Production of gamma-aminobutyric acid by lactic acid bacteria of marine origin from Vietnam

Abstract

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-proteinogenic amino acid, which functions as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. GABA has been shown to have several positive effects on human health, including reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. In this study, various fermented fish products were screened for their ability to produce GABA. A total of 35 acid lactic producing strains were isolated from 8 samples of marine organism, 10 strains were found to have GABA-producing abilities. These strains were identified using 16S rDNA sequencing. The GABA concentrations produced by the 10 isolates ranged from 725 to 5590 mg/L. Lactobacillus brevis GB111 is the best isolated GABA producing strain, with a conversion rate up to 90.3%, which suggests that these strains may have potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries as a source of GABA.