• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.475-482
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• 2006

The quality characteristics and functional properties of fermented soybean by lactic acid bacteria (FSB) were investigated and compared with those of soybean (control) and commercial cheonggukjang Powder (CGP). The crude protein, lipid, and fiber contents of FSB were similar to those in CGP. The vitamin $B_2$ content in FSB (1.4 mg%) was similar to the control (1.3 mg%) whereas it was remarkably low in the CGP (0.2 mg%). The bright yellow color of FSB determined by Hunter's colormeter was quite different from the dark reddish brown color of the CGP. The pH of FSB was the lowest and thee amino-nitrogen was 517.2 mg%, which was higher than that in CGP (468.1 mg%). Glutamic acid, aspartic acid and leucine were the most abundant amino acids. In particular, the increase in the glutamic acid level was noticeable in FSB. The fatty acid compositions of FSB and CGP were similar to the control. However, the sucrose and fructose levels were lower after fermentation but the glucose level was higher. The results of isoflavone analysis by HPLC showed that the levels of daidzein and genistein in FSB were as much as 48.33 and 52.82 mg%, respectively, which is higher than that found in CGP. The DPPH free radical scavenging effects of FSB and CGP were 1.8 times higher an those of the control. The fibrinolytic activity determined by the diameter of the lysed area on the fibrin plate was the most effective in FSB. In conclusion, it is believed that FSB has a similar or higher quality than CGP. Therefore, FSB is expected to be good functional food material.