• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.18 no.8
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• pp.1459-1469
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• 2008

Using a rotating biological contactor modified with a sequencing bath reactor system (SBRBC) designed and operated to remove phosphate and nitrogen [58], the microbial community structure of the biofilm from the SBRBC system was characterized based on the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) constituents, electron microscopy, and molecular techniques. Protein and carbohydrate were identified as the major EPS constituents at three different biofilm thicknesses, where the amount of EPS and bacterial cell number were highest in the initial thickness of 0-100${\mu}m$. However, the percent of carbohydrate in the total amount of EPS decreased by about 11.23%, whereas the percent of protein increased by about 11.15% as the biofilm grew. Thus, an abundant quantity of EPS and cell mass, as well as a specific quality of EPS were apparently needed to attach to the substratum in the first step of the biofilm growth. A FISH analysis revealed that the dominant phylogenetic group was $\beta$- and $\gamma$-Proteobacteria, where a significant subclass of Proteobacteria for removing phosphate and/or nitrate was found within a biofilm thickness of 0-250${\mu}m$. In addition, 16S rDNA clone libraries revealed that Klebsiella sp. and Citrobacter sp. were most dominant within the initial biofilm thickness of 0-250${\mu}m$, whereas sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, such as Beggiatoa sp. and Thiothrix sp., were detected in a biofilm thickness over 250${\mu}m$. The results of the bacterial community structure analysis using molecular techniques agreed with the results of the morphological structure based on scanning electron microscopy. Therefore, the overall results indicated that coliform bacteria participated in the nitrate and phosphorus removal when using the SBRBC system. Moreover, the structure of the biofilm was also found to be related to the EPS constituents, as well as the nitrogen and phosphate removal efficiency. Consequently, since this is the first identification of the bacterial community and structure of the biofilm from an RBC simultaneously removing nitrogen and phosphate from domestic wastewater, and it is hoped that the present results may provide a foundation for understanding nitrate and phosphate removal by an RBC system.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.551-560
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• 2018

Bellflower root (Platycodon grandiflorum), which belongs to the Campanulaceae family, is a perennial grass that grows naturally in Korea, northeastern China, and Japan. Bellflower is widely consumed as both food and medicine owing to its high nutritional value and potential therapeutic effects. Since foodborne disease outbreaks often come from vegetables, understanding the public health risk of microorganisms on fresh vegetables is pivotal to predict and prevent foodborne disease outbreaks. We investigated the microbial communities on the bellflower root (n = 10). 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing targeting the V6-V9 regions of 16S rRNA genes was conducted via the 454-Titanium platform. The sequence quality was checked and phylogenetic assessments were performed using the RDP classifier implemented in QIIME with a bootstrap cutoff of 80%. Principal coordinate analysis was performed using the weighted Fast UniFrac distance. The average number of sequence reads generated per sample was 67,192 sequences. At the phylum level, bacterial communities from the bellflower root were composed primarily of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria in March and September samples. Genera Serratia, Pseudomonas, and Pantoea comprised more than 54% of the total bellflower root bacteria. Principal coordinate analysis plots demonstrated that the microbial community of bellflower root in March samples was different from those in September samples. Potential pathogenic genera, such as Pantoea, were detected in bellflower root samples. Even though further studies will be required to determine if these species are associated with foodborne illness, our results indicate that the 16S rRNA gene-based sequencing approach can be used to detect pathogenic bacteria on fresh vegetables.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.11
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• pp.1643-1650
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• 2017

Objective: The control of psychrotrophic bacteria causing milk spoilage and illness due to toxic compounds is an important issue in the dairy industry. In South Korea, Gangwon-do province is one of the coldest terrains in which eighty percent of the area is mountainous regions, and mainly plays an important role in the agriculture and dairy industries. The purposes of this study were to analyze the indigenous microbiota of raw milk in Gangwon-do and accurately investigate a putative microbial group causing deterioration in milk quality. Methods: We collected raw milk from the bulk tank of 18 dairy farms in the Hoengseong and Pyeongchang regions of Gangwon-do. Milk components were analyzed and the number of viable bacteria was confirmed. The V3 and V4 regions of 16S rRNA gene were amplified and sequenced on an Illumina Miseq platform. Sequences were then assigned to operational taxonomic units, followed by the selection of representative sequences using the QIIME software package. Results: The milk samples from Pyeongchang were higher in fat, protein, lactose, total solid, and solid non-fat, and bacterial cell counts were observed only for the Hoengseong samples. The phylum Proteobacteria was detected most frequently in both the Hoengseong and Pyeongchang samples, followed by the phyla Firmicutes and Actinobacteria. Notably, Corynebacterium, Pediococcus, Macrococcus, and Acinetobacter were significantly different from two regions. Conclusion: Although the predominant phylum in raw milk is same, the abundances of major genera in milk samples were different between Hoengseong and Pyeongchang. We assumed that these differences are caused by regional dissimilar farming environments such as soil, forage, and dairy farming equipment so that the quality of milk raw milk from Pyeongchang is higher than that of Hoengseong. These results could provide the crucial information for identifying the microbiota in raw milk of South Korea.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.561-567
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• 2000

This study was conducted to determine the effect of far infrared-vacuum drying on the quality changes of Pimpinella bracycarpa, such as drying efficiency (weight loss), color differences, browning degrees, rehydration and sensory evaluation. Wehn Pimpinella bracycarpa was dried for designated time at 5$0^{\circ}C$, 6$0^{\circ}C$ and 7$0^{\circ}C$, drying time of far infrared-vacuum drying was decreased more than 17% compared to that of infrared drying. The color changes increased as drying temperature increased and far infrared-vacuum drying made less color changes than infrared drying. Also, the total microbial counts and the number of yeast and mold were gradually reduced as drying temperature increased and drying time was longer, but there was no significant differences in microbial changes among drying methods. The rehydration rates of Pimpinella bracycarpa increased as drying temperature increased and was better at far infrared-vacuum drying than infrared drying. Also, according to the sensory evaluation after rehydration of Pimpinella bracycarpa, the hihger scores were obtained at lower temperature and far infrared-vacuum drying, especially the color was obtained much hihger score in the far infrared-vacuum drying than infrared drying. Thus, the results showed that drying efficiency and stability of rehydration and color changes was increased and the quality deterioration of Pimpinella bracycarpa could be minimized by using far infrared-vacuum drying.

• Korean journal of food and cookery science
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.725-732
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• 2015

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of ethanol on the prolongation of the shelf-life of kimchi paste. Kimchi paste was prepared by adding 0.5~3.0% ethanol, and then stored at $4^{\circ}C$ for 35 days. The retardation of kimchi paste fermentation was evaluated by measuring chemical, microbial, and sensory characteristics. Titratable acidity and pH showed a slight difference, depending on the ethanol concentration. The titratable acidity showed the low content in kimchi paste with 3.0% ethanol during fermentation, whereas the pH showed a reverse tendency, indicating that fermentation was inhibited under a high ethanol concentration. The changes in the sugar-reduced contents were similar to that of the pH. The growth of microorganisms such as total aerobic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and molds in kimchi paste during fermentation were inhibited by ethanol, and the addition of 3.0% ethanol was most effective to inhibit the microbial growth. The number of coliform bacteria was decreased during fermentation of kimchi paste and not detected in any sample at 35 days, except for kimchi paste with 3.0% ethanol. In sensory evaluation, the addition of 0.5~1.5% ethanol in kimchi paste was showed no significant difference on sensory properties compared to the kimchi paste without ethanol (p<0.05). As a result, it is considered that the addition of 1.5% ethanol is the most appropriate to maintain the quality of kimchi paste, without the changing the flavor.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.166-172
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• 2003

Changes in the number of microorganisms, chemical composition, and sensory quality of chungkukjang by gamma-irradiation up to 120 kGy were investigated. The total viable cell counts in chungkukjang irradiated with 10 kGy decreased from $10^9\;CFU/g$ of the control to $10^5\;CFU/g$. Proximate chemical composition and pH of chungkukjang were not much affected by irradiation. Acidity of chungkukjang decreased by irradiation with over 20 kGy. Fatty acid contents of chungkukjang irradiated under 20 kGy were the same as those of the nonirradiated ones. Polyunsaturated fatty acids content, decreased at over 40 kGy. The color and odor of chungkukjang were not significantly affected by irradiation up to 20 kGy. Unpalatable odor (p<0.01), off-flavor (p<0.001), and fish-odor (p<0.001) increased, and brown intensity (p<0.05) and acceptability (p<0.001) decreased at over 20 kGy. Results indicate 20 kGy is sufficient to decrease the microbial count of chungkukjang and prevent decrease in the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.589-595
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• 2001

Effect of anti-microbial agents, such as alcohol, garlic, chitosan, K-sorbate, or mustard, or pasteurization on the quality of traditional kochujang was investigated during storage at $30^{\circ}C$ for 24 weeks. Water activities of kochujang decreased after 12 weeks of storage. Consistency increased during storage and highest consistency of kochujang was obtained by the addition of mustard or garlic. Hunter a- and b-values decreased linearly as storage time passed. The degree of increase in total color difference$({\Delta}E)$ of alcohol added group was the highest among the tested anti-microbial agents. Gas was rapidly produced in the control and chitosan added group of kochujang. Capsanthin content decreased more rapidly in the group of alcohol, garlic or mustard added kochujang than the other group. Viable cell counts of yeast and aerobic bacteria in kochujang increased up to 12 weeks of storage, and then decreased slowly. The number of yeast was low in K-sorbate or alcohol added group. Activity of ${\alpha}-amylase$ decreased during storage, but that of ${\beta}-amylase$ increased in alcohol, garlic, K-sorbate added or pasteurized kochujang. Protease activities did not show any remarkable differences in the groups of tested during storage.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.342-346
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• 2021

Cold brew coffee extracted from cold water for a long time has drawn public concern over hygiene. This study was carried out to investigate the microbiological contamination levels and caffeine contents in cold brew coffee. A total of 75 cold brew coffees were purchased from offline and online sources. As a result, the average number of bacteria in samples purchased online was 1.14 log CFU/mL (0-6.57 log CFU/mL), while bacteria were not detected in samples purchased offline. Therefore, stricter surveys are required to avoid the food contamination. However, Esherichia coli and nine types of foodborne pathogens were not detected in all samples. The average caffeine content of the samples was 1.6 mg/mL (384 mg/240 mL), so the caffeine almost reached to acceptable daily intake levels (400 mg for adults). However, ten products did not provide any precautions for consumer safety, so improvement of the system is needed. This monitoring data can contribute to the protection of consumer rights and improvement in the safety of cold brew coffee.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.500-508
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• 2016

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Momordica charantia saponin (MCS) on ruminal fermentation of maize stover and abundance of selected microbial populations in vitro. Five levels of MCS supplements (0, 0.01, 0.06, 0.30, 0.60 mg/mL) were tested. The pH, $NH_3-N$, and volatile fatty acid were measured at 6, 24, 48 h of in vitro mixed incubation fluids, whilst the selected microbial populations were determined at 6 and 24 h. The high dose of MCS increased the initial fractional rate of degradation at t-value = 0 ($FRD_0$) and the fractional rate of gas production (k), but decreased the theoretical maximum of gas production ($V_F$) and the half-life ($t_{0.5}$) compared with the control. The $NH_3-N$ concentration reached the lowest concentration with 0.01 mg MCS/mL at 6 h. The MSC inclusion increased (p<0.001) the molar proportion of butyrate, isovalerate at 24 h and 48 h, and the molar proportion of acetate at 24 h, but then decreased (p<0.05) them at 48 h. The molar proportion of valerate was increased (p<0.05) at 24 h. The acetate to propionate ratio (A/P; linear, p<0.01) was increased at 24 h, but reached the least value at the level of 0.30 mg/mL MCS. The MCS inclusion decreased (p<0.05) the molar proportion of propionate at 24 h and then increased it at 48 h. The concentration of total volatile fatty acid was decreased (p<0.001) at 24 h, but reached the greatest concentration at the level of 0.01 mg/mL and the least concentration at the level of 0.60 mg/mL. The relative abundance of Ruminococcus albus was increased at 6 h and 24 h, and the relative abundance of Fibrobacter succinogenes was the lowest (p<0.05) at 0.60 mg/mL at 6 h and 24 h. The relative abundance of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and fungus reached the greatest value (p<0.05) at low doses of MCS inclusion and the least value (p<0.05) at 0.60 mg/mL at 24 h. The present results demonstrates that a high level of MCS quickly inhibits in vitro fermentation of maize stover, while MCS at low doses has the ability to modulate the ruminal fermentation pattern by regulating the number of functional rumen microbes including cellulolytic bacteria and fungi populations, and may have potential as a feed additive applied in the diets of ruminants.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.44 no.12
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• pp.1847-1855
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• 2015

Supercritical carbon dioxide ($SC-CO_2$) treatment has been becoming an important method for substituting the use of organic solvents for samples extraction prior to analysis due to its low toxicity, ease of handling, low cost of disposal etc. Freeze-dried bovine liver was treated with $SC-CO_2$ under different pressures (200, 300, and 450 bar) in order to investigate effects on physicochemical properties and reduction of microbial load. The yield of lipid extraction from bovine liver by $SC-CO_2$ treatment increased with increasing pressure, with values of 84, 86, and 90% in response to 200, 300, and 450 bar, respectively. Results of high performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that vitamin A and coenzyme $Q_{10}$ ($CoQ_{10}$), which is soluble in lipid, were almost removed from bovine liver by $SC-CO_2$ treatment. Saturated fatty acids ratio of bovine liver decreased with increasing pressure, whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids increased with increasing pressure. Total content of amino acids in bovine liver treated by $SC-CO_2$ was less than that of the control sample without treatment. The number of aerobic bacteria in bovine liver, which was stored at $5^{\circ}C$ for 5 days and freeze-dried, decreased from 6.2 to 4.2 log CFU/g by $SC-CO_2$ treatment at 100 bar for 3 h. Interestingly, coliform bacteria were not found in the bovine liver sample by $SC-CO_2$ at 100 bar for 3 h under all storage conditions. This indicates that $SC-CO_2$ treatment can effectively reduce coliform bacteria in the food matrix even at low moisture. In conclusion, freeze-dried bovine liver by proper $SC-CO_2$ treatment may be used as a potential high protein source, with increasing microbial safety and stability of lipid oxidation.