earticle

영어

2-methoxy-ρ-benzoquinone (2-MBQ) and 2,6-dimethoxy-ρ-benzoquinone (2,6-DMBQ) have antimicrobial- and immune-stimulatory effect. These compounds are abundant in wheat germ as a form of glycone. It is well known that bioconversion of wheat germ glycosidic bond to 2-MBQ and 2,6-DMBQ requires glucosidase. This study was performed in an attempt to investigate the possible application of lactic acid and yeast producing β-glucosidase as starter cultures for production of 2-MBQ and 2,6-DMBQ from wheat germ. Lactobacillus zeae and Pichia pjperi, selected through β-glucosidase enzyme assay for 38 yeast strains and 6 lactic acid bacteria, were used for fermentation of wheat germ. It was found that Lb. zeae, compared with P. pjperi, was more efficient for production of 2-MBQ and 2,6-DMBQ from wheat germ. Concentration of 2-MBQ produced by mixed culture of Lb. zeae and P. pijperi for 48 hr was approximately 1.6-fold higher than that produced by pure culture of Lb. zeae. Contrary to expectation, concentration of 2,6-DMBQ was not enhanced significantly by mixed culture of Lb. zeae and P. pijperi.