• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.290-302
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• 2015

Growing demand for sustainable production, increasing competition and consideration of health concerns have led the meat industries on a path to innovation. Meat industries across the world are focusing on the development of novel meat products and processes to meet consumer demand. Hence, a process innovation, like nanotechnology, can have a significant impact on the meat processing industry through the development of not only novel functional meat products, but also novel packaging for the products. The potential benefits of utilizing nanomaterials in food are improved bioavailability, antimicrobial effects, enhanced sensory acceptance and targeted delivery of bioactive compounds. However, challenges exist in the application of nanomaterials due to knowledge gaps in the production of ingredients such as nanopowders, stability of delivery systems in meat products and health risks caused by the same properties which also offer the benefits. For the success of nanotechnology in meat products, challenges in public acceptance, economics and the regulation of food processed with nanomaterials which may have the potential to persist, accumulate and lead to toxicity need to be addressed. So far, the most promising area for nanotechnology application seems to be in meat packaging, but the long term effects on human health and environment due to migration of the nanomaterials from the packaging needs to be studied further. The future of nanotechnology in meat products depends on the roles played by governments, regulatory agencies and manufacturers in addressing the challenges related to the application of nanomaterials in food.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2014.02a
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• pp.411.1-411.1
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• 2014

This study evaluates the utility of an antibacterial microneedle composed of green tea extract (GT) and hyaluronic acid (HA), for the efficient delivery of GT. These microneedles have the potential to be a patient-friendly method for the conventional sustained release of drugs. In this study, a fabrication method using a mold-based technique to produce GT/HA microneedles with a maximum area of ${\sim}60mm^2$ with antibacterial properties was used to manufacture transdermal drug delivery systems. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry was carried out to observe the potential modifications in the microneedles, when incorporated with GT. The degradation rate of GT in GT/HA microneedles was controlled simply by adjusting the HA composition. The effects of different ratios of GT in the HA microneedles were determined by measuring the release properties. In HA microneedles loaded with 70% GT (GT70), a continuous higher release rate were sustained for 72 h. The in vitro cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that GT/HA microneedles are not generally cytotoxic to chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-K1), human embryonic kidney cells (293T), and mouse muscle cells (C2C12), which were treated for 12 and 24 h. Antimicrobial activity of the GT/HA microneedles was demonstrated by ~95% growth reduction of gram negative [Escherichia coli (E. coli), Pseudomonas putida (P. putida) and Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium)] and gram positive bacteria [Staphylococcus aureus (S. Aureus) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis)], with GT70. Furthermore, GT/HA microneedles reduced bacterial growth in the infected skin wound sites and improved skin wound healing process in rat model.

• Mass Spectrometry Letters
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.110-114
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• 2014

The method of direct mass spectrometry profiling is reliable and reproducible for the rapid identification of clinical isolates of bacteria and fungi. This is the first study evaluating the approach of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry profiling for rapid identification of carbapenemase-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE). Proof of concept was achieved by the discrimination of CRE using MALDI Biotyper MS based on the protein. This profiling appears promising by the visual observation of consistent unique peaks, albeit low intensity, that could be picked up from the mean spectra (MSP) method. The Biotyper MSP creation and identification methods needed to be optimized to provide significantly improved differences in scores to allow for subspecies identification with and without carbapenemases. These spectra were subjected to visual peak picking and in all cases; there were pertinent differences in the presence or absence of potential biomarker peaks to differentiate isolates. We also evaluated this method for potential discrimination between different carbapenemases bacteria, utilizing the same strategy. Based on our data and pending further investigation in other CREs, MALDI-TOF MS has potential as a diagnostic tool for the rapid identification of even closely related carbapenemases but would require a paradigm shift in which Biotyper suppliers enable more flexible software control of mass spectral profiling methods.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.93-99
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• 2018

Lysozyme is present in tears and has the ability to inhibit bacterial growth. In addition, it acts as a physiological scavenger for harmful substances. In the present study, sixteen tear samples from people of different ages were evaluated for their antibacterial spectrum against selected bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Shigella sonnei, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica Typhi). A radial diffusion assay was used to evaluate the antibacterial potential of tear samples. To correlate the antibacterial activities of these tear samples, the concentration of lysozyme in the tear samples was also determined. Ampicillin was used as a standard drug. The zone of inhibition (mm) was used to measure the antibacterial property of the tears. All samples showed good antibacterial activities. The tear samples of children showed antibacterial activities in the range of 4.40~5.00 mm inhibition zones against the selected bacterial strains. The tear samples from the young and adults showed good antibacterial potential with a zone of inhibition in the range of 3.20~4.00 and 4.00~5.50 mm, respectively. The tear samples from the old age group showed inhibition zones from 1.50~5 mm. The adult tear samples showed the maximum inhibition against the selected bacterial strains among all groups. The lysozyme concentration was 1.7 mg/mL, 1.95 mg/mL, 2.13 mg/mL, and 1.76 mg/mL for children, young, adults, and elderly, respectively. In conclusion, the tears from adults have the high inhibition potential. In addition, this data also showed that the lysozyme contents in the tear sample increased with age until 40~42 years.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.111-117
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• 2021

The study was aimed at developing an alternative therapeutic agent against acne vulgaris, one of the most common skin diseases, to meet the continuing demand for new therapies. Acne vulgaris is often associated with the acne-causing bacteria such as Cutibacterium acnes. To investigate the safety of agents against acne vulgaris, we evaluated the potential antibacterial activities of edible seaweeds against C. acnes in Korea. Forty-one edible seaweeds, including the brown, green, and red varieties, were selected for the antibacterial test. In comparison with other seaweeds, 70% ethanolic extracts of brown seaweeds, such as Cladophora wrightiana var. minor, Eisenia bicyclis, Ecklonia cava, Ishige foliacea, Ishige okamurae, Sargassum filicinum, and Sargassum miyabei Yendo, exhibited potential antibacterial activity against C. acnes with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging between 64 and 128 ㎍/mL. To investigate the active anti-acne agents and to enhance our understanding of the antibacterial activities against C. acnes, further solvent-fractionation experiments are warranted. The findings imply that brown seaweeds can be a potential source of natural agents against acne vulgaris.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.51-62
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• 2022

Lactobacillus rhamnosus SKG34 (LrSKG34), a potential probiotic strain, was successfully isolated from Sumbawa Mare's milk. Our previous studies showed that the strain is resistant to gastrointestinal conditions, possesses antioxidant activity, and lowers blood cholesterol levels. Further clarification of the potential probiotic characteristics and safety assessment are necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the adhesion of LrSKG34 to Caco-2 cell monolayers and its effect on mucosal integrity in vitro. We also examined the LrSKG34 safety profile based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing, haemolytic activity determination, Caco-2 cell monolayer translocation evaluation, and in vivo investigation of the effect of LrSKG34 on the physiology, biochemical markers, and histopathological appearance of major organs in an animal model. LrSKG34 attached to Caco-2 cell monolayers and maintained mucosal integrity in vitro. The typical resistance of lactobacilli to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, vancomycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and metronidazole was confirmed for LrSKG34. No haemolytic activity was observed on blood agar plates, and no LrSKG34 translocation was observed in Caco-2 cell monolayers. Administration of LrSKG34 to Sprague-Dawley rats did not adversely affect body weight. No abnormalities in hematological parameters, serum biochemistry levels, or histopathological structures of major organs were observed in LrSKG34-treated rats. Collectively, the results implicate LrSKG34 as a promising and potentially safe probiotic candidate for further development.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.8
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• pp.1209-1220
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• 2023

Objective: The use of probiotics as an alternative to antibiotics in animal feed has received considerable attention in recent decades. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have remarkable functional properties promoting host health and are major microorganisms for probiotic purposes. The aim of this study was to characterize LAB strains of the chicken digestive tract and to determine their functional properties for further use as potential probiotics in poultry. Methods: A total of 2,000 colonies were isolated from the ileum and cecal contents of the chickens based on their phenotypic profiles and followed by a preliminary detection for acid and bile tolerance. The selected 200 LAB isolates with exhibited well-tolerance in acid and bile conditions were then identified by sequencing the 16S rDNA gene, followed by acid and bile tolerance, antimicrobial activity, adhesion to epithelial cells and additional characteristics on the removal of cholesterol. Then, the two probiotic strains (L. ingluviei and L. salivarious) which showed the greatest advantage in vitro testing were selected to assess their efficacy in broiler chickens. Results: It was found that 200 LAB isolates that complied with all measurement criteria belonged to five strains, including L. acidophilus (63 colonies), L. ingluviei (2 colonies), L. reuteri (58 colonies), L. salivarius (72 colonies), and L. saerimneri (5 colonies). We found that the L. ingluviei and L. salivarius can increase the population of LAB and Bifidobacterium spp. while reducing Enterobacteria spp. and Escherichia coli in the cecal content of chickens. Additionally, increased concentrations of valeric acid and short chain fatty acids were also observed. Conclusion: This study indicates that all five Lactobacillus strains isolated from gut contents of chickens are safe and possess probiotic properties, especially L. ingluviei and L. salivarius. Future studies should evaluate the potential for growth improvement in broilers.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.467-473
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• 2024

In this study, we investigated the potential protective effects of (+)-afzelechin (AZC), a natural compound that is derived from Bergenia ligulata, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses. AZC is known to have antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and cardiovascular protective properties. However, knowledge regarding the therapeutic potential of AZC against LPS-induced inflammatory responses is limited. Thus, we investigated the protective attributes of AZC against inflammatory damage caused by LPS exposure. We examined the effects of AZC on heme oxygenase (HO)-1, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in LPS-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In addition, the effects of AZC on the expression of iNOS, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-1β were analyzed in the lung tissues of LPS-injected mice. Data revealed that AZC promoted the production of HO-1, inhibited the interaction between luciferase and nuclear factor (NF)-κB, and reduced the levels of COX-2/PGE2 and iNOS/NO, thereby leading to a decrease in the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-1 phosphorylation. Moreover, AZC facilitated the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, increased the binding activity between Nrf2 and the antioxidant response elements (AREs), and lowered the expression of IL-1β in the LPS-treated HUVECs. In the animal model, AZC significantly reduced the expression of iNOS in the lung tissue structure and the TNF-α level in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. These findings demonstrate that AZC possesses anti-inflammatory properties that regulate iNOS through the inhibition of both NF-κB expression and p-STAT-1. Consequently, AZC has potential as a future candidate for the development of new clinical substances for the treatment of pathological inflammation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.242-249
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• 2015

This study examined the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of 70% ethanol extracts and water extracts of Allium hookeri root. We evaluated the effects of water extracts of A. hookeri root on storage of seasoned pork added with water extracts at $4^{\circ}C$ for 21 days in order to evaluate its potential as a functional food material. A. hookeri root water extracts displayed antioxidant activities (total polyphenol content and DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities) that were superior to those of 70% ethanol extracts. The 70% ethanol extracts and water extracts of A. hookeri root showed antimicrobial activities against food-borne Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that were about 1/400 times greater than that of vancomycin. Chemical composition analysis was conducted on pork seasoned with sauce containing 5%, 10%, and 15% water extracts. Moisture and crude ash contents significantly decreased as the amount of water extracts increased (P<0.05), and the highest crude protein content was in the 10% group. Acidity of seasoned pork increased proportionally in the early stages of storage, whereas it significantly decreased as the amount of water extracts increased after day 12 (P<0.05). Although the total number of bacteria in seasoned pork continuously increased during storage, growth of bacteria was significantly restricted as level of A. hookeri root water extracts increased (P<0.05). In the sensory evaluation, pork seasoned with 10% A. hookeri root water extracts showed the highest scores for taste, texture, and overall acceptance (P<0.05). In summary, A. hookeri water extracts display antioxidant and antimicrobial activities that can improve quality characteristics of seasoned pork and have potential as natural preservatives to restrict bacteria growth. Regarding the amount of extracts, 10% was determined to be the most appropriate level to minimize changes in seasoned pork during storage and improve sensory quality.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.250-256
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• 2017

The prevalence of infections due to pathogenic bacteria such as Edwardsiella tarda, Streptococcus parauberis, and Photobacterium phosphoreum in fish farms in Jeju Island and their management by marine-derived biomaterials was studied. In this study, we isolated eight spices type of marine-derived biomaterials from four sea areas of Jeju Island. An antibiotic disc susceptibility test confirmed that the isolated marine-derived biomaterials showed weak resistance only to oxytetracycline and penicillin and sensitivity to the other antibiotics tested, and antimicrobial activity against fish pathogens with the inhibitory zone of 22 mm, 18 mm, and 19 mm for MD-02, MD-04, and MD-06 against E. tarda strains, respectively, and 19 mm, 22 mm, 30 mm, and 29 mm for MD-01, MD-02, MD-04, and MD-06 against S. parauberis strains, respectively, while all the marine-derived biomaterials showed antibacterial activity against P. phosphoreum. Among the eight biomaterials selected, Bacillus subtilis MD-02 displayed the greatest antibacterial activity against the three tested fish pathogens and also displayed susceptibility to antibiotics. The growth of Bacillus subtilis MD-02 was greatest with the carbon source, dextrine; nitrogen source, peptone; and mineral source, $MgSO_4{\cdot}7H_2O$. Hence, the present study confirmed that the isolate B. subtilis MD-02 from Jeju Island could be a potential antimicrobial agent against fish pathogens and a potential pharmacotherapeutic agent.