원문정보
초록
영어
Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a major adhesive component of fermented soybeans. γ-PGA is an edible and biodegradable polymer with repeated-chain structure of glutamate. The molecular mass of γ-PGA ranges from 10 kDa to 10,000 kDa, dependent on γ-PGA producer. We isolated the special strain that could produce the high molecular mass of γ-PGA, from Chungkookjang, a traditional fermented soybean. For the commercial supply of high molecular mass of γ-PGA, pilot plant was constructed. After freeze-drying in the downstream process the molecular mass of powdered γ-PGA was over 5,000 kDa. Next we established the control process of γ-PGA molecular size, because the molecular mass of γ-PGA is important for its application, since those with different molecular sizes are required for different purposes. High molecular mass of γ−PGA could be applied to control intestinal absorption, moisture retention ability and anti-tumor immunity, suggesting that high molecular mass γ-PGA could be a good candidate for development as functional food, functional cosmetics and medicine. [This work was supported by the 'Seoul R&BD Program(10580)’]