Resumo

Fermented milks are ideal carriers of probiotic microorganisms due to their consumption and production history. The application of bifidobacteria in probiotic dairy products is usually associated with other fermenting bacteria, with the purpose of ensuring the technological and sensory qualities of the product. The mixed microbiota of fermented milks must be screened differentially with the usage of selective media to ensure the viability and concentration of the cells. Rapid alternative methodologies for the enumeration of microorganisms, like Petrifilm™, are advantageous to the food industry, but they need previous standardization. The aim of this study was to adapt selective media for bifidobacteria with Petrifilm™ AC platting. Bifidobacteria, lactobacilli and streptococci strains were screened for carbohydrate fermentation profile, reduction and inhibition by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) and growth in selective media for bifidobacteria. Additionally, Raffinose-Propionate-MUP (RP-MUP) with conventional platting and using Petrifilm™ AC with different incubation times was compared to ISO29981 methodology with TOS-MUP medium in fermented milks produced. Raffinose was the carbohydrate that presented the higher fermentation specificity by bifidobacteria, being considered for the development of alternative selective medium RP-MUP. All bifi