Abstract: The fermentation conditions for the production of exopolysaccharides (EPS) by Lactobacillus plantarum YM-2, isolated from traditional fermented tempeh in Yunnan province, were optimized. Firstly, the carbon and nitrogen sources in the medium were screened. Secondly, the effects of carbon source concentration, nitrogen source concentration, culture time and culture temperature on EPS yield were studied through one-factor-at-a-time analysis. Finally, response surface methodology (RSM) based on a four-variable, three-level Box-Behnken design was used to determine the optimal culture conditions as follows: carbon source concentration, 30 g/L; nitrogen source concentration, 30 g/L; culture time, 30.05 h; and culture temperature, 36.36 ℃. Under these conditions, the yield of EPS was 257.362 mg/L.

Key words: Lactobacillus plantarum, exopolysaccharides (EPS), optimization, response surface methodology (RSM)