•  
  •  
 

Corresponding Author(s)

林亲录(1966—),男,中南林业科技大学教授,博士。E-mail:[email protected]

Abstract

Aminobutyric acids are a class of four -carbon non -protein amino acids that can be classified into three isomers, α-, β-, and γ- aminobutyric acids, according to the position of the amino group on the carbon chain. Due to their diverse biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, neuromodulatory, and plant stress resistance -enhancing activities, these compounds have demonstrated important application value in the fields of food, agriculture, medicine, and the chemical industry. This article systematically summarizes the molecular structural characteristics and core physiological functions of the three aminobutyric acids and quantitatively compares the advantages and disadvantages of various preparation technologies, including chemical synthesis, microbial fermentation, in vitro enzymatic catalysis, and plant extraction. The advantages and disadvantages of commonly used analytical methods for these compounds are systematically evaluated, and the current status of their industrial applications in the food, agricultural, and pharmaceutical industries is reviewed, with particular emphasis. In addition, the key technical challenges and development directions encountered in their chemical synthesis and biomanufacturing processes are discussed.

Publication Date

11-3-2026

First Page

196

Last Page

204

DOI

10.13652/j.spjx.1003.5788.2026.80118

References

[1] Xu J M,Tao Y,Shan Q L,et al.Optimized biosynthetic pathway for nonnatural amino acids:an efficient approach for L-2-aminobutyric acid production [J].Biotechnology and Bioengineering,2025,122(7):1 856-1 872.

[2] Li C H,Xia Y J,Xiang F,et al.β-Aminobutyric acid activates SA-signalling systemic acquired resistance in peach fruit by |suppressing the circadian clock associated protein 1[J].International Journal of Biological Macromolecules,2025,300:140040.

[3] 林亲录,王婧,陈海军.γ-氨基丁酸的研究进展 [J].现代食品科技,2008,24(5):496-500.Lin Q L,Wang J,Chen H J.Research progress of γ-amino butyric acid [J].Modern Food Science and Technology,2008,24(5):496-500.

[4] Boča R,Rádiková Ž,Štofko J,et al.Quantum chemical study of molecular properties of small branched-chain amino acids in water [J].Amino Acids,2025,57(1):11.

[5] 郭勇,王力.一种新的制备单一构型的 2-氨基丁酸或其衍生物的方法:CN1510025 A[P].2004 -07-07.Guo Y,Wang L.Production of monoconfiguration 2-amino-bulyric acid or its derivatives:CN1510025 A[P].2004 -07-07.

[6] 尹先清,孙芳,葛胜祥.α-氨基丁酸化学合成研究进展 [J].精细化工中间体,2010,40(1):12-14.Yin X Q,Sun F,Ge S X.Development of synthesis of α-aminobutyric acid [J].Fine Chemical Intermediates,2010,40(1):12-14.

[7] Jeffery E A,Meisters A.Electrochemical synthesis of amino acids by reductive amination of keto acids.I.Reduction at mercury electrodes [J].Australian Journal of Chemistry,1978,31(1):73-78.

[8] 叶妍,吴雨萱,周哲敏,等.转氨酶新酶的挖掘、表征及在 2-氨基丁酸生物转化中的应用 [J].生物技术通报,2025,41(11):134-142.Ye Y,Wu Y X,Zhou Z M,et al.Exploration,characterization,and application of transaminase new enzymes in the biocatalytic conversion of 2-aminobutyric acid [J].Biotechnology Bulletin,2025,41(11):134-142.

[9] Chen J J,Zhu R S,Zhou J P,et al.Efficient single whole-cell biotransformation for L- 2-aminobutyric acid production through engineering of leucine dehydrogenase combined with expression regulation [J].Bioresource Technology,2021,326:124665.

[10] Liu Y F,Han L C,Cheng Z Y,et al.Enzymatic biosynthesis of L-2-aminobutyric acid by glutamate mutase coupled with L-aspartate- β-decarboxylase using L-glutamate as the sole substrate [J].ACS Catalysis,2020,10(23):13 913-13 917.

[11] Li X,Gao C Z,Wei W Q,et al.A tri-enzyme cascade for efficient production of L-2-aminobutyrate from L-threonine [J].ChemBioChem,2023,24(15):e202300148.

[12] Zhang K C,Li H,Cho K M,et al.Expanding metabolism for total biosynthesis of the nonnatural amino acid L-homoalanine[J].PNAS,2010,107(14):6 234-6 239.

[13] 毛建卫,崔艳丽,王桂仙.DL-α-丙氨酸合成工艺的新进展及其应用 [J].科技通报,2002,18(2):93-95,99.Mao J W,Cui Y L,Wang G X.The advances of preparation technologies of DL-α-alanine and its application [J].Bulletin of Science and Technology,2002,18(2):93-95,99.

[14] 奚强,丁友友,林丫丫,等.2-氨基丁酸的酶拆分 [J].武汉工程大学学报,2009,31(3):26-29.Xi Q,Ding Y Y,Lin Y Y,et al.Resolution of (R,S)-2-aminobutyric acid by enzyme [J].Journal of Wuhan Institute of Technology,2009,31(3):26-29.

[15] 焦庆才,刘均忠,陈争依,等.L-2-氨基丁酸酶法转化制备方法:CN101538596 B[P].2013 -05-08.Jiao Q C,Liu J Z,Cheng Z Y,et al.Preparation method of enzymatic conversion of L-2-propalanine:CN 101538596 B[P].2013 -05-08.

[16] 徐红梅,夏仕文,何从林.固定化 D-氨基酸氧化酶催化 DL-氨基酸去消旋化制备非天然 L-氨基酸 [J].分子催化,2012,26(2):192-196.Xu H M,Xia S W,He C L.Preparation of non-natural L-amino acids via deracemization of DL-amino acids catalyzed by immobilized D-amino acid oxidase [J].Journal of Molecular Catalysis (China ),2012,26(2):192-196.

[17] Yasukawa K,Hasemi R,Asano Y.Dynamic kinetic resolution of α-aminonitriles to form chiral α-amino acids [J].Advanced Synthesis & Catalysis,2011,353(13):2 328-2 332.

[18] Gutsche C D,Strohmayer H F,Chang J M.Ring enlargements VI.the diazomethane-carbonyl reaction:product ratios from the reactions of diazomethane with various substituted 2-phenylcyclohexanons [J].The Journal of Organic Chemistry,1958,23(1):1-5.

[19] 杨东元,陈开勋,王亚红.γ-氨基丁酸的合成研究 [J].中国饲料,2010 (1):27-28,41.Yang D Y,Chen K X,Wang Y H.Study on synthesis of γ-aminobutanoicacid [J].China Feed,2010 (1):27-28,41.

[20] 王金玲,袁军,刘登才.γ-氨基丁酸的合成 [J].化学与生物工程,2010,27(3):40-41.Wang J L,Yuan J,Liu D C.Synthesis of γ-aminobutyric acid[J].Chemistry & Bioengineering,2010,27(3):40-41.

[21] Huang Y,Su L Q,Wu J.Pyridoxine supplementation improves the activity of recombinant glutamate decarboxylase and the enzymatic production of γ-aminobutyric acid [J].PLoS One,2016,11(7):e0157466.

[22] 杨树明,罗曦,曾亚文,等.不同水稻品种产量及其 γ-氨基丁酸和抗性淀粉含量差异与相关性 [J].西南农业学报,2009,22(2):236-240.Yang S M,Luo X,Zeng Y W,et al.Variations and correlation of grain yield and γ-aminobutyric acid and resistant starch content in rice cultivars [J].Southwest China Journal of Agricultural Sciences,2009,22(2):236-240.

[23] 陈振,黄维娜,康玉凡.食用豆品种萌发过程中 γ氨基丁酸(GABA )含 量 变 化 [J].食 品 工 业 科 技,2014,35(17):115-118,124.Chen Z,Huang W N,Kang Y F.The contents of GABA in edible beans during germination [J].Science and Technology of Food Industry,2014,35(17):115-118,124.

[24] Ng L T,Huang S H,Chen Y T,et al.Changes of tocopherols,tocotrienols,γ-oryzanol,and γ-aminobutyric acid levels in the germinated brown rice of pigmented and nonpigmented cultivars [J].Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry,2013,61(51):12 604-12 611.

[25] 曹晶晶,顾丰颖,罗其琪,等.发芽糙米 γ-氨基丁酸形成的谷氨酸脱羧酶活性与底物变化的相关性分析 [J].食品科学,2018,39(16):47-52.Cao J J,Gu F Y,Luo Q Q,et al.Correlation between changes in glutamate decarboxylase activity and γ-aminobutyric acid and glutamic acid contents in germinated brown rice [J].Food Science,2018,39(16):47-52.

[26] Sun Y,Ji D Y,Ma H L,et al.Ultrasound accelerated γ-aminobutyric acid accumulation in coffee leaves through influencing the microstructure,enzyme activity,and metabolites [J].Food Chemistry,2022,385:132646.

[27] Naumenko N,Potoroko I,Kalinina I.Stimulation of antioxidant activity and γ-aminobutyric acid synthesis in germinated wheat grain Triticum aestivum L.by ultrasound:increasing the nutritional value of the product [J].Ultrasonics Sonochemistry,2022,86:106000.

[28] 张颖,何健,王涛,等.通气和金属离子双重胁迫对糙米萌发富集γ-氨基丁酸的影响 [J].食品与机械,2019,35(5):55-60,77.Zhang Y,He J,Wang T,et al.Effects of coercion germination with aeration and metal irons on the enrichment of γ-aminobutyric acid in germinated brown rice [J].Food & Machinery,2019,35(5):55-60,77.

[29] Takahashi Y,Sasanuma T,Abe T.Accumulation of gamma-aminobutyrate (GABA ) caused by heat-drying and expression of related genes in immature vegetable soybean (edamame )[J].Breeding Science,2013,63(2):205-210.

[30] Youn Y S,Park J K,Jang H D,et al.Sequential hydration with anaerobic and heat treatment increases GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) content in wheat [J].Food Chemistry,2011,129(4):1 631-1 635.

[31] Wu M Y,Zhou Q,Zhou L F,et al.Enhancement of γ-aminobutyric acid and the characteristics of nutrition and function in white quinoa through ultrasound stress at the pre-germination stage [J].Foods,2024,13(1):57.

[32] 徐斌,米行琼,白琼,等.基于稻谷加温加湿技术的 γ-氨基丁酸富化 [J].食品与机械,2024,40(4):13-19,26.Xu B,Mi X Q,Bai Q,et al.Enrichment of γ-aminobutyric acid based on rice heating and humidification technology [J].Food & Machinery,2024,40(4):13-19,26.

[33] Zhang Y,Yin Y Y,Wu Y,et al.GABA enrichment pathways in oat and buckwheat stimulated by combined germination and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum fermentation treatment [J].Food Bioscience,2025,73:107646.[34] Wei L,Zhao J H,Wang Y R,et al.Engineering of Corynebacterium glutamicum for high-level γ-aminobutyric acid production from glycerol by dynamic metabolic control[J].Metabolic Engineering,2022,69:134-146.

[35] 王兴洁,魏超,廖光敏,等.产γ-氨基丁酸乳酸菌的分离鉴定及发酵条件优化 [J].食品与机械,2016,32(7):40-44.Wang X J,Wei C,Liao G M,et al.Isolation and identification of lactic acid bacteria producing γ-aminobutyric acid and optimization of fermentation conditions [J].Food & Machinery,2016,32(7):40-44.

[36] 杨胜远,范根俊,刘奕盈.基于植物乳植杆菌产谷氨酸脱羧酶条件发酵生产 γ-氨基丁酸 [J].食品与机械,2025,41(8):164-171.Yang S Y,Fan G J,Liu Y Y.Gamma-aminobutyric acid biosynthesis via fermentation using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum with optimized glutamate decarboxylase expression conditions [J].Food & Machinery,2025,41(8):164-171.

[37] Ma Y L,Cheng Y Q,Yin L J,et al.Effects of processing and NaCl on angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory activity and γ-aminobutyric acid content during sufu manufacturing [J].Food and Bioprocess Technology,2013,6(7):1 782-1 789.

[38] Zhang Q,Sun Q,Tan X,et al.Characterization of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA )-producing Saccharomyces cerevisiae and coculture with Lactobacillus plantarum for mulberry beverage brewing [J].Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering,2020,129(4):447-453.

[39] Su Y C,Wang J J,Lin T T,et al.Production of the secondary metabolites γ-aminobutyric acid and monacolin K by Monascus[J].Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology,2003,30(1):41-46.

[40] Wu A Q,Li L Y,Zhang S,et al.Optimization of the Hongqu starter preparation process for the manufacturing of red mold rice with high gamma-aminobutyric acid production by solid-state fermentation [J].Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry,2023,70(1):458-468.

[41] Wang J F,Chen G,Han Y,et al.Enhancement of the yield of γ-aminobutyric acid by Aspergillus oryzae and antioxidant activities of rice bran through explosion puffing processing [J].International Journal of Food Science and Technology,2014,49(5):1 420-1 424.

[42] Chang F F,Wang Y H,Zhang J,et al.Efficient production of γ-aminobutyric acid using engineered Escherichia coli whole-cell catalyst [J].Enzyme and Microbial Technology,2024,174:110379.

[43] Takagi H,Kozuka K,Mimura K,et al.Design of a full-consensus glutamate decarboxylase and its application to GABA biosynthesis [J].ChemBioChem,2022,23(8):e202100447.

[44] Yao W Y,Wu X,Zhu J,et al.In vitro enzymatic conversion of γ-aminobutyric acid immobilization of glutamate decarboxylase |with bacterial cellulose membrane (BCM ) and non-linear model establishment [J].Enzyme and Microbial Technology,2013,52(4/5):258-264.

[45] 刘玲君,凌森,陈亮,等.高效液相色谱法检测含乳饮料中 γ-氨基丁酸的含量 [J].食品工业,2016,37(9):262-264.Liu L J,Ling S,Chen L,et al.Determination of γ-aminobutyric acid in milk beverages by high performance liquid chromatography [J].The Food Industry,2016,37(9):262-264.

[46] 秦嘉倩,曹蕾,彭颖斐,等.液相色谱—串联质谱检测血浆 γ-氨基丁酸方法的建立和临床应用 [J].复旦学报 (医学版 ),2025,52(5):708-716.Qin J Q,Cao L,Peng Y F,et al.Establishment of a LC-MS/MS method for detecting gamma-aminobutyric acid in plasma and its clinical application [J].Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences,2025,52(5):708-716.

[47] 闫朝阳,李旭,马钰柯,等.Berthelot 比色法测定 γ-氨基丁酸含量的实验条件优化 [J].济南大学学报 (自然科学版 ),2020,34(3):306-312.Yan Z Y,Li X,Ma Y K,et al.Optimization of Berthelot colorimetric method for determination of γ-aminobutyric acid[J].Journal of University of Jinan (Science and Technology ),2020,34(3):306-312.

[48] 汤彩云,王涛,屠洁,等.比色法与 HPLC法对比测定桑叶茶中γ-氨基丁酸的含量 [J].食品科学,2018,39(24):256-260.Tang C Y,Wang T,Tu J,et al.Comparison of colorimetry and HPLC for determination of γ-aminobutyric acid in mulberry leaf tea [J].Food Science,2018,39(24):256-260.

[49] 赵国群,王维.比色法快速测定 γ-氨基丁酸含量 [J].食品研究与开发,2015,36(10):85-89.Zhao G Q,Wang W.A rapid colorimetric method for determination of γ-aminobutyric acid [J].Food Research and Development,2015,36(10):85-89.

[50] Hossain I,Tan C,Doughty P T,et al.A novel microbiosensor microarray for continuous ex vivo monitoring of gamma-aminobutyric acid in real-time [J].Frontiers in Neuroscience,2018,12:500.

[51] 李放,蔡梅,陈蓓,等.氨基酸自动分析仪测定保健食品中 γ-氨基丁酸 [J].分析试验室,2016,35(9):1 012-1 015.Li F,Cai M,Chen B,et al.Determination of γ-aminobutyric acid in health food by amino acid analyzer [J].Chinese Journal of Analysis Laboratory,2016,35(9):1 012-1 015.

[52] Li F,Xia Y T,Yuan S J,et al.α-aminobutyric acid constrains macrophage-associated inflammatory diseases through metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic modification [J].International Journal of Molecular Sciences,2023,24(13):10444.

[53] Lau A W,Liu P D,Inuzuka H,et al.SIRT 1 phosphorylation by AMP-activated protein kinase regulates p 53 acetylation [J].American Journal of Cancer Research,2014,4(3):245-255.[54] Felicianna,Lo E K K,Chen C J,et al.Alpha-aminobutyric acid ameliorates diet-induced metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD ) progression in mice via enhancing AMPK/SIRT 1 pathway and modulating the gut-liver axis [J].The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry,2025,140:109885.

[55] Ismaiah M J,Lo E K K,Chen C J,et al.Alpha-aminobutyric acid administration suppressed visceral obesity and modulated hepatic oxidized PUFA metabolism via gut microbiota modulation [J].Free Radical Biology and Medicine,2025,232:86-96.

[56] Macia L,Tan J,Vieira A T,et al.Metabolite-sensing receptors GPR 43 and GPR 109A facilitate dietary fibre-induced gut homeostasis through regulation of the inflammasome [J].Nature Communications,2015,6:6734.

[57] 中国科学院上海生命科学研究院,中国科学院上海生命科学研究院湖州工业生物技术中心,上海工业生物技术研发中心.用于生产 L-2-氨基丁酸的载体、工程菌株及方法:201210015308.4[P].2015 -11-18.Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences,Chinese Academy of Sciences,Huzhou Research Center of Industrial Biotechnology,Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences,Chinese Academy of Sciences,Shanghai Research and Development Center of Industrial Biotechnology.Vector,engineered strain and method for producing (+)-2-aminobutyric acid:201210015308.4[P].2015 -11-18.

[58] 罗洁.叶面喷施 γ-氨基丁酸对黄瓜幼苗耐旱性的影响 [J].农业技术与装备,2023 (5):20-22,25.Luo J.Effects of leaf spraying γ-aminobutyric acid on drought tolerance of cucumber seedlings [J].Agricultural Technology & Equipment,2023 (5):20-22,25.

[59] 廖云霞,费良航,夏明星,等.不同浓度 β-氨基丁酸处理对葡萄果实抗病性的诱导模式 [J].食品科学,2018,39(17):221-228.Liao Y X,Fei L H,Xia M X,et al.Different modes of disease resistance response induced by β-aminobutyric acid at different concentrations in grape berries [J].Food Science,2018,39(17):221-228.

[60] Kamble A,Koopmann B,Von Tiedemann A.Induced resistance to Verticillium longisporum in Brassica napus by β-aminobutyric acid [J].Plant Pathology,2013,62(3):552-561.

[61] 陈偲,汪立,夏明星,等.β-氨基丁酸处理对采后桃果实还原势的影响及抗病性的诱导作用 [J].食品科学,2019,40(1):209-215.Chen S,Wang L,Xia M X,et al.Effect of β-aminobutyric acid treatment on redox status and induction of disease resistance in postharvest peach fruits [J].Food Science,2019,40(1):209-215.

[62] Slaughter A R,Hamiduzzaman M M,Gindro K,et al.Beta-aminobutyric acid-induced resistance in grapevine against downy mildew:involvement of pterostilbene [M]// The downy mildews-genetics,molecular biology and control.Dordrecht:Springer Netherlands,2008:185-195.

[63] Hossain Z,Makino T,Komatsu S.Proteomic study of β-aminobutyric acid-mediated cadmium stress alleviation in soybean [J].Journal of Proteomics,2012,75(13):4 151-4 164.

[64] 美合日班·阿卜力米提,王艳.植物金属硫蛋白的金属结合及解毒研究进展 [J].生物学杂志,2021,38(6):104-110.Ablimit Mehriban,Wang Y.Research advance of plant metallothioneins in metal ion combination and detoxification[J].Journal of Biology,2021,38(6):104-110.

[65] 张丽娜,董建江,刘炎红,等.通过β-氨基丁酸激发效应增强烟草对干旱和低温胁迫的耐受能力 [J].安徽农业大学学报,2018,45(1):171-174.Zhang L N,Dong J J,Liu Y H,et al.Priming effect of β-aminobutyric acid in alleviating drought and low-temperature stress in tobacco [J].Journal of Anhui Agricultural University,2018,45(1):171-174.

[66] Gao H Y,Wu S Y,Zeng Q,et al.Effects of exogenous γ-aminobutyric acid treatment on browning and food-borne pathogens in fresh-cut apples [J].Postharvest Biology and Technology,2018,146:1-8.

[67] Ru X Y,You W L,Zhang J L,et al.γ-aminobutyric acid treatment inhibits browning and promotes storage quality by regulating reactive oxygen species and membrane lipid metabolism in fresh-cut stem lettuce [J].Food Chemistry,2024,459:140420.

[68] Asgarian Z S,Karimi R,Ghabooli M,et al.Biochemical changes and quality characterization of cold-stored 'Sahebi' grape in response to postharvest application of GABA [J].Food Chemistry,2022,373(Pt A ):131401.

[69] Sheng L,Shen D D,Luo Y,et al.Exogenous γ-aminobutyric acid treatment affects citrate and amino acid accumulation to improve fruit quality and storage performance of postharvest citrus fruit [J].Food Chemistry,2017,216:138-145.

[70] Sharma S,Saxena D C,Riar C S.Changes in the GABA and polyphenols contents of foxtail millet on germination and their relationship with in vitro antioxidant activity [J].Food Chemistry,2018,245:863-870.

[71] Cao Z,Chen H Y,Zhou C L,et al.Exogenous γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA ) enhanced response to abiotic stress in hypsizygus marmoreus by improving mycelial growth and antioxidant capacity [J].Metabolites,2024,14(2):94.

[72] 李静,李霞,陈翠松,等.GABA处理对双孢蘑菇活性氧代谢和 膜 脂 过 氧 化 的 影 响 [J].食 品 工 业 科 技,2019,40(3):275-280.Li J,Li X,Chen C S,et al.Effects of GABA treatment on activate oxygen metabolism and membrane lipid peroxidation of Agaricus bisporus [J].Science and Technology of Food Industry,2019,40(3):275-280.

[73] Cheng H K,Chen D,Li X,et al.Phasic/tonic glial GABA differentially transduce for olfactory adaptation and neuronal aging [J].Neuron,2024,112(9):1473 -1486.e6.

[74] Wang Y S,Liu C Q,Ma T Y,et al.Physicochemical and functional properties of γ-aminobutyric acid-treated soy proteins [J].Food Chemistry,2019,295:267-273.

[75] 刘碧琦,王佳悦,解庆刚,等.富含γ-氨基丁酸的乳粉制再制奶酪工艺优化及其降血压活性分析 [J].食品工业科技,2025,46(15):276-287.Liu B Q,Wang J Y,Xie Q G,et al.Optimization of the process for processed cheese made from milk powder rich in γ-aminobutyric acid and analysis of its antihypertensive activity[J].Science and Technology of Food Industry,2025,46(15):276-287.

[76] Hijaz F,Killiny N.Exogenous GABA is quickly metabolized to succinic acid and fed into the plant TCA cycle [J].Plant Signaling & Behavior,2019,14(3):e1573096.

[77] Chen X,Tian Y C,Xie Y M,et al.GABA responds to low phosphorus stress by interfering with endogenous auxin levels in apple [J].Plant and Soil,2023,490(1):435-450.

[78] Jan R,Asif S,Asaf S,et al.Gamma-aminobutyric acid treatment promotes resistance against Sogatella furcifera in rice[J].Frontiers in Plant Science,2024,15:1419999.

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.