Exopolysaccharide (EPS)-Producing Streptococcus thermophilus: Functional and Probiotic Potential

This study presents a characterization of exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing Streptococ- cus thermophilus strains isolated from goat milk, including information about structural and functional characteristics of EPS. The isolates exhibited efficient lactose fermenta- tion, broad carbohydrate utilization, and desirable enzymatic activities for technological applications, particularly aminopeptidases and acid phosphatase, while lacking harmful en- zymes and virulence traits. Among the four...