Culture Conditions and Growth Characteristics of Bifidobacterium longum

A simple and low-cost medium was developed for the growth of Bifidobacterium longum KFRI 977. Of three bifidobacterial strains, B. longum KFRI 977 (ATCC 15707) showed the best growth in MRSC broth containing 0.3% oxgall, grew well in partially anaerobic condition, exhibited highest $\beta$-galactosidase activity, and was inhibitory against Clostridium perfringens KFRI 434. Of three developed media, the population of B. longum KFRI 977 was highest (1.9$\times$$10^9$/ml) in ISP based medium. The composition of ISP based medium is ISP (5%), glucose (1%), L-cysteine HCI (0.05%), Trypticase peptone (0.5%), yeast extract (0.5%), $MgSO_4$ (0.05%), Tween-80 (0.1%), and phosphate buffer (pH 7.0). Hydrolysis of ISP by Protease A was unnecessary, and the use of phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) prevented the formation of protein precipitate. Associative culture of B. longum KFRI 977 with Lactobacillus acidophilus KFRI 233 was proven to be deleterous to the growth of B. longum KFRI 977.