Effect of incubation conditions and possible intestinal nutrients on cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid production by Lactobacillus acidophilus F0221

The purpose of this study was to optimise the incubation conditions for cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (c9, t11 CLA) production by Lactobacillus acidophilus F0221 and evaluate the effect of possible intestinal nutrients on c9, t11 CLA production. Growth in Mann Rogosa Sharp broth supplemented with cysteine and containing 0.5 g L−1 linoleic acid at pH 6.5 with anaerobic incubation at 37 °C for 40 h were found to be the optimal conditions for CLA production. Galactosaccharide, arabinogalactan, galactose and glucose had a higher promoting effect on CLA production (96.19–123.89 μg mL−1) than other carbohydrates. Acetic acid had a higher promoting effect on CLA production (130.98 μg mL−1) than other short chain fatty acids. These results provide detailed parameters for the production of c9, t11 CLA by L. acidophilus F0221 and are valuable for further understanding of c9, t11 CLA formation in the human intestine by this strain.