• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.76-84
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• 2015

This study aimed to investigate awareness of processed foods and chronic disease in high school students (male 94 and female 85) in the Yongin area. Awareness of chronic disease caused by excessive intake of processed foods was 83.0% and 91.8% in male and female students, and the most harmful processed food was instant noodles (34.1%). The most fearful chronic disease was cancer (25.5%) and obesity (25.5%) in males, whereas female answered obesity (34.1%). Awareness of synthetic preservatives was the most negative answer among food additives, and the most useful information was harmfulness of food additives. Percentages of correct answers towards cardiovascular disease-causing food components, including lipids, saturated fat, cholesterol, and trans fat, and dietary fiber for prevention of obesity were 57.0% and 54.2%, respectively. The percentage of correct answers towards developing hypertension by excessive intake of sodium was very low at 24.6%. Consequently, high school students generally showed a negative attitude towards processed foods without accurate information related to prevention or food components causing chronic disease, especially sodium. Thus, an appropriate program and persistent nutrition education are required for healthy food choices to prevent chronic disease among processed foods.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.930-937
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• 2011

To develop natural preservatives or functional health foods from soybeans (Baektae and Taekwang), the antioxidant and fibrinoytic activities of the water and 70% (v/v) ethanol extract of soybeans and fermented soybean paste (Chungkukjang) were examined. The polyphenol contents of water extracts from Baektae and Baektae Chungkukjang were 189.25 mg/100 g and 814.58 mg/100 g, respectively, whereas those from Taekwang and Taekwang Chungkukjang were 210.23 mg/100 g and 834.23 mg/100 g. The polyphenol contents of the water extracts from Chungkukjang was 4.0~4.3-fold higher than those from soybean. The electron-donating abilities (EDAs) and superoxide dismutase-(SOD)-like activities of the water and ethanol extracts from Chungkukjang were higher than those of the extracts from soybean. Both extracts were found to have had fibrinolytic activity, and the highest activity was present in the water extracts of Baektae Chungkukjang. The polyphenol contents and antioxidative and fibrinolytic activities of the extracts from Chungkukjang were higher than those of the other soybean extracts. These results indicate that Chungkukjang can be used as a material for health foods or natural antioxidants.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.225-233
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• 2019

In this study, we investigated the in vitro anti-biofilm activities of plant extracts of chives (Allium tuberosum), garlic (Allium sativum), and radish (Raphanus sativus L.) against environment harmful bacteria (gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and, gram-negative Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli O157:H7). In the paper disc assay, garlic extracts exhibited the highest anti-biofilm activity. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of all plant extracts was generally higher for gram-negative bacteria than it was for gram-positive bacteria. Gram-negative bacteria were more resistant to plant extracts. The tetrazolium dye (XTT) assay revealed that, each plant extract exhibited a different anti-biofilm activity at the MIC value depending on the pathogen involved. Among the plant extracts tested, garlic extracts (fresh juice and powder) effectively reduced the metabolic activity of the cells of food-poisoning bacteria in biofilms. These anti-biofilm activities were consistent with the results obtained through light microscopic observation. Though the garlic extract reduced biofilm formation for all pathogens tested, to elucidate whether this reduction was due to antimicrobial effects or anti-biofilm effects, we counted the colony forming units of pathogens in the presence of the garlic extract and a control antimicrobial drug. The garlic extract inhibited the E. coli O157:H7 biofilm effectively compared to the control antimicrobial drug ciprofloxacin; however, it did not inhibit S. aureus biofilm significantly compared to ciprofloxacin. In conclusion, garlic extracts could be used as natural food preservatives to prevent the growth of foodborne pathogens and elongater the shelf life of processed foods.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.29-36
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• 2019

We investigated the fermentation conditions for extracts of leave/branches and sap from Korean Dendropanax morbifera (D. morbifera) using Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) ilchiwhangchil 1785 and L. plantarum ilchiwhangchil 2020. Log growth phase cultured L. plantarum ilchiwhangchil 1785 and L. plantarum ilchiwhangchil 2020 were used for fermentation. The pH and growth of the microorganisms in broth were monitored during the fermentation period. The results revealed that the optimum fermentation conditions for 20 wt% of leave/branches extracts and 1 wt% of sap extract was 2 days incubation at $37^{\circ}C$. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method and a disk diffusion assay were used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the fermented extracts of the leave/branches and sap against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antimicrobial activity increased in all three strains grown on the medium containing fermented extracts of the leave/branches and sap as compared with that of the strains grown on medium containing non fermented extracts. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity increased in proportion to the contents of the fermented extracts. Our data suggest that fermented extracts of leave/branches and sap of D. morbifera have applications as natural bio functional materials, such as preservatives, cosmetic materials, and natural packaging materials.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.651-661
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• 2021

Eruca sativa, called arugula, is a perennial plant in the Brassicaceae family, an edible plant commonly used in Italian cuisine. To study as a cosmetic material application E. sativa was extracted with 70% ethanol (ES). Then ES was fractionated using n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butyl alcohol and water (EHex, EEA, ECHCl₃, EBuOH and EDW). EEA showed mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory activity. ES, EEA and EBuOH showed inhibition of tyrosinase activity. As a result, ES is expected to have skin whitening efficacy. ES was applied to 0.05, 0.1% the toner and emulsion formulation to test the stability. The anti-microbial activity of eight bacteria and fungi including Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes which cause dermatitis and acne was evaluated. EEA showed effects in all of microorganisms. The toner and emulsion containing ES with 0.05, 0.1% were passed in the challenge test. At -20, 4, 25, 55 ℃ and daylight, there was no significant change on pH, viscosity for 4 months. However, emulsions had phase separation phenomenon at 55 ℃, so the base formulation needs improvement. In addition, through the skin penetration test, EEA penetrated 0.058% in 6 hr, predicting the clinical efficacy. This means that E. sativa can contribute whitening agent and the synergistic effect of preservatives.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.281-287
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• 2021

In this study, we analyzed the cosmetic applicability of extract from snow tea, native to Lijiang, Yunnan-province, China. After confirming the species as N. grossedentata through DNA analysis of Lijiang snow tea, experiments were conducted using representative tea, green tea, and a representative control group for each efficacy analysis. Both teas were extracted using 70% (v/v) ethanol aqueous solution. The polyphenol content in the Lijiang snow tea extract (gallic acid equivalent, 23.9 ± 3.2 mg/mL) was higher than that in green tea extract (16.4 ± 2.3 mg/mL). In contrast, the antioxidant (Radical scavenging, IC₅₀ 104 ㎍/mL), tyrosinase enzyme inhibitory (whitening agent, IC₅₀ 40.7 ㎍/mL), and Escherichia coli growth inhibitory (preservative) activities (IC₅₀ 2.85 mg/mL) were analyzed based on the solid content in the extract, and it was confirmed that the activities of Lijiang snow tea extract were superior to those of green tea extract (radical scavenging, IC₅₀ 234 ㎍/mL. It also showed similar efficacy to previously used active substances such as antioxidants (vitamin C, IC₅₀ 108 ㎍/mL), whitening agents (vitamin C, IC₅₀ 80㎍/mL), and preservatives (methylparaben, IC₅₀ 4.35 mg/mL). However, green tea was found to be better in collagenase inhibition activity (anti-wrinkle). Through this study, the cosmetic application potential of Lijiang snow tea is high.

• Journal of Korean Society of Water and Wastewater
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.107-119
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• 2022

The frequent detection and occurrence of micropollutants (MPs) in aquatic ecosystems has raised public health concerns worldwide. In this study, the behavior of 50 MPs was investigated in three different domestic wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Furthermore, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to assess the geographical and seasonal variation of MPs in the WWTPs. The results showed that the concentrations of 43 MPs ranged from less than 0.1 to 237.6 ㎍ L^-1, while other seven MPs including 17-ethynylestradiol, 17-estradiol, sulfathiazole, sulfamethazine, clofibric acid, simvastatin, and lovastatin were not detected in all WWTPs. Among the detected MPs, the pharmaceuticals such as metformin, acetaminophen, naproxen, and caffeine were prominent with maximum concentrations of 133.4, 237.6, 71.5, and 107.7 ㎍ L^-1, respectively. Most perfluorinated compounds and nitrosamines were found at trace levels of 1.2 to 55.3 ng L^-1, while the concentration of corrosion inhibitors, preservatives (parabens), and endocrine disruptors ranged from less than 0.1 to 4310.8 ng L^-1. Regardless of the type of biological treatment process such as MLE, A2O, and MBR, the majority of pharmaceuticals (except lincomycin, diclofenac, iopromide, and carbamazepine), parabens (except Methyl paraben), and endocrine disruptors were removed by more than 80%. However, the removal efficiencies of certain MPs such as atrazine, DEET, perfluorinated compounds (except PFHxA), nitrosamines, and corrosion inhibitors were relatively low or their concentration even increased after treatment. The results of statistical analysis reveal that there is no significant geographical difference in the removal efficacy of MPs, but there are temporal seasonal variations in all WWTPs.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.91-101
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• 2023

Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides synthesized on ribosomes, produced by bacteria, that inhibit the growth of similar or closely related bacterial strains. Since the discovery of nisin, many bacteriocins with unique structures and various modes of antibacterial activity have been described, and genes encoding production, secretion, and immunity have been reported. Nisin is one of the bacteriocins applied in cheese, liquid eggs, sauces and canned foods. Many of the bacteriocins of the genus Bacillus belong to lantibiotics, which are modified peptides after translation. Other genus Bacillus also produce many non-lantibiotic bacteriocins. Bacteriocins of the genus Bacillus are sometimes becoming more important because of their broader antibacterial spectrum. Bacteriocins are considered attractive compounds in the food and pharmaceutical industries to prevent food spoilage and growth of pathogenic bacteria. Bacteriocins can be used as biological preservatives in a variety of ways in the food system. Biopreservation refers to extending shelf life and improving safety of foods using microorganisms and/or their metabolites. The demand for new antimicrobial compounds has generated great interest in new technologies that can improve food microbiological safety. Applications of bacteriocins are expanding from food to human health. Today, many researchers are shifting their interest in bacteriocins from food preservation to the treatment of bacteria that cause infections and antibiotic-resistant diseases. This exciting new era in bacteriocin research will undoubtedly lead to new inventions and new applications. In this review, we summarize the various properties and applications of bacteriocins produced by the genus Bacillus.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.289-294
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• 2023

Background: Artificial sweeteners are chemically synthesized substances used to add sweetness to foods. Representative substances include aspartame and acesulfame-K, which are 200 times sweeter than sugar. Recently, the IARC classified aspartame as class 2B, but Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of South Korea announced that it would maintain the current usage standards. Acesulfame-K, which has the potential to cause cancer, was excluded from the list of possible carcinogens, raising questions about its safety. According to a survey by the Consumers Union of Korea, 85% of makgeolli includes artificial sweeteners, but the content labelling is not indicated. It is necessary to accurately determine the intake of artificial sweeteners through makgeolli. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the safety of makgeolli consumption by identifying the content of artificial sweeteners (aspartame, acesulfam-K) and preservatives (sorbic acid). Methods: Twenty makgeolli samples were purchased from large supermarkets and convenience stores by referring to the sales ranking of makgeolli products distributed in South Korea and the purchase ranking from online sites. The sample was sonicated to remove alcohol and carbon dioxide. Nine mL of acetonitrile was mixed with 1 mL of the prepared sample, centrifuged, and the supernatant was filtered and analyzed using HPLC. Results: As a result of the analysis, aspartame was detected in 17 products and acesulfame-K was detected in ten. The ADI of aspartame (40 mg/kg·bw/day) is higher than the EDI based on the maximum concentration 126.5 ㎍/mL. The ADI of acesulfame-K (15 mg/kg·bw/day) is higher than the EDI based on the highest concentration of 82.96 ㎍/mL. Although the health risk is low, IARC has raised the possibility of aspartame causing carcinogenesis, so there is a need to reevaluate the standards and regulations for artificial sweeteners. Conclusions: Through this study, we aimed to determine the content of aspartame and acesulfame-K contained in makgeolli currently distributed in South Korea and the safety of exposure to the human body when consumed.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.311-318
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• 2023

This study was performed to determine the contents of propionic, benzoic, and sorbic acids in dried seasoned seafood products (n=27) sold in Korea. Propionic acid was determined using a gas chromatogramphy-flame ionization detector. Benzoic and sorbic acid were analyzed by using a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector. Benzoic acid was not detected in the dried seasoned seafood products; however, propionic and sorbic acid were detected in some samples. The concentrations of propionic acid and sorbic acid were up to 125.10 mg/kg and 658.18 mg/kg in dried seasoned seafood products, respectively. Of eight samples labeled with potassium sorbate, sorbic acid was detected in seven of them. The detected sorbic acid levels in these samples met the regulations for sorbic acid usage in Korea. The propionic, benzoic, and sorbic acid contents of dried seasoned seafood products determined in this study can provide basic data for safety management of dried seasoned seafood products in future.