Abstract: Objective: The fermentation conditions for producing exopolysaccharides (EPS) by Lactobacillus plantarum 70810 were optimized. Methods: Plackett-Burman (PB) design was carried out to screen three major factors out of 14 ones that affect the production of EPS from Lactobacillus plantarum 70810. Further, the screened factors were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Results: The production of EPS was significantly affected by sucrose concentration, inoculation amount and fermentation temperature. The optimal fermentation conditions were identified as sucrose concentration of 34 g/L, inoculation amount of 5% and fermentation temperature of 31 ℃, resulting in an EPS yield of 425.16 mg/L. Conclusion: It is feasible to apply PB design and RSM to optimize the fermentation conditions for the production of exopolysaccharides by Lactobacillus plantarum 70810.

Key words: Lactobacillus plantarum, exopolysaccharides (EPS), Plackett-Burman design, response surface methodology (RSM)