Fermentation of various food stuffs by lactic acid bacteria is one of the oldest forms of food biopreservation. Bacterial antagonism has been recognized for over a century, but in recent years, this phenomenon has received more scientific attention, particularly in the use of various strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Certain strains of LAB demonstrated antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens, including bacteria, yeast and filamentous fungi. Furthermore, in recent years, many authors proved that lactic acid bacteria have the ability to neutralize mycotoxin produced by the last group. Antimicrobial activity of lactic acid bacteria is mainly based on the production of metabolites such as lactic acid, organic acids, hydroperoxide and bacteriocins. In addition, some research suggests other mechanisms of antimicrobial activity of LAB against pathogens as well as their toxic metabolites. These properties are very important because of the future possibility to exchange chemical and physical methods of preservation with a biological method based on the lactic acid bacteria and their metabolites. Biopreservation is defined as the extension of shelf life and the increase in food safety by use of controlled microorganisms or their metabolites. This biological method may determine the alternative for the usage of chemical preservatives. In this study, the possibilities of the use of lactic acid bacteria against foodborne pathogens is provided. Our aim is to yield knowledge about lactic acid fermentation and the activity of lactic acid bacteria against pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, we would like to introduce actual information about health aspects associated with the consumption of fermented products, including probiotics.

https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/11/9/1283/pdf?version=1651308849

Role of Lactic Acid Bacteria in Food Preservation and Safety

Combined effects of fermentation starters and environmental factors on the microbial community assembly and flavor formation of Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar

Chinese baijiu is one of the six major distilled spirits worldwide and is widely enjoyed because of its unique flavor. Among typical baijiu, Jiang-flavor baijiu is gaining popularity. However, the fermentation mechanisms of baijiu remain unclear due to its open inoculation environment and complex brewing process. In recent years, advances in high-throughput sequencing and multi-omics technologies have yielded meaningful information regarding fermentation microbiome. Therefore, this paper reviews recent developments in the investigation of the diversity, stability, and metabolism of the Jiang-flavor baijiu microbial community. Furthermore, the importance of protecting the ecology of the production environment is proposed based on the putative contribution of environmental factors to the fermentation microbiome and baijiu characteristics. Finally, this paper discusses current research challenges that need to be addressed, including the limitations of sequencing technologies and difficulties unveiling the mechanisms of microbial interaction between the fermentation microbiome and the environmental ecology. The findings of this review will promote further understanding of the Jiang-flavor baijiu fermentation process and provide valuable information for the research and development of traditional baijiu and other naturally fermented foods. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Baijiu, a transparent strong alcoholic drink, is the world's largest consumed and the most valuable spirit in the market. However, the fermentation mechanisms of baijiu remain unclear due to its open inoculation environment and complex brewing process. Therefore, if we can summarizes the current advances and research challenges of microbial fermentation in baijiu, it will deepen the reader's understanding of the complex fermentation process and fermentation mechanism in baijiu. Furthermore, based on the putative contribution of environmental factors to the fermentation process, the importance of protecting the ecology of the production environment is proposed in future research trends, which will provide valuable information for the research and development of other traditional naturally fermented foods. This will not only achieve breakthroughs in academic value, but also bring higher practical value to fermented foods.

Research trends in Jiang-flavor baijiu fermentation: From fermentation microecology to environmental ecology.

Identification of characteristic flavor and microorganisms related to flavor formation in fermented common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.).

There is increasing evidence that diet influences the relationship between gut microbiota and individual health outcomes. Nutrient intake affects the composition of the gut microbial community and provides metabolites that influence the host physiology. Dietary patterns, including macronutrient balance and feeding/fasting cycles which may be manipulated with dietary regimens based on caloric restriction periods, influence the gut homeostasis through its impact on the microbial ecosystem. Along the same line, prebiotic and probiotic ingredients and additives in foods, as well as the degree of food processing have consequences on gut microbiota and the related immune and metabolic response of the human host. Acquiring knowledge of these aspects, especially through an -omics-integral approach, might provide the basis for personalized nutritional interventions directed to avoid dysbiosis and contribute to the prevention of major chronic degenerative diseases. Despite vast scientific evidence supporting the relationship between dietary factors and gut microbiota composition and function, the underlying mechanisms and their potential impact are far from clear. There is a lack of well-designed longitudinal studies performed in target population groups whose dietary patterns can be particularly relevant for their future health, as is the case in infants, pregnant women, or athletes.

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The Influence of Dietary Factors on the Gut Microbiota

Background Fermented foods, with a history as long as the human civilization, form an indispensable constituent in our daily life. However, most fermented foods are produced by spontaneous fermentation, and the fermentation processes are still uncontrolled. To ensure consistent food quality, it is of paramount importance to understand and control the spontaneous food fermentations. Scope and approach In spontaneous food fermentations, metabolic activity of a succession of complex microbiota results in desired flavour that is the key criterion to decide consumers’ preference. Therefore, flavour compound formation by microbial metabolism can be used as the control target in spontaneous food fermentations. However, relatively little is known about the complexity of the microbiota associated with the flavour compound formation. Therefore, in this review by using Chinese liquor as a model system, we present key biotechnological aspects of the microbiota crucial for flavour of fermented foods, including the driving forces for the microbiota succession, flavour compound formation, and the regulation of flavour compound formation. Key findings and conclusions Core microbiota, associated with flavour compound formation, can be identified and eventually used to construct a synthetic (i.e. designed) microbiota. Meanwhile, key environmental factors, affecting the core microbiota, can also be identified and controlled to regulate the synthetic microbiota. Furthermore, modelling can be used to predict, optimize and control the flavour compound formation by the synthetic microbiota, so that such spontaneous food fermentations can become controllable, with the ultimate goal to monitor, control, and improve the quality, productivity and safety of fermented foods.

Qun Wu

Papers

Can we control microbiota in spontaneous food fermentation? – Chinese liquor as a case example