Key beneficial properties
Propionic acid bacteria are a genus of microorganisms that produce propionic acid and vitamin B12. They are traditionally used in cheesemaking and the production of probiotic supplements
Propionic acid fermentation
The bacteria ferment lactate, producing propionic acid, acetic acid and carbon dioxide — a process used in the production of hard cheeses.
Vitamin B12 synthesis
Strains of the genus Propionibacterium are capable of synthesising cobalamin (vitamin B12), which is used as a criterion when selecting strains for enriched formulations.
Antagonistic activity against undesirable microflora
Bacterial metabolites, including propionic acid and bacteriocins, inhibit the growth of undesirable microorganisms in the fermentation environment.
Technological role in cheese formation
The release of carbon dioxide during fermentation creates the characteristic structure, found in Swiss-type hard cheeses.
Importance for the Body’s Daily Functioning
Probiotic microorganisms are natural representatives of the human microbiota and traditional food fermentation cultures used in dietary supplements.
Depending on the genus, they colonise different parts of the digestive tract or are used outside the body in the production of fermented foods.
They serve as core cultures for a wide range of fermented products, including fermented dairy products, cheeses and silage, as well as probiotic dietary supplements.
For industrial use, the key parameters include strain stability during cultivation, resistance to processing conditions such as temperature, pH and freeze-drying, and compliance with CFU requirements.
Strain-specific characteristics determine whether a culture is suitable for a particular production process.
01.Fermentation Activity
Produce organic acids that affect the pH of the fermentation environment
02.Strain-Specific Stability
Resistance to cultivation and storage conditions varies between strains
03.Compatibility in Formulations
Used individually or in combination with other probiotic cultures
04.Controlled Concentration and Properties
Viability is confirmed through laboratory testing at every stage of production; specific parameters depend on the genus and strain
Why manufacturers choose propionic acid bacteria from BTU Pharma?
We offer biomass produced through a complete manufacturing cycle with quality control at every stage — from strain cultivation to finished raw material for industrial use
Complete manufacturing cycle
Cultivation and stabilisation of biomass at our own production facilities.
Quality control
Laboratory control of culture purity and CFU count at every stage.
Scientific support
Selection of strains in cooperation with microbiologists according to the customer’s requirements.
Flexible supply formats
Live biomass, freeze-dried material, concentrate, lysates and cell-free supernatants — subject to agreement.
Strains we grow
Industrial applications of Propionibacterium spp. biomass
Food industry
Starter culture for the production of Swiss-type hard cheeses and other fermented products.
Agriculture
A component of biological products used for forage ensiling.
Pharmaceutical industry
Raw material for the production of dietary supplements, including formulations enriched with vitamin B12.
Veterinary industry
A component of feed additives intended to support digestion in animals.
Cosmetology
We supply Propionibacterium raw materials in the form of live biomass, lysates and cell-free supernatants for the production of skincare cosmetics.
Ecology and waste recycling
Used in fermentation processes for the treatment and processing of organic waste.
Planning to Purchase or Develop a Product Based on Propionic Acid Bacteria?
Propionibacterium is a genus of probiotic microorganisms traditionally used in cheesemaking and the production of dietary supplements due to its ability to synthesise vitamin B12. Strains of this genus are used as starter cultures for Swiss-type hard cheeses and as components of probiotic formulations.
BTU Pharma carries out full-cycle cultivation of propionic acid bacteria biomass — from strain cultivation to a ready-to-use raw material form. Production includes laboratory control of the concentration of viable cells (CFU).
Benefits of working with BTU Pharma:
- More than 25 years of experience in cultivating probiotic microorganisms
- Deposited strains with confirmed origin
- Flexible supply formats: concentrate, freeze-dried material, bulk and OEM
- Laboratory quality control at every stage of production
Contact our B2B department to discuss technical requirements and supply volumes.