earticle

영어

The D-form of lactic acid is frequently detected in fermented foods, and an excessive dietary intake of D-lactic acid may induce metabolic stress in both infants and patients. This work was carried out to determine the prevailing microorganisms relevant to the accumulation of D-lactic acid in kimchi. Leuconostoc (Leuc.) mesenteroides and Leuc. citreum primarily synthesized D-lactate with a small quantity of L-form. Leuc. gelidum and Leuc. inhae evidenced patterns similar to this. Lactobacillus (Lb.) plantarum and Lb. brevis were shown to convert glucose into a balanced mixture of D-/L-lactic acid, whereas Lb. casei principally synthesized L-lactic acid and a very small quantity of D-lactic acid. When kimchi was incubated at 8 or 22℃, D-lactic acid was over-produced than L-form. Leuconostoc was determined as the primary producer between the initial to mid-phase of fermentation and Lb. plantarum or Lb. brevis seemed to boost D-lactic acid content during later stage of acid accumulation.