To develop a multi-functional ingredient, the bioconversion of
katsuobushi protein was optimized using Bacillus
subtilis HA and Lactobacillus plantarum KS2020.
The Dendropanax morbiferus extract (DME) culture with protease
activity (102 unit/mL) was prepared by B. subtilis with
2% glucose and 1% skim milk through one day of alkaline
fermentation. Katsuobushi protein was effectively hydrolyzed by
the DME culture at 60°C for 3 hours, resulting in a tyrosine content of
156.85 mg%. Subsequently, a second lactic acid fermentation was carried
out with 10% monosodium glutamate (MSG) using L.
plantarum KS2020 to produce higher levels of GABA. Following
co-cultivation for three days, DME exhibited a pH of 8.3 (0% acidity).
After seven days, the viable cell count of L. plantarum
increased to 9.33 CFU/mL, but viable Bacillus cells were not
detected. Taken together, a multi-functional ingredient with enriched GABA,
peptides, probiotics, and umami flavor was developed through lactic acid
fermentation using hydrolyzed katsuobushi protein. These
results indicate that katsuobushi protein could be used as a
byproduct to produce a palatable protein hydrolysate using alkaline-fermented
DME culture as a proteolytic enzyme source.