Abstract

Twenty three Enterococcus durans isolates collected from Moroccan dairy products were identified by species-specific PCR and their technologically relevant biochemical properties were studied. According to biochemical activities, the majority of the strains displayed weak acidification and autolysis activities in milk. In contrast, they showed high extracellular proteolytic activity. All isolates produced exopolysaccharides and most of them could metabolize citrate and tolerate a high concentration of nisin. Absence of vancomycin resistance and haemolytic activity may suggest the use of these isolates as adjunct starters in food fermentations process.

Key words: Enterococcus durans, Moroccan dairy products, species-specific PCR, biochemical properties, adjunct starter cultures.