γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a multi-functional compound with broad applications for food industry. GABA producing bacteria were isolated from cabbage kimchi. Among them, B737 was the best GABA producer when culture supernatants were analyzed by TLC. B737 was identified as Levilactobacillus brevis by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Its glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) gene was cloned by PCR and the nucleotide sequence determined. B737 GAD consisting of 485 amino acids is the largest in size among GADs reported from LAB so far. gadB from L. brevis B737 was overexpressed in Escherichia. coli BL21(DE3) using pET26b(+).pET26b(+). The recombinant GAD was purified and its size was 55 kDa by SDS-PAGE. Maximum GAD activity was observed at pH 5 and 40℃ and the activity was dependent on pyridoxal 5'-phosphate. K_m and V_max of recombinant GAD were 6.2 ± 0.06 mM and 0.34 ± 0.002 mM/min, respectively. L. brevis B737 can be used as a starter for fermented foods with high GABA contents.

Aptamers are short, chemically synthesized, single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides that fold into unique three-dimensional structures. In this study, we aim to determine the antibiofilm activity and binding specificity of the six polyclonal DNA aptamers (S15K3, S15K4, S15K6, S15K13, S15K15, and S15K20) on Staphylococcus aureus BPA-12 and Escherichia coli EPEC 4. Aptamer S15K6 showed the highest percentage of antibiofilm activity against S. aureus BPA-12 (37.4%) as shown by the lowest OD570 value of 0.313. Aptamer S15K20 showed the highest percentage of antibiofilm activity against E. coli EPEC 4 (15.4%) as shown by the lowest OD570 value of 0.515. Aptamers S15K13 and S15K20 showed antibiofilm activities against both S. aureus BPA-12 and E. coli EPEC4, and thus potentially have broad reactivity. Furthermore, based on the binding capacity and Kd values from our previous study, the binding specificity assay of selected polyclonal DNA aptamers (S15K3 and S15K15) against S. aureus BPA-12, E. coli EPEC 4, S. aureus BPA-6, S. agalactiae, E. coli MHA-6, and Listeria monocytogenes were performed using qPCR. Aptamers S15K3 and S15K15 showed specific binding to S. aureus BPA-12, E. coli EPEC 4, S. aureus BPA-6, and S. agalactiae, but could not bind to E. coli MHA-6 and L. monocytogenes. Therefore, this study showed that the polyclonal DNA aptamers have antibiofilm activity and were able to bind to S. aureus BPA-12 and E. coli EPEC 4 bacteria.

최근 국내 기후 변화로 인해 열대 과일 재배가 가능해지게 되었다. 특히 대표적으로 제주도에서 애플망고의 재배가 활발히 이루어지고 있으며 이로 인해 소비자들의 수요가 증가하고 있다. 그러나 애플망고 과육을 제외한 껍질과 같은 부산물은 활용도가 떨어져 폐기되고 있는 실정이다. 이에 본 연구에서는 부산물로서 폐기되어지는 애플망고 껍질을 활용하기 위해 이를 이용하여 항산화 및 항염증 효과를 검증하고자 열수 및 70% 에탄올로 추출하여 실험을 진행하였다. 먼저 애플망고 껍질의 열수 및 70% 에탄올 추출물의 총 폴리페놀 함량을 확인하였으며, 그 결과 66.08 ± 0.12 mg TAE/100 g, 100.13 ± 0.23 mg TAE/100 g의 함량을 나타내었다. 항산화 활성을 측정하기 위해 전자공여능과 2,2'- azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) 라디칼 소거능을 측정하였다. 전자공여능 측정결과, 1,000 ㎍/ml 농도에서 열수 추출물은 86.89%가 나타났고, 70% 에탄올 추출물은 94.06%를 확인하였다. ABTS 라디칼 소거능을 측정 결과로 1,000 ㎍/ml 농도에서 열수 추출물은 80.62% 를 나타내었고, 70% 에탄올 추출물은 98.66%의 소거능을 확인하였다. 이로 인해 애플망고 껍질 추출물의 항산화 활성은 대조군인 비타민 C와 유사한 효과를 가진 것을 확인하였다. 애플망고 껍질 추출물의 세포 생존율을 측정한 결과, 대식세포인 RAW 264.7 세포에서는 500 ㎍/ml 농도에서 99% 이상의 세포 생존율을 확인하였다. 이후 세포실험은 세포생존율이 99% 이상인 농도구간을 설정하여 진행하였다. 염증성 매개 물질로 알려진 nitric oxide (NO)에 대한 생성 억제 효과를 확인한 결과, 애플망고 껍질의 열수 추출물은 46%의 억제 효과가 나타났고, 70% 에탄올 추출물은 40%의 억제 효과를 확인하여 애플망고 추출물의 NO 생성량 저해 효과를 가진 것을 확인하였다. 염증 매개 인자의 억제 효과를 확인하기 위해 RAW 264.7 세포를 이용하여 iNOS와 COX-2의 단백질 및 mRNA 발현량을 측정하였다. 그 결과, LPS 단독 처리군에 비해 애플망고 껍질 추출물을 처리하였을 때 iNOS와 COX-2의 단백질 발현량은 최종 농도인 500 ㎍/ml에서 열수 추출물은 12%, 97% 억제하는 것을 확인하였고, 70% 에탄올 추출물은 62%, 91% 억제하는 것을 확인하였다. 또한 LPS 단독 처리군에 비해 iNOS와 COX-2의 mRNA 발현량 결과, 500 ㎍/ml 농도에서 열수 추출물은 3%, 33%의 억제효과를 확인하였고, 70% 에탄올 추출물은 29%, 36%의 억제효과가 나타나는 것을 확인하였다. 본 연구 결과들을 토대로 애플망고 껍질이 항산화 및 항염증 활성을 갖고 있는 것을 검증하여 천연 소재로서의 활용 가치가 높을 것으로 사료된다.

본 연구는 기존의 probiotics로서의 안전성을 입증한 B. cabrialesii sp. K1과 prebiotics 중 inulin 3%와 혼합하여 synbiotics로서의 넙치의 성장과 비특이적 면역 반응 및 세균성 감염에 따른 폐사에 미치는 영향을 검토하였다. 8주 동안 단일 프로바이오틱스 B. cabrialesii sp. K1과 inulin 3% 를 혼합한 신바이오틱스를 급이 한 결과 성장에서는 유의적인 차이를 보이지 않았다. 혈액학적 검사의 경우 AST, total protein 및 cholesterol에서 유의적인 차이를 보였고 ALT와 glucose는 유의적인 차이가 없었다. 비특이적 면역반응에서는 유산균 첨가 또는 주사제로 인한 라이소자임 활성이 유익 하다고 알려져 있으나 본 연구에서는 8주동안 대조구와 비교시 유의적 차이가 없었다. 또한 B. cabrialesii K1의 경우 단일 프로바이오틱스구보다 신바이오틱스구가 대조구에 비해 NBT 활성이 증가된 것을 확인할 수 있었다. 다음 넙치의 사이토카인 발현을 확인한 결과 B. cabrialesii sp. K1를 단일 (probiotics구)로 사용했을 경우 대조구와 비교 시 비장에서 유의적으로 낮게 발현되었으나 synbiotics구의 경우 비장에서 발현이 유의하게 증가되었다. 그러나 나머지 간과 장, 신장에서는 세 개의 그룹 간의 유의적 차이를 나타내지 않았다. 마지막으로 2주동안의 인위 감염을 검토한 결과 대조구는 E. tarda 95%, S. parauberis 85%, S. iniae 85%로 각 각의 폐사율을 나타냈다. Probiotics구는 E. tarda 85%, S. parauberis 80%, S. iniae 80%의 폐사율을 보였고, synbiotics 구는 E. tarda 80%, S. parauberis 80%, S. iniae 85%로 각 각 나타났다.

This research was designed to evaluate the possible anti-inflammatory effects of Carex scabrifolia Steud. extract using RAW264.7 cells. The assessments of these effects were based on cell viability assay, mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and levels of nitric oxide (NO)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂) production. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that treatment with C. scabrifolia Steud. extract decreased the mRNA levels of iNOS, COX2, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα. Furthermore, from the production levels of PGE₂/NO, it can be inferred that C. scabrifolia Steud. extract exhibited anti-inflammatory properties. These results suggest that C. scabrifolia Steud. extract contains anti-inflammatory compound(s), and consequently, that it may have applications as a potent cosmeceutical material.

For this study, we designed and produced mulberry low-fat ice cream supplemented with synbiotics (MLF-ISS). The sensory characteristics and physical, chemical, and microbiological qualities of MLF-ISS were then determined. Mulberry juice inoculated with or without probiotic (Lactobacillus plantarum TISTR 926 and Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745) was also tested at 37℃ for 24 h to determine probiotic growth rate, pH, total anthocyanin content (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activity (AA). Only the TAC of mulberry juice inoculated with S. boulardii CNCM I-745 increased considerably (p < 0.05) among these parameters. MLF-ISS was produced with varied mulberry fruit concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30, or 40%) (w/w). The MLF-ISS prepared with 30% mulberry fruit (w/w) (30-MLF-ISS) had a higher score in appearance, color, and sweetness (p < 0.05) when sensory qualities were measured using the 9-point hedonic scale method. In the CIE lab system (L^*, a^*, b^*), the color values of 30-MLF-ISS were 27.80 ± 0.26, 12.99 ± 0.59, and 1.43 ± 0.05, respectively. The 30-MLF-ISS was also subjected to a proximate analysis. The melting rate of 30-MLF-ISS was 0.29 ± 0.03 g/min and the time it took for the first drop to fall was 37.00 ± 7.00 min. TAC, TPC, and AA of 30-MLF-ISS were observed to alter significantly (p < 0.05) during varied intervals of storage at - 18℃ (0, 30, and 60 days). The viability of probiotics in 30-MLF-ISS slightly decreased after storage at -18℃ for 8 weeks, but remained about 6 log CFU/g. During storage at -18℃ for 0 and 120 days, no pathogenic bacteria were detected in 30-MLF-ISS. These findings show that 30-MLF-ISS has nutritional and functional value, is free of foodborne pathogenic bacteria, is safe for consumers' health, and is suitable for application in the ice cream and related food industries.

In the present study, four distinctly colored bacterial isolates that show intense pigmentation upon brief ultraviolet (UV) light exposure are chosen. The strains are identified as Micrococcus luteus (Milky yellow), Cryseobacterium pallidum (Yellow), Cryseobacterium spp. (Golden yellow), and Kocuria turfanensis (Pink) based on their morphological and 16S rDNA analysis. Moderate salinity (1.25%), 25-37℃ temperature, and pH of 7.2 are found to be the most favorable conditions of growth and pigment production for all the selected isolates. The pigments are extracted using methanol: chloroform (1:1) and the purity of the pigments are confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Further, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and UV-Visible spectroscopy indicate their resemblance with carotenoids and flexirubin family. The antioxidant activities of the pigments are estimated, and, all the pigments have shown significant antioxidant efficacy in 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The UV protective property of the pigments is determined by cling-film assay, wherein, at least 25% of UV sensitive Escherichia coli survive with bio-pigments even after 90 seconds of UV exposure compared to control. The pigments also hold a good sun protective factor (SPF) value (1.5-4.9) which is calculated with the Mansur equation. Based on these results, it can be predicted that these bacterial pigments can be further developed into a promising antioxidant and UV-protectant for several biomedical applications.

Verotoxin-1 (VT-1) or Shiga-like toxin 1 (Stx-1) is produced by enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) and is an AB5 holotoxin with a strong inhibitor of protein synthesis. VT-1 is a type 2 ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) that has been shown to have cytotoxic and anticancer potential by inducing necrosis, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest, making it a promising antitumor candidate. Here, we tested the cytotoxicity of VT-1 on CaCo2 and NCM425 cell lines and the results showed that VT-1 was more potent on CaCo2. Morphological changes were also evaluated on the cellular level and the results showed that VT-1 caused a decrease in viable cell count, altered cell membrane permeability, and an increase in total nuclear intensity. On the other hand, VT-1 displayed a lesser impact on mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and cytochrome c release. On the expression of caspases 3 and 9, VT-1 exhibited an insignificant effect on both which alongside the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and cytochrome c results, might indicate that CaCo2 suffered from the necrosis process as a mechanism of cell death after exposure to VT-1.

본 연구에서는 한국형 프로바이오틱스와 홍삼을 발효하여 저분자 진세노사이드인 compound K (CK)로 생물전환되는지를 확인하였다. 프로바이오틱스 19종의 유전체 분석결과, 진세노사이드 Rb1에서 CK로 전환에 관련된 β-glucosidase는 19종 모든 균주에서 확인되었고, α-arabinofuranosidase 유전자는 3종의 균주, β-xylosidase는 6종 균주, α-rhamnosidase는 8종의 균주에서 확인되었다. 이 중 B. longum CBT BG7는 Rb1으로부터 CK까지 전환시켜, CK 함량을 증가시켰다. 또한, B. breve CBT BR3와 B. lactis CBT BL3은 Rb1을 Rd로 전환시켰다. 균체를 파쇄 또는 미파쇄하여 진세노사이드 전환 반응을 비교했을 때 미파쇄물이 F2와 CK로의 높은 전환량과 수율을 보였다. CBT BG7 + BL3와 BG7 + BR3 혼합균주는 CBT BG7 단독보다 진세노사이드 F2의 함량을 증가시켰다. CBT BG7과 α-amylase 효소를 함께 반응하였을 때에 F2 함량이 증가되었다. 본 연구는 한국형 프로바이오틱스인 CBT BG7, BR3, BL3와 홍삼을 함께 섭취할 경우, 건강에 도움을 주는 생리활성물질인 CK의 생산을 확인하였다. 추후 부탄올 등 다양한 추출용매를 활용하여 생물전환 효율 및 CK로의 전환율에 대한 추가 연구가 필요해 보인다.

The process of manufacturing craft beer involves a wide variety of spontaneous microorganisms, acting in different stages of the brewing process, that contribute to the distinctive characteristics of each style. The objective of this work was to compare the structure of microbial communities associated with two different craft beer styles (Doppelbock and Märzen lagers), at a late maturation stage, and to identify discriminative, or style-specific taxa. Bacterial and fungal microbial communities were analyzed by Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA gene of prokaryotes and the ITS 2 spacer of fungi (eukaryotes). Fungal communities in maturating beer were dominated by the yeast Dekkera, and by lactic acid (Lactobacillus and Pediococcus) and acetic acid (Acetobacter) bacteria. The Doppelbock barrels presented more rich and diverse fungal communities. The Märzen barrels were more variable in terms of structure and composition of fungal and bacterial communities, with occurrence of exclusive taxa of fungi (Aspergillus sp.) and bacteria (L. kimchicus). Minority bacterial taxa, differently represented in the microbiome of each barrel, may underlie the variability between barrels and ultimately, the distinctive traits of each style. The composition of the microbial communities indicates that in addition to differences related to upstream stages of the brewing process, the contact with the wood barrels may contribute to the definition of style-specific microbiological traits.

식물 공생 미생물은 기주 식물과 함께 공생하는 미생물로 생장 촉진, 면역력 증진, 대사체 생성 등의 역할을 수행하며 식물 발달에 영향을 준다. 본 연구를 통해 30년근 산삼에서 분리 동정한 미생물인 W. ginsengihumi LGHNH (KCTC 14462BP)은 식물 생장 촉진 호르몬인 indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)을 1.38 ㎍/ml에서 2.22 ㎍/ml 수준으로 분비함을 확인하였다. 또한 발효 전, 후의 진세노사이드 함량 비교를 통해 진세노사이드 전환능이 있음을 확인하였다. 전환된 저분자 진세노사이드인 Rg2(R), Rg4, Rg6, Rg3(S), Rg3(R), Rk1, Rg5, Rh1(R), Rk3, Rh4 등은 생체 이용률이 높고 다양한 피부 효능을 갖는다고 알려져 있다. 배양물로 제조한 W. ginsengihumi LGHNH (W. ginsengihumi LGHNH Cultured product, WCP)의 항노화 소재로서 가능성을 탐색하기 위해 미토콘드리아의 막전위와 ATP 생합성량을 측정하여 기능 저하 억제 여부를 확인하였다. 노화를 발생시키는 인자인 UVB를 조사한 HaCaT 세포 내 미토콘드리아 막전위 값을 측정한 결과, 미조사군 대비 39.3%로 감소하나 WCP 0.001% (v/v), 0.01% (v/v)에 의해 각각 57.3%, 58.1% 수준까지 회복함을 확인하였다. 또한 미토콘드리아의 ATP 생합성량 측정 결과, UVB 조사에 의해 미조사군 대비 94.3% 수준으로 감소하나 WCP를 0.001% (v/v), 0.01% (v/v) 처리한 군에서 각 각 105.3%, 105.7%로 증가하여 미토콘드리아 기능을 정상으로 회복하는데 도움을 줄 수 있다고 판단된다. 따라서, 본 연구를 통해 확보한 30년근 산삼의 공생 미생물은 항노화 관련 생물 자원으로서 산업적 활용 가능성이 높다.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome contains a positive-sense single-stranded RNA molecule, and it is classified into 8 genotypes and 87 subtypes. Globally, over 350,000 people die from liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma caused by HCV each year. Here, the genotype distribution of HCV was estimated in the population in Cheonan, Korea using Sanger sequencing. In addition, the correlation between HCV RNA level and genotype was assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR); similarly, the correlation of HCV RNA level with isolation year (2007-2016) was determined using 463 consecutive serum samples obtained from patients at Dankook University Hospital, Cheonan, Korea. In 2007, genotype 1b (54.2%) was predominant, followed by genotypes 2a (41.7%), 1a (2.1%) and 3a (2.1%); whereas in 2016, the predominant genotype was 2a (49.0%), followed by genotypes 1b (46.9%), 3b (2%), and 4a (2%). Neither age nor sex was correlated with HCV genotype. Furthermore, the mean HCV RNA level decreased significantly from 2012 to 2016 (p < 0.05). However, no significant correlations between genotype and HCV RNA level were found. Overall, the findings revealed that genotypes 2a and 1b were the most common in Cheonan, and the prevalence of HCV genotype 1b tended to decrease over the past decade.

The infectious bursal disease (IBD) is a highly contagious and acute poultry disease caused by Birnavirus. However, the vaccination is the only disease prevention, but several factors impeded vaccine development. Thus, a need for time to develop a novel technique for managing and treating respiratory diseases in poultry birds. Passive immunization is a hope and a possible alternative used in birds to meet this need. The current research attempted to produce egg yolk-based polyclonal antibodies against the IBD virus. The benefits of IgY include ease of extraction, lack of reaction with mammalian Fc receptors, and low production cost. Commercial layers were immunized with inactivated IBD virus subcutaneously according to the treatment regimen. The eggs were gathered daily, and yolk antibodies were extracted with the ammonium sulfate precipitation technique. The use of an indirect hemagglutination test demonstrated that IgY was IBD-specific. Until the end of the experiment, the specific IgY immunoglobulins did not lose activity when stored at 4℃. The specific immunoglobulin (IgY) treated challenged birds were demonstrated 92% recovery in comparison to the control group. The study implies that the IBDV specific IgY is an easily prepared and rich source of antibodies and offers an alternative therapeutic agent to cure IBD-infected birds.

본 연구에서는 염색체가공기술을 이용하여 xylan으로부터 다양한 대사산물을 생산할 수 있는 유전자를 도입한 효모인 공염색체를 구축하였다. 효율적인 염색체가공기술인 PCS법을 이용하기 위해 염색체 splitting에 필요한 splitting fragment (DNA module)를 각각 제작하였고, xylan 대사에 관여하는 유전자군을 가진 YKY164 균주에 형질전환하였다. 두번의 염색체 splitting에 의해 1,124 kb의 효모 7번염색체는 887 kb-YAC, 45 kb-mini YAC와 198 kb-YAC로 가공되었으며, 총 18개의 염색체를 가진 YKY183 균주를 구축하였다. 염색체가공을 위한 splitting efficiency는 50-78%였으며, 45 kb-mini YAC 상에 있는 외래유전자의 발현 및 효소활성은 염색체가공 전과 비교하여 유의미한 변화 및 저하는 관찰되지 않았다. 또한 생산된 재조합효소에 의한 xylan의 분해산물을 확인하였으며, 160 generation 동안 미니 효모인 공염색체는 염색체의 결실없이 안정적인 mitotic stability를 유지하였다.