Abstract
The properties of the antioxidant produced by Pichia ohmeri AN231 and the relationship between cell growth and production in AN 231 were investigated. A significant increase in antioxidant production was observed in relation to growth. Extracellular release of the antioxidant was observed after 18 hr of cultivation. Initially, the antioxidant was localized within the cell, with the highest antioxidative activity being concentrated in the cytosolic fraction. It is being synthesized during the log phase, and excreted out of the cell causing the accumulation of antioxidants in the extracellular region. The free-radical scavenging ability of the antioxidant was higher than that of α-TOC, but was equal to that of BHA which was used as the control. Its antioxidative activity was revealed to be concentration-dependent. It does not cause elimination of hydrogen peroxide nor superoxide and does not possess chelating activity on metal ions. It is supposed therefore that the antioxidation mechanism of the antioxidant produced by AN231 is caused by its high free-radical scavenging activity.
