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Some strains of ''P. damnosus'' can cause a beer (or wine) to go "ropy". This "ropiness" is actually caused by β-glucan production, a type of exopolysaccharide (EPS). The gene known as Dps has been identified with the production of β-glucan/EPS. Pediococci that are ropy have been found to be more acid, alcohol, and SO2 tolerant than other Pediococci. The thickness of the ropiness is increased with the presence of malic acid. One study showed that the production of β-glucan coincided with the end of the growth phase of ''Pediococcus''. After 2 days of growth, β-glucan production increased as growth slowed. β-glucan production stopped when growth stopped. This would explain why beer containing ''Pedio'' often goes ropy in shortly after naturally carbonating in the bottle. This study found that other factors, such as alcohol levels. The study also found that the lack of agitation increased the β-glucan production. Higher initial pH encourages higher growth, so that also increased β-glucan production. Glocuse is needed for β-glucan production, while fructose is insufficient <ref name="ESP"></ref>.
===Antibacterial CompoundsOther Metabolites===''P. damnosus'' has been found to create antibacterial compoundscan produce high amounts of diacetyl during lactic acid production <ref>[http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1365-2672.2000.00956.x/pdf Identification of pediococci by ribotyping. R. Satokari, T. Mattila-Sandholm and M.L. Suihko. Journal of Applied Microbiology 2000, 88, 260–265.]</ref><ref>[http://mmbr.asm.org/content/77/2/157.full The Microbiology of Malting and Brewing. Nicholas A. Bokulicha, and Charles W. Bamforth. June 2013.]</ref>. ''P. damnosus'' also produces an antimicrobial compound called pediocin PD-1, which can inhibit several bacterias including ''O. oeni'' <ref>[http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1365-2672.2001.01486.x/full Growth optimization of Pediococcus damnosus NCFB 1832 and the influence of pH and nutrients on the production of pediocin PD-1. H.A. Nel1, R. Bauer, E.J. Vandamme and L.M.T. Dicks. Jan 2002.]</ref><ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15878403 Purification, partial amino acid sequence and mode of action of pediocin PD-1, a bacteriocin produced by Pediococcus damnosus NCFB 1832. Bauer R, Chikindas ML, Dicks LM. May 2005.]</ref>.
==See Also==