serve as a suitable
alternative to a complex nutrient source for growth of
Leuconostoc.
To accomplish the research goal, Megan will cultivate
Leuconostoc
species for 12 hours in a defined nutrient source and a
complex nutrient source. Bacterial growth in each nutrient source will be
determined through two methods called viable plate count (quantitative) and spectrophotometry
(qualitative). Growth rates (
m
h-1) and bacterial colonies formed per milliliter of culture broth
(CFU/ml) will be calculated from the quantitative viable plate count.
Spectrophotometry will be used as a real-time growth assessment to monitor the
progress of each growth experiment. Data indicating
that there is no statistical difference in growth between each nutrient source
would support the use of defined as a suitable alternative to complex. In
addition, data indicating an increase in growth for the defined would also
support its use as an alternative to complex.
Megan's research advisor is
Dr. Scott Holt.
