Biofilms are complexly structured communities of microorganisms composed of surface-attached microorganisms, where their effects on the host have been controversial. In this study, we investigated the potential biofilm-forming capacity of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRH020 (DSM25568) by detecting genes known to promote biofilm formation. It was shown that the aggregation substance gene (asa 1) was presented in the LRH020 strain. Therefore, we investigated the phenotypic activities of the gene asa1 via two methods: biofilm formation and autoaggregation activity. It was shown that the strain LRH020 had significantly less ability to form biofilm compared to the positive control strain Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 19433. Furthermore, LRH020 exhibited biofilm-forming activity comparable to Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), widely used probiotics. The auto-aggregation activity of LRH020 was also within the safe range similar to that of LGG. In conclusion, this study shows that both biofilmforming and auto-aggregation activities of the LRH020 are comparable to one of the most studied probiotics strains, LGG.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits onto the host when administered at adequate doses. Most widely used probiotics, such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, are known to be elements of healthy gut microflora and hence are not considered a threat to the host. However, probiotics may pose a risk in certain populations with compromised immune systems or defects in gut barrier functions. Herein, we evaluated the safety of Bifidobacterium breve BB077, according to the safety evaluation guidelines for probiotics produced by the National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation (NIFDS). The results show that B. breve BB077 is both non-hemolytic and non-cytolytic. In contrast, B. breve BB077 exhibited higher streptomycin and tetracycline resistance than the suggested NIFDS standard cut-off values. Hence, a genetic analysis of the streptomycin and tetracycline resistance genes was performed to determine the origin of antimicrobial resistance. Streptomycin and tetracycline resistance was shown have arisen from chromosomal mutations and considered intrinsic to the taxonomic group. In conclusion, the B. breve BB077 strain might be safe for human consumption.

Probiotic strain is known to regulate the immune system by colonizing in the intestine and interact with intestinal cell receptors of lymphoid tissue. In this study, safety of Streptococcus thermophilus KCTC14471BP and silk fibroin coating effects was evaluated with respect to mucin binding abilities and immune system modulation. S. thermophilus KCTC14471BP was coated with silk fibroin by adding 1% water-soluble calcium and 0.1% silk fibroin. S. thermophilus KCTC14471BP showed the high activities of leucine arylamidase and β-galactosidase. Regarding the antibiotic resistance tests, S. thermophilus KCTC14471BP was susceptible to ampicillin, vancomycin, gentamicin, kanamycin, streptomycin, erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol. S. thermophilus KCTC14471BP coated with silk fibroin showed the improved mucin binding ability from 16.1% to 71.3% and was confirmed to have no cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 macrophage. S. thermophilus KCTC14471BP coated with silk fibroin showed dose-dependently significant increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. These results suggested that S. thermophilus KCTC14471BP can be expected as a promising probiotic bacteria for applications to food industries such as fermentation or functional foods.

The detection of the genome-based antibiotic resistance gene is an essential analysis process for the purpose of verifying the safety of probiotic strains, including lactic acid bacteria. In this study, 4 analysis platforms (AMRFinderPlus, staramr, rgi, ABRicate) were used for cross-comparison of 782 genomes corresponding to 19 kinds of probiotic species notified as functional foods. As a result of the analysis, the relatively fewest number of antibiotic resistance genes were detected in strains belonging to the order Lactobacillales, and antibiotic resistance genes were detected in 322 genomes used in the case of 2 types of Enterococcus genus. In addition, the presence and type of antibiotic resistance gene detection showed a lot of difference even for the same genome sequence depending on the database and analysis algorithm used by the analysis platform. These results can be confused in evaluating the potential for transmission of antibiotic resistance genes inherent in specific lactic acid bacteria and predicting potential risks that may occur in the future. Accordingly, it is judged that the antibiotic resistance gene-related analysis criteria need to be established more clearly and specifically in the safety evaluation of probiotic bacteria.

포스트바이오틱스(postbiotics)는 프로바이오틱스(probiotics)가 발효과정 중 생산하는 유용한 대사산물과 미생물의 구성성분을 포 함하는 개념이다. 포스트바이오틱스는 기존 프로바이오틱스 소재가 갖는 안전성(safety), 기능성(function), 안정성(stability)의 한계를 극복할 수 있는 새로운 대안 소재로 주목받고 있다. 사균화 처리과정으로, 특정 대사물질의 복합물 형태로 제조되고 있기에 기존 생균제보다 가공, 포장, 유통, 섭취가 용이하다. 면역력이 낮은 환자나 건강 취약 계층의 소비자들도 안전하게 섭취할 수 있는 것도 장점이다. 뿐만 아니라, 체내에서 면역 조절, 감염 방지, 지질 및 콜레스테롤 대사, 항산화 기능을 보이고 있어, 앞으로 건강기능 식품 우수 소재로 활용될 가능성은 더 커질 것이다. 다만, 대부분의 연구들이 아직은 세포실험과 동물시험인 단계이기에 실제 인체적용 시험을 마친 소재들은 적은 편이다. 향후 꾸준한 연구성과를 바탕으로 다양한 기능을 가진 포스트바이오틱스 소재와 제품들이 개발된다면 건강기능식품 산업에 새로운 성장동력이 될 것으로 예상 된다.

Effects of pH and salt concentration on rheological and thermal properties of Pacific whiting surimi were investigated. As pH increased from 6 to 7.5, failure shear stress and strain values increased from 15.4 to 31.32 kPa, whereas lightness values (L * ) decreased from 86.22 to 78.86. Storage modulus (G') followed a trend similar to failure shear stress. A linear relationship (r 2 =0.89) was found between G' and failure stress values as a function of pH. Increasing salt concentration up to 1% increased failure shear stress to 27.14 kPa without salt to 34.30 kPa, and strain values from 1.73 to 1.91, whereas further increase had a negative effect. The relationship between dynamic rheological data and failure shear stress was not linear, indicating that salt concentration cannot be used as an index for estimating final gel quality. The transition temperatures obtained from temperature sweep measurements of Pacific whiting surimi at different salt concentrations showed similar peak temperatures as DSC thermograms, indicating lower stability due to increased salt concentration.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the extraction yield and physicochemical characteristics of mucin from the epidermal mucus of Misgurnus mizolepis. Ninety percent ethanol produced the highest yield of mucin. At higher concentrations, mucin had more elastic properties, as revealed by dynamic viscoelasticity measurements. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) demonstrated that mucin is a thermostable glycoprotein. Denaturation enthalpy increased as mucin concentration increased. Mucin inhibited the growth of both Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus, but had better antimicrobial activity in the former. Mucin also exhibited antioxidant activity, equivalent to 66.64% of that of L-cysteine. Mucin inhibited elastase activity and MMP-1 & MMP-2 expression activity, and induced hyaluronic acid expression. It is indicating that mucin is effective in moisturizing and anti-aging the skin. Thus, mucin from the epidermal mucus of Misgurnus mizolepis could have great potential as a non-food material in various industries.

Probiotics have been shown to benefit human health through their role in improving the health of our body, especially gastrointestinal tracts. Probiotic bacteria are commonly incorporated into a variety of functional foods or drug formulations. Despite the extensive commercial exploitation of probiotic bacteria, there are still major knowledge gaps regarding the precise molecular composition and labeling of products. Several studies have reported issues concerning the accuracy of labeling of commercial probiotic products, including inaccurate taxonomy and cell counting. The study of microbiology and genomics has been accelerated by the invention of new technologies such as next generation sequencing (NGS) and flow cytometry (FACS). Recent many studies showed that NGS and FACS technology can be also applied for quality control of commercial probiotics. Here, we review advantages and limitations of current technologies for quality control of commercial probiotics. Principles and applications of new technologies are also introduced as alternative tools for the same purposes.

The purpose of this study is to optimize the extraction conditions (time, pH, and temperature) for water-soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and solids from Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) stems and to evaluate the functionality of the optimized extract. The maximum extraction yield was obtained when 100% distilled water was used, indicating that ethanol hampered the extraction. The extraction yields were lower at higher temperatures and lower pHs. The maximum extraction of SDF (27.92%) and solids (5.6 g) was achieved with a 7-h extraction at 50oC and pH 7.0, with desirability being 0.958. The stem extract obtained under the optimum extraction conditions had an antioxidant capacity of 118.10 mg vitamin C equivalents (VCE) using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. In a medium containing 30% extract, the growth of E. coli was reduced by 34%, while that of B. cereus was reduced by 23%. These results suggest that OFI stems can be used as a functional resource.

The rate of salt and sugar into pickled cabbages was determined, and physicochemical characteristics, such as sensory, texture, and pH, of vinegar pickled cabbages during storage were examined at different storage temperatures and vinegar concentrations. The rate of salt and sugar penetration was faster in smaller size and on leaves rather than the stem of cabbage. Also, higher salt and sugar concentration and higher storage temperatures led to increase in salt and sugar permeation rate. As a result of sensory test, lower storage temperature is the most suitable, and 6% vinegar concentration was the mostly appropriate. Hardness and cohesiveness were decreased significantly at the initial 1st week storage time, but storage temperature did not show any significant effect. Addition of vinegar contents enhanced the hardness, but decreased cohesiveness. The pH was lowered with increasing vinegar content, indicated most significant factor on pickled cabbage. In general, salt and sugar contents rather than storage temperature have greater influence on permeation rate, and especially, addition of vinegar affects the texture of pickled cabbage.

The purpose of this study was to utilize the stem of Opuntia ficus-indica and to optimize the extraction conditions and standardize extract process for water soluble dietary fiber and solid. Extraction process was optimized by applying various conditions such as pH, ethanol concentration, extracting temperature and time. Maximum extraction yield for water soluble dietary fiber and solid were obtained using 100% water, indicating that ethanol hampered extraction. Also, extraction was unstable with higher heat, longer extraction time, and low acidic conditions. Maximum extraction of water soluble dietary fiber (27.92%) and solid (5.6 g) were obtained at 50°C, pH7, and 7 hr extraction time. Extract had antioxidant capacity at 1105.98 mg vitamin C equivalents (VCE) on ABTS assay and 118.10 mg VCE on DPPH assay.

Physicochemical characteristics of vinegar pickled cabbages during storage were examined. 3x3 cm cube-shaped stems and leaves of cabbages examined in different pickling condition (salt 2, 4, 6, 8% and sugar 5, 10, 15, 20% brix) for 12 hours, and salt and sugar penetration rate were measured at every 2 hours. The vinegar pickled cabbages were stored for 4 weeks at 3 different temperature conditions (5, 15, and 25℃), and sensory test and TPA test were performed at intervals of every week. The rates of salt and sugar penetration were faster on the leaves than on the stem of cabbage. Also, increase in salt and sugar concentration of solutions led to increase in salt and sugar permeation rate. As a result of sensory test, both leaves and stems of cabbages stored at 5℃ did not show any significant difference with storage time. However, preference degree of cabbages stored at 15 and 25℃ decreased significantly as increasing the storage time. Hardness and cohesiveness of pickled cabbage were increased significantly as the storage time increased, but storage temperature did not give any effect on them.

Differences in sugar and salt penetrarion rates of radish depending on size and concentration of solution were examined. 2x2x2 and 4x4x4 cm cube-shaped radish examined in different pickling condition (salt 2, 4, 6, 8% and sugar 5, 10, 15, 20% brix). After 12hr storage, Salt penetration rate of radish cut into 2x2x2 cm was faster than that of 4x4x4 cm in all salt solution. Size dependent sugar penetration showed same tendency with size dependent salt penetration. Also, increase in salt and sugar concentration led to increase in salt and sugar permeation rate.

Although rice production gradually increased in Korea, rice consumption has been significantly reduced during the last decade. To increase rice consumption, it is necessary to develop a wide range of rice-processed foods and functional rice materials. In association with digestion in rice-functional materials, people are interested in resistant starch (RS). The purpose of this study was to develop the citrated organic rice flour by dry process with different treatments and to investigate its physicochemical properties. Citric acid (0, 20, 30, 40% dry basis) was mixed with organic rice flour and reacted at 105oC and 150oC for 5 h. The degree of substitution increased with increasing citric acid concentration and reaction temperature. In DSC, when reacted at 105oC, onset temperature gradually decreased with increasing citric acid concentration but no DSC thermal characteristics were observed when reacted at 150oC. Relative crystallinity determined by XRD did not greatly change at 105oC but dramatically decreased at 150oC. As citric acid concentration and reaction temperature increased, rapidly digestible starch, slowly digestible starch, and total starch decreased but RS significantly increased. Therefore, RS content in organic rice flour increased with dryprocessed citric acid treatment and this could be applicable to produce functional foods for diabetes.

Opuntia is a cactus with fruits and is also called prickly pear. Extraction process of water soluble fiber from opuntia stem powder was optimized by applying various conditions such as ethanol concentration, temperature and pH. Fiber extraction was highest in 0% ethanol and lowest in 100% ethanol, indicated that hot distilled water extraction produced maximum water soluble fiber. Among temperature range from 50 to 90°C, water soluble fiber was extracted mostly at 50°C and leastly at 90°C, showing decrease in fiber with increase in temperature. On the other hand, pH higher than 7 did not show any significant difference in fiber extraction, while fiber extraction decreased in lower pH 7. Conclusively ethanol hampered extraction of water soluble fiber from opuntia stem powder and extraction was not stable with higher heat and low acidic condition.

Differences in sugar and salt diffusion rates of cabbage depending on size and part were examined. Whole, 3x3 and 5×5 cube sliced cabbage examined indifferent pickling condition (salt 2, 4, 6, 8% and sugar 5, 10, 15, 20% brix). After 12hr storage, salt absorption depending on part was determined to be higher in leaf, followed by stem in all salt solution. Sugar distribution was also determined to be higher in leaf, followed by stem, showing same trend with salt diffusion. Salt diffusion was found to be highest in 3×3 sliced cabbage. Where as 5×5 sliced cabbage and then whole cabbage showed lower diffusion rate in all brix sugar solution. Size dependent sugar diffusion showed same tendency with size dependent salt diffusion. Also, increase in salt and sugar concentration led to increase in salt and sugar permeation rate.

Quality characteristics such as texture and sensory properties of garaetteok(Korean rice cake)made with organic rice flour treated withcitric acid were investigated. Compared to rice flour without addition of citric acid,rice flour treated with citric acid showed a significantly lower viscosity and viscoelasticity level as the concentration of citric acid increased. Hardness of garaetteokmade with citric acid showed a similar trend in viscoelasticity changes, whereas cohesiveness was not significantly affected by the pretreatment of citric acid.Garaetteok of 0.5% citric acid pretreatment showed the highest scores in hardness, springiness, chewiness and overall acceptability.However,flavor and taste of garaetteokof citric acid pretreatment were lower than those of the control.

The objective of this study was to determine rheological properties of cold water-soluble potato starch. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) study showed that granule size of cold water-soluble potato starch was 10-60 μm, and shape was dimple in the middle, likely due to starch shrinkage after swelling during treatment. Cold water-soluble starch was prepared by ethanol (60%) and 3 M NaOH. The cold water solubility of native potato starch was low at 4.43±2.9%, whereas the solubility of cold water-soluble starch was high at 81.01±0.9%. The DSC diagram showed a gelatinization peak temperature of native starch but no such peak for treated starch. In dynamic tests, cold water-soluble starch showed decreased storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G'') with increasing temperature, while native starch showed a continuous increase in G' and G''. This results indicated that cold water-soluble starch showed different granule structure and rheological properties.