Structural Characterization of Exopolysaccharide Produced by Leuconostoccitreum B-2 Cultured in Molasses Medium and Its Application in Set Yogurt

Sugarcane molasses is an agricultural by-product containing sucrose. In this study, the exopolysaccharide (M-EPS) produced by Leuconostoc citreum B-2 in molasses-based medium was characterized, optimized, and its application set yogurt investigated. The structure analysis, including gel permeation chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, revealed that M-EPS a linear dextran composed of D-glucose units, which were linked α-(1→6) glycosidic bonds with 19.3% α-(1→3) branches. showed lower molecular weight than from added into yogurt, then water holding capacity, pH, microstructure evaluated. Compared controls, addition improved capacity reduced pH yogurt. Meanwhile, three-dimensional network also observed M-EPS, indicating had positive effect on stability results provide theoretical basis for cost-effective utilization sugarcane molasses.