• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.33 no.11
• /
• pp.1475-1483
• /
• 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the cholesterol-lowering and antioxidant activities of soymilk fermented with probiotic Lactobacillaceae strains and to investigate the production of related bioactive compounds. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KML06 (KML06) was selected for the fermentation of soymilk because it has the highest antioxidant, cholesterol-lowering, and β-glucosidase activities among the 10 Lactobacillaceae strains isolated from kimchi. The genomic information of strain KML06 was analyzed. Moreover, soymilk fermented with KML06 was evaluated for growth kinetics, metabolism, and functional characteristics during the fermentation period. The number of viable cells, which was similar to the results of radical scavenging activities and cholesterol assimilation, as well as the amount of soy isoflavone aglycones, daidzein, and genistein, was the highest at 12 h of fermentation. These results indicate that soymilk fermented with KML06 can prevent oxidative stress and cholesterol-related problems through the production of soy isoflavone aglycones.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.57 no.3
• /
• pp.209-215
• /
• 2024

Ishige foliacea belongs to class Phaeophyceae and family Ishigeaceae. This study investigated the physiological activities of the Korean marine algae I. foliacea. Its solvent extracts were prepared with 70% ethanol, 80% methanol, and distilled water. The ethanol and methanol extracts had higher α-glucosidase (half-maximal inhibitory concentration, IC₅₀: 0.67-0.73 mg/mL), xanthine oxidase (IC₅₀: 0.25-0.28 mg/mL), and angiotensin-converting enzyme (IC₅₀: 25.29-38.28 ㎍/mL) inhibitory activities than those of the water extract. The ethanol and methanol extracts possessed high acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀: 0.78c0.97 mg/mL). Conversely, the water extract exhibited the highest β-secretase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀: 0.48 mg/mL). These results indicate that I. foliacea may be useful as a functional substance in food and pharmaceuticals with anti-diabetic, anti-gout, anti-hypertension, and anti-dementia properties.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.49 no.3
• /
• pp.391-402
• /
• 2021

Earthworms play an important role in soil fertilization, interacting continually with microorganisms. This study aims to demonstrate the existence of beneficial microorganisms living in the earthworm's immune system, the coelomic fluid. To achieve this goal, a molecular identification technique was performed, using cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) barcoding to identify abundant endogenic earthworms inhabiting the temperate zone of Rabat, Morocco. Then, 16S rDNA and ITS sequencing techniques were adopted for bacteria and fungi, respectively. Biochemical analysis, showed the ability of bacteria to produce characteristic enzymes and utilize substrates. Qualitative screening of plant growth-promoting traits, including nitrogen fixation, phosphate and potassium solubilization, and indole acetic acid (IAA) production, was also performed. The result of mitochondrial COI barcoding allowed the identification of the earthworm species Aporrectodea molleri. Phenotypic and genotypic studies of the sixteen isolated bacteria and the two isolated fungi showed that they belong to the Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Bacillus, Buttiauxella, Enterobacter, Pantoea, and Raoultella, and the Penicillium genera, respectively. Most of the isolated bacteria in the coelomic fluid showed the ability to produce β-glucosidase, β-glucosaminidase, Glutamyl-β-naphthylamidase, and aminopeptidase enzymes, utilizing substrates like aliphatic thiol, sorbitol, and fatty acid ester. Furthermore, three bacteria were able to fix nitrogen, solubilize phosphate and potassium, and produce IAA. This initial study demonstrated that despite the immune property of earthworms' coelomic fluid, it harbors beneficial microorganisms. Thus, the presence of resistant microorganisms in the earthworm's immune system highlights a possible selection process at the coelomic fluid level.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.51 no.1
• /
• pp.83-92
• /
• 2023

In this study, bioconversion of rutin to quercetin was confirmed by the fermentation of Korean indigenous probiotics and tartary buckwheat. Based on whole genome sequencing of 17 probiotics species, α-rhamnosidase, related to bioconversion of isoquercetin (quercetin 3-β-D glucoside) from rutin, is identified in the genome of CBT BG7, LC5, LR5, LP3, LA1, and LGA1. β-Glucosidase, related to bioconversion of isoquercetin to quercetin, is identified in the genome of all 17 species. Among the 17 probiotics species, 6 probiotics including CBT BG7, LR5, LP3, LA1, LGA1 and ST3 performed the bioconversion of rutin to quercetin up to 21.5 ± 0.3% at 7 days after fermentation. The fermentation of each probiotics together with enzyme complex Cellulase KN^® was conducted to reduce the time of bioconversion. As a result, CBT LA1 which showed the highest yield of bioconversion of 21.5 ± 0.3% when the enzyme complex was not added showed high bioconversion yield of 84.6 ± 0.5% with adding the enzyme complex at 1 day after fermentation. In particular, CBT ST3 (96.2 ± 0.4%), SL6 (90.1 ± 1.4%) and LP3 (90.0 ± 0.4%) showed high yield of bioconversion more than 90%. In addition, such probiotics including high levels in quercetin indicated the inhibitory effects of NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. In this study, we confirmed that the fermentation of Korean indigenous probiotics and enzyme complex together with roasted tartary buckwheat increased the content of quercetin and reduced the time of bioconversion of rutin to quercetin which is a bioactive compound related to anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetes.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.26 no.7
• /
• pp.796-804
• /
• 2016

In the present study, we screened suitable yeasts for wine fermentation and evaluated the fermentative characteristics of Saccharomyces sp. BCNU 6006 and its anti-oxidant activities. Firstly, various yeasts were isolated from Makgeolli, fruits, and fermented foods. Then, the preliminary selections of suitable yeasts were made using an enzymatic activity assay of glucosidase, glycosidase, protease and tolerance to ethanol and SO₂. In addition, the production of biogenic amines and hydrogen sulfide was also monitored. The 9 yeast strains initially selected were determined to belong to the genera Saccharomyces and Kazachtania phylogenetically. We investigated the optimal conditions for wine fermented with black garlic juice (BGJ). The optimal conditions of alcohol fermentation using BGJ were 26 brix, 28℃, and 10 days. Finally, the fermentation products of black garlic wine (BGW) fermented with Saccharomyces sp. BCNU 6006 exhibited 15.03% ethanol, 12 brix of sugar, and pH 4.01. The contents of total polyphenol, total flavonoid, tannin, and 5-HMF compound of BGW were 3.85 mg/ml, 0.51mg/ml, 5.90 mg/ml, and 0.07 mg/ml respectively, lower than that of BGJ. DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging activity, and reducing power of BGW were 90.77%, 95.20% and 1.261 respectively, lower than that of BGJ. Superoxide anion (O²-) radical scavenging activity was 94.42%, higher than that of BGJ. Based on the above results, the industrial potential of Saccharomyces sp. BCNU 6006 as a wine-making yeast was confirmed in the present study.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.45 no.6
• /
• pp.631-641
• /
• 2021

Background: Main bioactive constituents and pharmacological functions of ripened red ginseng berry (Panax ginseng Meyer) have been frequently reported. Yet, the research gap targeting the beneficial activities of transformed green ginseng berries has not reported elsewhere. Methods: Ginsenosides of new green berry cultivar K-1 (GK-1) were identified by HPLC-QTOF/MS. Ginsenosides bioconversion in GK-1 by bgp1 enzyme was confirmed with HPLC and TLC. Then, mechanisms of GK-1 and β-glucosidase (bgp1) biotransformed GK-1 (BGK-1) were determined by Quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction and Western blot. Results: GK-1 possesses highest ginsenosides especially ginsenoside-Re amongst seven ginseng cultivars including (Chunpoong, Huangsuk, Kumpoong, K-1, Honkaejong, Gopoong, and Yunpoong). Ginseng root's biomass is not affected with the harvest of GK-1 at 3 weeks after flowering period. Then, Re is bioconverted into a promising pharmaceutical effect of Rg2 via bgp1. According to the results of cell assays, BGK-1 shows decrease of tyrosinase and melanin content in α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone challenged-murine melanoma B16 cells. BGK-1 which is comparatively more effective than GK-1 extract shows significant suppression of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation and inflammatory target genes, in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusion: These results reported effective whitening and anti-inflammatory of BGK-1 as compared to GK-1.

• Journal of Mushroom
• /
• v.13 no.1
• /
• pp.50-55
• /
• 2015

Glucan has been shown to have a significant role in the activation of the immune system, including increased activity of macrophages and so on. Sparassis latifolia (formerly S. crispa) is an edible mushroom abundant in dietary fiber and widely known to contain high levels of ${\beta}$-glucan. In the present study, fermentation broths containing soluble ${\beta}$-glucan were prepared by fermentation with mushrooms with four Lactobacillus species (L. plantarum subsp. Plantarum, L. acidophilus, L. helveticus, and L. delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus). After culturing four Lactobacillus spp. in MRS broth, each Lactobacillus was inoculated into MRS broth containing S. latifolia powder 5% (w/v) at $37^{\circ}C$ in an anaerobic incubator for five days. It showed that the ${\beta}$-glucan contents were different in each fermentation sample. The suitable conditions for the preparation of mushroom fermentation broths were investigated and discussed.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
• /
• v.35 no.6
• /
• pp.674-683
• /
• 2019

Some species of the Trichoderma genus are reported as the major problem in oak wood mushroom production in Korea. In spite of economic loss by the fungi, scientific information on airborne Trichoderma species is not much available. To generate information for disease management development we analyzed airborne Trichoderma. A total of 1,063 fungal isolates were purely obtained from indoor air sampling of cultivation houses used for oak wood mushroom using sawdust media. Among the obtained isolates, 248 isolates were identified as Trichoderma fungi including T. harzianum, T. atroviride, T. citrinoviride, and T. pseudokoningii, by morphological and molecular analysis. T. harzianum was dominant among the four identified species. All the four Trichoderma species grew fast on solid nutrient media tested (potato dextrose agar [PDA], malt extract agar [MEA], Czapek's Dox + yeast extract agar [CYA] and cornmeal dextrose agar). Compact mycelia growth and mass spore production were better on PDA and CYA. In addition, T. harzianum and T. citrinoviride formed greenish and yellowish mycelium and spores on PDA and CYA. Greenish and yellowish pigment was saturated into PDA only by T. pseudokoningii. These four Trichoderma species could produce extracellular enzymes of sawdust substrate degradation such as β-glucosidase, avicelase, CM-cellulase, amylase, pectinase, xylanase, and protease. Their mycelia inhibited the growth of oak wood mushroom mycelia of two tested cultivars on dual culture assay. Among of eleven antifungal agents tested, benomyl was the best to inhibit the growth of the four Trichoderma species. Our results demonstrate that the airborne Trichoderma fungi need to be properly managed in the cultivation houses for safe mushroom production.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.53 no.6
• /
• pp.886-893
• /
• 2020

The seaweed Hizikia fusiformis is rich in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. This study investigated the antioxidant and physiological activities of H. fusiformis extracts prepared with 70% ethanol, 80% methanol, or distilled water. The extraction yields of these various solvent extracts were as follows: ethanol extract, 15.26%; methanol extract, 17.95%; and water extract, 45.62%. The methanol extract showed the highest total polyphenol content (24.06 mg GAE/g), but total flavonoid content was similar in all extracts. ABTS (2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) radical scavenging activity was highest in the ethanol extract (IC50: 0.90 mg/mL), while the methanol extract exhibited the strongest DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity (IC50: 8.09 mg/mL), reducing power (EC50: 0.40 mg/mL), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (0.28 mM). By contrast, tyrosinase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were higher in the ethanol extract than in the other extracts. The high BACE1 (β-secretase) inhibitory activity was observed in the ethanol extract (IC50: 1.03 mg/mL). These results indicate that H. fusiformis ethanol extracts may be useful for their antioxidant and functional properties in food and pharmaceutical materials.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.32 no.1
• /
• pp.72-80
• /
• 2022

In this study, the survival capacity (acid and bile salt tolerance, and adhesion to gut epithelial cells) and probiotic properties (enzyme activity-inhibition and anti-inflammatory activities, inhibition of adipogenesis, and stress hormone level reduction) of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LRCC5314, isolated from kimchi (Korean traditional fermented cabbage), were investigated. LRCC5314 exhibited very stable survival at ph 2.0 and in 0.2% bile acid with 89.9% adhesion to Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells after treatment for 2 h. LRCC5314 also inhibited the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which are involved in elevating postprandial blood glucose levels, by approximately 72.9% and 51.2%, respectively. Treatment of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells with the LRCC5314 lysate decreased the levels of the inflammatory factors nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and interferon-γ by 88.5%, 49.3%, 97.2%, and 99.8%, respectively, relative to those of the cells treated with LPS alone. LRCC5314 also inhibited adipogenesis in differentiating preadipocytes (3T3-L1 cells), showing a 14.7% decrease in lipid droplet levels and a 74.0% decrease in triglyceride levels, as well as distinct reductions in the mRNA expression levels of adiponectin, FAS, PPAR/γ, C/EBPα, TNF-α, and IL-6. Moreover, LRCC5314 reduced the level of cortisol, a hormone with important effect on stress, by approximately 35.6% in H295R cells. L. plantarum LRCC5314 is identified as a new probiotic with excellent in vitro multifunctional properties. Subsequent in vivo studies may further demonstrate its potential as a functional food or pharmabiotic.