Statistical Optimization of Medium Composition for Growth of Leuconostoc citreum

Leuconostoc citreum is one of the representative strains of Leuconostoc spp. that show fast growth rates in fermented vegetables. Sequential experimental designs including the Plackett-Burman design, fractional factorial design, steepest ascent analysis, central composite design and response surface methodology were introduced tooptimize and improve the medium for Leuconostoc citreum. Fifteen medium ingredients were examined and glucose (20 g/l), yeast extract (12.5 g/l), sodium acetate trihydrate (6.12 g/l), potassium phosphate (42.55 g/l) and dibasic ammonium citrate (4.12 g/l)were chosen as the best components to give a critical and positive effect for cell-growth. The biomass was increased to 2.79 g/l (169%), compared to the 1.65 g/l in MRS medium.