Production of α-glucosidase Inhibitor in the Intestines by Bacillus Licheniformis

Alpha-glucosidase (EC.3.2.1.20) is involved in the absorption of monosaccharides in the small intestine of animals. We aimed to find a microorganism capable of proliferating in the intestine and producing α-glucosidase inhibitor. We developed a strain capable of forming spores from dry grass and growing in an anaerobic environment was selected as Bacillus lichenformis . Mixing spores of this strain with a high-fat diet and high-carbohydrate diet, it was confirmed that the weight gain was significantly reduced than the high-calorie diet group without spores. Furthermore it was confirmed that Bacillus lichenformis administered as spores efficiently proliferated in the intestine and consistently produced α-glucosidase inhibitor by securing a constant amount of the strain and α-glucosidase inhibitor in feces after a certain period. This study shows an efficient process in which microorganisms capable of proliferating in the intestine directly produce and supply specific secondary metabolites in the intestine.