Objective: The aim of this study is to examine effects of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) on the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus).
Methods: Different concentrations of PABA (10(-10)-10(-3) g/L) were separately transferred to the modified Carlsson medium. L. acidophilus (ATCC4356) grew in these Carlsson media. All cultures were incubated at 37 degrees C anaerobically in atmosphere of 80% of nitrogen, 10% of hydrogen, and 10% of carbon dioxide for 48 hours. Absorbance values (lambda = 540 nm) of bacterial suspensions were measured using a spectrometer (UV-1601). Colony forming units (CFU) were obtained by growing L. acidophilus in Carlsson media with different concentration of PABA (10(-10)-10(-3) g/L).
Results: Different concentrations of PABA (10(-10)-10(-4) g/L) had different stimulating effects on the growth of L. acidophilus (P < 0.05). But stimulating effects declined, when PABA concentration was 10(-5) g/L, and when the concentration of PABA reached 10(-3) g/L, the stimulating effect disappeared.
Conclusion: This study indicates PABA stimulates the growth of L. acidophilus, and PABA can promote growth of L. acidophilus.