Bioproduction of Conjugated Linolenic Acid by L. plantarum Using Linolenic Acid as a Substrate

Whole cell biocatalysis is an environment-friendly method for selective synthesis of bioactive isomers of conjugated linolenic acid (CLnA), the potential anticarcinogenic, antiatherogenic and a number of other therapeutic qualities bearing substance. Present study was design to use Lactobacillus plantarum as a whole cell biocatalyst for production of CLnA using linolenic acid (α-LNA) as a substrate. After optimization of biotransformation conditions such as pH, time and α-LNA concentration, the maximum CLnA conversion 70 µg ml−1 was achieved at 48 h with 0.71 mg ml−1 α-LNA under aerobic conditions. HPLC analysis with the diode array detector showed distinct absorption maxima at 270 nm and 267 nm for two separated CLnA isomers. GC-MS analysis of DMOX derivatives of obtained product reveals cis-9, trans-11, cis-15 as one of the major isomer. These results highlight the ability of L. plantarum to produce specific CLnA isomers of different biological and physiological activities at optimized conditions. Hence the microbially produced CLnAs can be good sources for nutritional and health benefits, as functional foods or fermented dairy products, for human and animal intake.