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@article{205536,
        author = {Harshali Narayan Anap and Ohol Varsha Dadasaheb and Monika Laxman Nehul},
        title = {Identification and Isolation of Lactobacillus spp. from Curd and Its Application in Probiotic Chocolate},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {1},
        pages = {8310-8318},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=205536},
        abstract = {Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits to the host when consumed in adequate amounts. Among the various probiotic microorganisms, Lactobacillus species are widely recognized for their role in maintaining intestinal microbial balance, improving digestion, and enhancing immune function. The present study was undertaken to isolate and identify Lactobacillus spp. from curd and evaluate its application in the preparation of probiotic chocolate.
Fresh curd samples were collected and subjected to serial dilution followed by cultivation on de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) agar medium for the isolation of Lactobacillus spp. The obtained isolates were characterized using morphological and biochemical methods including Gram staining, motility determination, and catalase testing. The isolates exhibited Gram-positive rod-shaped morphology, non-motile behavior, and catalase-negative reaction, indicating characteristics consistent with Lactobacillus spp.
The identified bacterial culture was propagated, preserved, and incorporated into a chocolate formulation prepared using milk powder, chocolate compound, and chocolate essence. The prepared probiotic chocolate showed acceptable physical characteristics and demonstrated the feasibility of using chocolate as a carrier matrix for probiotic microorganisms. The study highlights the potential of curd as an economical source of beneficial Lactobacillus spp. and supports the development of probiotic chocolate as a functional food product with potential health-promoting properties.},
        keywords = {Lactobacillus spp., Probiotics, Curd, Probiotic Chocolate, Functional Food, Lactobacillus acidophilus},
        month = {June},
        }