Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the antibacterial activity of lichen-forming fungi (LFF) against Helicobacter pylori, and to optimize the culture conditions of LFF for maximum production of natural antibiotics against H. pylori. To accomplish this, a screening assay was first conducted among 19 species of LFF. The extract of Nephromopsis pallescens (KOLRI-040516) exhibited the strongest anti-H. pylori activity. Bioautograghic TLC and HPLC analysis identified usnic acid as the main antibacterial substance produced by N. pallescens. The growth of N. pallescens and production of antibacterial substances produced by the fungus were then investigated under several culture conditions including the culture media, initial medium pHs, incubation temperatures, and the degree of aeration. The results indicated that culture in MY medium with an initial pH of 6.0, a temperature of 15°C and a low degree of aeration supported the largest usnic acid production of the fungus (16.4 μg usnic acid/g dry biomass). Especially, aeration was found to be an important factor that affect both growth and usnic acid production of N. pallescens.

• Keywords: Nephromopsis pallescens; anti-Helicobacter pylori activity; usnic acid; culture conditions