Evaluation of proteolytic and ACE-inhibitory activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus in soy whey growth medium via response surface methodology

Soy whey is a rich by-product of tofu-manufacturing industries. We have previously optimized the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus FTCC 0291 in soy whey upon supplementation of meat extract, vegetable extract and peptone using response surface methodology (RSM). The present study evaluated the proteolytic and angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory activities of L. acidophilus FTCC 0291 in the optimized soy whey medium. The probiotic-fermented soy whey exhibited growth-associated proteolysis and ACE-inhibitory activity. Proteolysis was highly correlated with ACE-inhibitory activity, indicating that peptides liberated via fermentation may have exerted in vitro antihypertensive properties. Of the three nitrogen sources studied, peptone was found to have the highest influence on growth performance and ACE-inhibitory activity. Our results strongly indicated that probiotic-fermented soy whey produced in vitro antihypertensive bioactivity, and hence could be further developed into a carrier for probiotics with enhanced functional properties.