Biocontrol Science. 9, 77-81 (2004)

The results of a collaborative research with the faculty of Agriculture at Okayama University have been published in the Biocontrol Science. 

【Objective】

The culture fluid of E. faecalis TH10 isolated from tempeh showed a high antibacterial activity against various kinds of disease-causing germs. In this test, we tried to identify and refine the substance which contributed to the antibacterial activity.

【Methods】

We extract culture supernatant of E.faecalis TH10 with solvents and examined its fractions which has the antibacterial activity by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (reversed phase HPLC). Subsequently, we performed gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS ) to identify an antibacterial agent.

【Results】

Based on the test about fractionating culture supernatant by HPLC, a fraction eluted by 80% methanol showed a high antibacterial activity against MRSA and the Eschericha coli O-157. As a result of the identification test, E.faecalis TH10 produces phenyllactic acid and the ratio of D- and L-rotatory phenyllactic acid was 2:1. The lactic acid bacteria which produce D- and L-rotatory at the same time have not been found before, so we found this is the original characteristic of E. faecalis TH10 and it suggested that E. faecalis TH10 contributed to high antibiotic action.