Sporolactobacillus

Sporolactobacillus is a genus of Gram-positive bacteria that belongs to the family Lactobacillaceae. This genus is characterized by its ability to form endospores, a unique trait among lactic acid bacteria.

Characteristics

Sporolactobacillus species are rod-shaped, anaerobic, and spore-forming. They are also homofermentative, meaning they ferment sugars primarily to lactic acid. The genus was first described in 1967 by Nakayama and Yanoshi, who isolated Sporolactobacillus inulinus from soil.

Species

The genus Sporolactobacillus currently includes the following recognized species:

• Sporolactobacillus inulinus
• Sporolactobacillus terrae
• Sporolactobacillus vineae
• Sporolactobacillus laevolacticus

Applications

Sporolactobacillus species have potential applications in biotechnology and food production. For example, S. inulinus can ferment inulin, a polysaccharide found in many plants, into lactic acid. This could be used in the production of biodegradable plastics and other bioproducts.

See also

• List of bacterial genera named after mythological figures
• Lactic acid bacteria
• Endospore