Abstract:
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are bacteria that are safe for human consumption. Some types
of LAB are able to produce secondary metabolites including exopolysaccharides (EPS).
EPS-producing LAB has been isolated from various ingredients that contain high sugar
sources so that it can be found in sugarcane sap (Saccharum officinarum L.). This study
aimed to isolate and characterize EPS-producing LAB from sugarcane sap. The isolates
of LAB were obtained using the dilution method on MRSA medium (deMan Rogosa and
Sharpe Agar) containing CaCO3, then characterized macroscopic, microscopic,
biochemical and physiological properties. The results of the study obtained NT2 isolates
that have gram-positive, the form of cocci cells, cannot produce indole, are able to ferment
glucose and sucrose, negative catalase and non-motile.
