Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is one of the most important
sources of isoflavones. These compounds are produced as
secondary metabolites by plants and are particticularly used to
support defense reactions of the plant. Besides this function,
the structure of isoflavones is similar to the structure of
17β-estradiol, which enables them to bind to estrogen receptors
α and β and manifest their positive effects on human health.
However, high intake of isoflavones is necesery for their full
effect. High intake is achieved for example in Asian countries.
Low intake in European population is nowadays being solved by a
wide variety of dietary supplements based on red clover and soy
(Glycine max). An alternative to dietary supplements is cow’s
milk. In the rumen of ruminant animals, metabolised isoflavones
are transported to the milk and subsequently, dairy products
enriched with isoflavones are produced. The bachelor thesis is
focused on optimising the conditions in a bioreactor, in order
for them to be in accordance with the conditions in cow’s
rumen. If the conditions were optimised, it would be possible
to observe the metabolism of isoflavones in the bioreactor just
like in actual cow’s rumen.