The optimal production of γ-aminobutylic acid (GABA) has
been accomplished using the extract of Phellinus linteus
fruiting body (PLF) and Lactobacillus plantarum KS2020. To
optimize the production of GABA through lactic acid fermentation, the medium
composition was optimized for the concentration of glucose, monosodium glutamate
(MSG), and yeast extract. The solid content, pH, acidity of PLF extract was
1.37%, 5.85, and 0.03%, respectively. The content of the minerals Ca, Mg, K, Na,
P, Fe, and Mn in the PLF extract were 3.65, 2.07, 1.95, 1.43, 0.88, 0.05, and
0.01 mg per 100 g, respectively. In case of single lactic acid fermentation with
the PLF extract including 5% MSG as a precursor and 1.5% yeast extract, the pH
and acidity of the fermented PLF extract were 5.96, and 0.25%, respectively, and
the viable cell count was 8.56 log CFU/mL. After 9 days of stationary
fermentation, MSG was converted to highly concentrated GABA. High performance
liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed that, the initial content of GABA
(21.18 mg/100 g) increased to 2,412.34 mg/100 g in the fermented PLF extract. In
conclusion, the fermented PLF extract using L. plantarum KS2020
and MSG as a precursor can be used for the production of high-value functional
food ingredients, such as GABA and probiotics.