An Efficient γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Producing and Nitrite Reducing Ability of <i>Lactobacillus plantarum</i> BC114 Isolated from Chinese Paocai

Abstract

Some γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) producing and nitrite reducing lactic acid bacteria were isolated from Sichuan paocai, a Chinese traditional fermented vegetable. Determination of GABA and sodium nitrite residue was carried out by thin layer chromatography combined with HPLC and colorimetric analysis, respectively. It was found that BC114 strain which was identified and designated as Lactobacillus plantarum BC114 possessed the highest GABA producing and nitrite degradation capacity in MRS broth with 5 g/L monosodium glutamate (MSG) and 100 mg/L sodium nitrite. Then, GABA production and nitrite degradation ability were enhanced by optimizing culture conditions, such as time, pH, temperature and MSG concentration. The greatest yield (3.45 g/L) of GABA was determined after 72 h fermentation in MRS with 20 g/L MSG at 30°C and initial pH 5.5. Furthermore, nitrite degradation ability reached the maximum value of 90.17%. These results suggested that L. plantarum BC114 with GABA producing and nitrite reducing ability has the potential to be starter culture and promote the development of functional fermented foods.