Abstract
The genetically modified microorganism (GMM) is derived from the techniques of modern biotechnology which is purposed to use in food and pharmaceutical industry. However, safety assessment for the potential risk of GMM must be considered. We introduced detection of antibiotic resistance genes, pepsin digestion assay and evaluation of intestinal microflora to assess the safety of GMM. The samples applied in this study were genetically modified lactic acid bacteria Lactococcus lactis NZ9000/pNZPNK and the host strain L. lactis NZ9000. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of GM strain resulted in correct sequence of antibiotic resistance gene cat, indicating that antibiotic resistance gene remained unchanged after genetic engineering. By applying GM strain and host strain to pepsin digestion assay, the protein fractions of both soluble protein fractions and cell debris were degraded completely and rapidly. The produced nattokinase was undetectable after digestion with western blotting analysis. To assess the interaction between GM strain and intestinal microflora, Wistar rats received GM strain and host strain. Several important intestinal bacteria were counted. A significant increase in the count of Bifidobacterium in rat feces was observed after fed both GM and host strains for 4 weeks, but the count of Bifidobacterium had showed no significant change after fed GM and host strains for 6 weeks and the count of Clostridium perfringens in rat feces had no difference in all groups. These results suggest that Lactococcus lactis NZ9000/pNZPNK has low allergenicity and likely to be safe for human consumption.
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