ABSTRACT
The production of useful phenolic flavor compounds by utilizing Lactobacillus acidophilus MTCC 10307 was studied. Ferulic acid, vanillic acid and vanillin were obtained as the significant phenolic acids from the fermentation medium. The compounds were identified and quantified by high-performance thin-layer chromatography. The phenolic acids were detected for 15 days. A maximum quantity of ferulic acid was quantified on the 9th day of incubation and the quantity decreased on further incubation. While the utmost amounts of vanillic acid and vanillin were detected on the 12th day of incubation. The concentration of carbohydrates from the de-starched bagasse was also estimated and was contrasted with that of the original (control) bagasse. The growth pattern of the microorganism was also studied. The quantity of ferulic acid measured per kg of sugarcane bagasse on the 9th day of incubation was determined to be approximately 275 mg whereas 18 mg and 15 mg of vanillic acid and vanillin, respectively, were measured per kg of bagasse on the 12th day of incubation. Ferulic acid esterase was isolated and the fermentation conditions such as pH, temperature and incubation period were standardized for the maximum recovery of the enzyme. The results revealed that in optimized condition, ferulic acid esterase yield was found to be 2.2 U ml-1 at 35 °C, whereas ferulic acid esterase yield was 2.3 U ml-1 at 6.5 pH and 2.4 U ml-1 after 60 h of the incubation period.
Subject(s)
Lactobacillus acidophilus , Saccharum , CelluloseABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Dioscorea pentaphylla L., a wild tuber is used both as food and medicines among different ethnic groups of Similipal Biosphere Reserve, India. Tubers are used against skin infections. In order to establish and confirm tribal claims, methanol extract was subjected to fractionation. The active fraction (DP1) was subsequently used for further purification and NMR (Nuclear magnetic resonance) characterization. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponin groups. The antibacterial activity of DP1 was done against selected bacterial strains (Salmonella typhi, Shigella flexneri, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus mutans and Vibrio cholerae) using DD (disc diffusion), AWD (agar well diffusion) and broth dilution assay. The activity was compared with antibiotics Penicillin and Kanamycin. It was observed that DP1 showed significant inhibitory activity against the tested bacteria. The characterization of DP1 through NMR analysis and presence of proton in carbon position at C-3, C-19, C-18, C-21 and C-27 was same as the known compound "Diosgenin". Therefore, isolated compound was confirmed to be Diosgenin. The study for the first time showed that, diosgenin present in D. pentaphylla tuber was responsible for antibacterial and antioxidant potential. Present study highlights the importance of Dioscorea species as sources of diverse secondary metabolites for the isolation of active compound(s).
