Omics in traditional vegetable fermented foods and beverages

Abstract

For a long time, food microbiota has been studied using traditional microbiological techniques. With the arrival of molecular or culture-independent techniques, a strong understanding of microbiota dynamics has been achieved. However, analyzing the functional role of microbial communities is not an easy task. The application of omics sciences to the study of fermented foods would provide the metabolic and functional understanding of the microbial communities and their impact on the fermented product, including the molecules that define its aroma and flavor, as well as its nutritional properties. Until now, most omics studies have focused on commercial fermented products, such as cheese, wine, bread and beer, but traditional fermented foods have been neglected. Therefore, the information that allows to relate the present microbiota in the food and its properties remains limited. In this review, reports on the applications of omics in the study of traditional fermented foods and beverages are reviewed to propose new ways to analyze the fermentation phenomena.     

Spanish cheese screening and selection of lactic acid bacteria with high gamma-aminobutyric acid production

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-protein four-carbon amino acid which is considered a bioactive component known for its physiological functions, including a regulator of blood pressure, neurotransmitter, diuretic and anti-stress effects. Its use in foods might confer health benefits. Microorganisms such as yeast, fungi or bacteria can produce GABA naturally. Among them, the lactic acid bacteria are being studied for the potential development of fermented foods because their physiological activities and their designation of generally recognized as safe (GRAS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the GABA-production capacity in a whole wheat flour medium of lactic acid bacteria strains that showed a high conversion of glutamic acid to GABA in a screening conducted in 58 Spanish artisanal cheeses. Synthesis of GABA by these strains in a non-optimized whole wheat flour in water solution (1:5) was quantified by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. The 4 strains showing the highest GABA production were genotypically and phenotypically characterized. Results indicated an interesting fermentative variability between strains. The addition of these isolated lactic acid strains in fermented food products could allow a potentially functional food for regulating hypertension.     

Physiology of Acetic Acid Bacteria and Their Role in Vinegar and Fermented Beverages

Acetic acid bacteria (AAB) have, for centuries, been important microorganisms in the production of fermented foods and beverages such as vinegar, kombucha, (water) kefir, and lambic beer. Their unique form of metabolism, known as “oxidative” fermentation, mediates the transformation of a variety of substrates into products, which are of importance in the food and beverage industry and beyond; the most well‐known of which is the oxidation of ethanol into acetic acid. Here, a comprehensive review of the physiology of AAB is presented, with particular emphasis on their importance in the production of vinegar and fermented beverages. In addition, particular reference is addressed toward Gluconobacter oxydans due to its biotechnological applications, such as its role in vitamin C production. The production of vinegar and fermented beverages in which AAB play an important role is discussed, followed by an examination of the literature relating to the health benefits associated with consumption of these products. AAB hold great promise for future exploitation, both due to increased consumer demand for traditional fermented beverages such as kombucha, and for the development of new types of products. Further studies on the health benefits related to the consumption of these fermented products and guidelines on assessing the safety of AAB for use as microbial food cultures (starter cultures) are, however, necessary in order to take full advantage of this important group of microorganisms.     

Fermentation for tailoring the technological and health related functionality of food products

Abstract

Fermented foods are experiencing a resurgence due to the consumers’ growing interest in foods that are natural and health promoting. Microbial fermentation is a biotechnological process which transforms food raw materials into palatable, nutritious and healthy food products. Fermentation imparts unique aroma, flavor and texture to food, improves digestibility, degrades anti-nutritional factors, toxins and allergens, converts phytochemicals such as polyphenols into more bioactive and bioavailable forms, and enriches the nutritional quality of food. Fermentation also modifies the physical functional properties of food materials, rendering them differentiated ingredients for use in formulated foods. The science of fermentation and the technological and health functionality of fermented foods is reviewed considering the growing interest worldwide in fermented foods and beverages and the huge potential of the technology for reducing food loss and improving nutritional food security.     

Probiotic potentials of cereal-based beverages

Probiotics offer remarkable potential for the prevention and management of various infective and noninfective disorders. They are reported to play key roles in the suppression of gastrointestinal infections, antimicrobial activity, improvement in lactose metabolism, reduction in serum cholesterol, immune system stimulation, antimutagenic properties, anticarcinogenic properties, anti-diarrheal properties, and improvement in inflammatory bowel disease. Although probiotic foods are classically confined to beverages and cheese, containing live organisms of the lactic acid bacteria family, such health-promoting foods are traditionally dairy-based, comprising milk and its fermented products. However, recent research focuses on the probiotic potentials of fermented cereal-based beverages which are especially consumed in developing countries characterized by low nutritional security and high incidence of gut pathogen infections. Moreover, lactose intolerance and cholesterol content associated with dairy products, coupled with the vegetarian tendencies of diverse populations in the third world, tend to enforce the recent recourse to nondairy beverages. Probiotic microorganisms are mostly of human or animal origin; however, strains recognized as probiotics are also found in nondairy fermented substrates. This review examines the potentials of some traditional cereal-based beverages to serve as probiotic foods, their microbial and functional properties, as well as their process optimization and storage for enhanced utilization.     

Fermented Milks and Milk Products as Functional Foods—A Review

Fermented foods and beverages possess various nutritional and therapeutic properties. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) play a major role in determining the positive health effects of fermented milks and related products. The L. acidophilus and Bifidobacteria spp are known for their use in probiotic dairy foods. Cultured products sold with any claim of health benefits should meet the criteria of suggested minimum number of more than 10⁶ cfu/g at the time of consumption. Yoghurt is redefined as a probiotic carrier food. Several food powders like yoghurt powder and curd (dahi) powder are manufactured taking into consideration the number of organisms surviving in the product after drying. Such foods, beverages and powders are highly acceptable to consumers because of their flavor and aroma and high nutritive value. Antitumor activity is associated with the cell wall of starter bacteria and so the activity remains even after drying. Other health benefits of fermented milks include prevention of gastrointestinal infections, reduction of serum cholesterol levels and antimutagenic activity. The fermented products are recommended for consumption by lactose intolerant individuals and patients suffering from atherosclerosis. The formulation of fermented dietetic preparations and special products is an expanding research area. The health benefits, the technology of production of fermented milks and the kinetics of lactic acid fermentation in dairy products are reviewed here.     

微生物发酵剂对四川风羊腿加工进程及产品特性的影响

传统发酵食品中微生物群落复杂,代谢途径多样,其中具有脱羧酶活性的微生物可代谢游离氨基酸形成潜在的危害因子—生物胺（biogenic amines,BAs）。BAs是一类具有生理活性的低分子碱性含氮化合物,主要由氨基酸脱羧酶脱羧产生。BAs根据其含氨量可分为单胺、二胺和多胺,根据其化学结构又可分为脂肪类胺、芳香类胺和杂环类胺,其主要形成途径包括微生物脱羧作用以及醛、酮氨基化和转胺作用。传统发酵食品中含有脱羧酶活性的乳酸菌、假单胞菌和肠杆菌等微生物是主要产胺菌。少量的BAs可以调节人体正常生理功能,但摄入过多则会导致中毒,甚至死亡。因此,传统发酵食品中的BAs问题一直备受关注。解析微生物多样性与BAs形成之间的关系,有利于探明发酵食品中BAs形成途径和机制,可以有效控制BAs的产生与积累,以期为提高传统发酵食品安全性及品质提供参考,保证食品安全。本文重点综述了发酵蔬菜、发酵豆制品、发酵乳制品、发酵肉制品以及发酵水产品等传统发酵食品中微生物多样性与BAs形成之间的相关性,明确了各种发酵食品中的主要产胺菌株,解析BAs形成机制,以期为提高传统发酵食品安全性及品质提供参考。

     

发酵食品中四甲基吡嗪的检测、来源及其微生物合成途径研究进展

四甲基吡嗪（TTMP）是中药川穹的有效成分,属吡嗪类生物碱,具有抑制血小板聚集和血栓形成、扩张小动脉、改善微循环和脑血流的作用。发酵食品中的TTMP主要是由美拉德反应和微生物代谢产生,TTMP是发酵食品的健康功能成分之一。该综述重点介绍了发酵食品中TTMP的检测方法、高产TTMP菌种及其生物合成途径,提出发酵食品中TTMP的增产策略,为深入研究TTMP的生物合成路径和TTMP高产菌株应用技术提供重要的理论依据。     

Metaproteomics insights into traditional fermented foods and beverages

Traditional fermented foods and beverages (TFFB) are important dietary components. Multi‐omics techniques have been applied to all aspects of TFFB research to clarify the composition and nutritional value of TFFB, and to reveal the microbial community, microbial interactions, fermentative kinetics, and metabolic profiles during the fermentation process of TFFB. Because of the advantages of metaproteomics in providing functional information, this technology has increasingly been used in research to assess the functional diversity of microbial communities. Metaproteomics is gradually gaining attention in the field of TFFB research because it can reveal the nature of microorganism function at the protein level. This paper reviews the common methods of metaproteomics applied in TFFB research; systematically summarizes the results of metaproteomics research on TFFB, such as sauces, wines, fermented tea, cheese, and fermented fish; and compares the differences in conclusions reached through metaproteomics versus other omics methods. Metaproteomics has great advantages in revealing the microbial functions in TFFB and the interaction between the materials and microbial community. In the future, metaproteomics should be further applied to the study of functional protein markers and protein interaction in TFFB; multi‐omics technology requires further integration to reveal the molecular nature of TFFB fermentation.     

发酵豆制品酿造过程中组分和营养功能因子的变化及调控

发酵豆制品是发酵食品中的一大类,在亚洲国家人民饮食中占重要地位,并逐渐受到西方国家青睐。近年来,发酵豆制品酿造过程中产生的功能因子不断被报道,其抗氧化、降血压、降血糖、溶血栓、抗突变等功能性不断被揭示,引起世界广泛关注。发酵豆制品组分变化的调控对增强营养和富集功能因子意义重大,有利于进一步提升其食用价值,促进人类健康。本文综述发酵豆制品生产过程中与营养和功能相关的部分组分的变化及调控,并对该领域的科学问题进行展望。     

An introduction to the traditional fermented foods and beverages of Turkey

Fermented foods and beverages, whether of plant or animal origin, play an important role in the diet of people in many parts of the world. Fermented foods not only provide important sources of nutrients but have also great potential in maintaining health and preventing diseases. Lactic acid bacteria and yeasts are the major group of microorganisms associated with traditional fermented foods. Many different types of traditional fermented foods and beverages are produced at household level in Anatolia. These include fermented milks (yoghurt, torba yoghurt, kurut, ayran, kefir, koumiss), cereal-based fermented food (tarhana), and non-alcoholic beverage (boza), fermented fruits, and vegetables (tur?u, ?algam, hardaliye), and fermented meat (sucuk). However, there are some differences in the preparation of traditional foods and beverages from region to region. The focus of this article is to describe the traditional fermented foods and beverages of Turkey.     

Probiotic Fermented Sausage: Viability of Probiotic Microorganisms and Sensory Characteristics

Probiotics are from functional foods that bring health benefits for humans. Nowadays, a major development in functional foods is related to food containing probiotic cultures, mainly lactic acid bacteria or bifidobacteria. Probiotics must be alive and ingested in sufficient amounts to exert the positive effects on the health and the well-being of the host. Therefore, viability of probiotic products (the minimum viable probiotic cells in each gram or milliliter of product till the time of consumption) is their most important characteristic. However, these organisms often show poor viability in fermented products due to their detrimental conditions. Today, the variety of fermented meat products available around the world is nearly equal to that of cheese. With meat products, raw fermented sausages could constitute an appropriate vehicle for such microorganisms into the human gastrointestinal tract. In present article, the viability of probiotic microorganisms in fermented sausage, the main factors affect their viability, and the sensorial characteristics of final product are discussed.     

Functional milks and dairy beverages

During the last decade, consumers' approach to healthy foods has changed dramatically, and today enhancing the health span of consumers through consumption of healthy food is more important than simply enhancing their life span. Rising medical costs are the prime factor forcing people to find cheaper and effective means of protecting their health. This fact has led to an increase in consumers' interest in functional foods. Dairy products occupy a significant space in the functional foods market and dairy-based functional beverages are a growing segment of this sector. This article reviews recent scientific, technological and commercial developments in the functional dairy-based beverage sector.     

Flavan-3-ols: nature, occurrence and biological activity

Representing the most common flavonoid consumed in the American diet, the flavan-3-ols and their polymeric condensation products, the proanthocyanidins, are regarded as functional ingredients in various beverages, whole and processed foods, herbal remedies and supplements. Their presence in food affects food quality parameters such as astringency, bitterness, sourness, sweetness, salivary viscosity, aroma, and color formation. The ability of flavan-3-ols to aid food functionality has also been established in terms of microbial stability, foamability, oxidative stability, and heat stability. While some foods only contain monomeric flavan-3-ols [(-)-epicatechin predominates] and dimeric proanthocyanidins, most foods contain oligomers of degree of polymerization values ranging from 1-10 or greater than 10. Flavan-3-ols have been reported to exhibit several health beneficial effects by acting as antioxidant, anticarcinogen, cardiopreventive, antimicrobial, anti-viral, and neuro-protective agents. This review summarizes the distribution and health effects of these compounds.     

Traditional Fermented Foods and Beverages from a Microbiological and Nutritional Perspective: The Colombian Heritage

Fermentation has been used for preserving foods for centuries prior to the invention of pasteurization and sterilization, and every culture has a variety of fermented products as part of its diet. This paper reviews the diversity of fermented foods and beverages from Latin America; these fermented products are produced by traditional methods that exploit mixed cultures of various nonpathogenic microorganisms. Fermented foods covered in this review include maize, cassava, palm sap, sugar cane juice, cocoa, and milk. We explore the history of some Colombian fermented foods and beverages, which are today part of the tradition of some ethnic groups, and evaluate their technology, microbiology, the presence of some nutritional factors, and safety concerns. To the best of our knowledge, this is the 1st systematic review on Colombian fermented beverages and foods, and we believe that it may contribute to valorize these products that are still part of the Latin America tradition.     

发酵类食品中微生物鉴定方法及功能研究进展

发酵类食品是主要通过直接接种微生物而产生特殊风味或者将食物浸入含有微生物的臭卤水中,从而获得特殊食品风味的中国传统食品。其中,采用含有微生物的卤水进行发酵是常见的发酵方式。因此,微生物在该类食品中一直扮演着一种非常重要的角色,具有较高的研究价值。本文阐述了发酵类型的食品所需要的卤水中微生物的鉴定常用方法,以及卤水微生物与风味成分的产生之间的关系,同时论述了卤水中微生物在各种发酵食品制作过程中所起到的功能特性,包括提高豆制品的营养价值、延长保质期、去除有害成分等问题,并提出了较为可行的新型发酵类食品卤水改进方向,为进一步开发理想的食品微生物发酵剂,控制有害物质的残留、拓展相关有益微生物资源的研究提供较为明确的指导方向。     

发酵食品工业中的生物安全性评价

发酵食品因其具有促进肠内营养吸收和消化道健康的有益生理功能而深受大众喜爱。然而发酵食品是经发酵菌株代谢而制成的,发酵菌株的安全性、有害代谢产物、杂菌污染等因素直接影响到发酵食品的安全性,发酵食品工业也因此面临着食品安全问题的挑战。本文对发酵食品工业中存在的安全性问题、生物安全性评价以及未来的展望等进行论述,旨在让人们了解发酵食品可能存在的安全风险以及如何进行安全性评价,这对于提高人们食品安全意识,保证发酵食品安全生产,消除安全隐患有重要意义。     

Effects of processing sorghum and millets on their phenolic phytochemicals and the implications of this to the health‐enhancing properties of sorghum and millet food and beverage products

Sorghum and millet grains are generally rich in phytochemicals, particularly various types of phenolics. However, the types and amounts vary greatly between and within species. The food‐processing operations applied to these grains, i.e. dehulling and decortication, malting, fermentation and thermal processing, dramatically affect the quantity of phenolics present, most generally reducing them. Thus the levels of phytochemicals in sorghum and millet foods and beverages are usually considerably lower than in the grains. Notwithstanding this, there is considerable evidence that sorghum and millet foods and beverages have important functional and health‐promoting effects, specifically antidiabetic, cardiovascular disease and cancer prevention, due to the actions of these phytochemicals. Also their lactic acid bacteria‐fermented products may have probiotic effects related to their unique microflora. However, direct proof of these health‐enhancing effects is lacking as most studies have been carried out on the grains or grain extracts and not the food and beverage products themselves, and also most research work has been in vitro or ex vivo and not in vivo. To provide the required evidence, better designed studies are needed. The sorghum and millet products should be fully characterised, especially their phytochemical composition. Most importantly, well‐controlled human clinical studies and intervention trials are required. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry     

Transforming the fermented fish landscape: Microbiota enable novel,safe, flavorful,and healthy products for modern consumers

Regular consumption of fish promotes sustainable health while reducing negative environmental impacts. Fermentation has long been used for preserving perishable foods, including fish. Fermented fish products are popular consumer foods of historical and cultural significance owing to their abundant essential nutrients and distinct flavor. This review discusses the recent scientific progress on fermented fish, especially the involved flavor formation processes, microbial metabolic activities, and interconnected biochemical pathways (e.g., enzymatic/non-enzymatic reactions associated with lipids, proteins, and their interactions). The multiple roles of fermentation in preservation of fish, development of desirable flavors, and production of health-promoting nutrients and bioactive substances are also discussed. Finally, prospects for further studies on fermented fish are proposed, including the need of monitoring microorganisms, along with the precise control of a fermentation process to transform the traditional fermented fish to novel, flavorful, healthy, and affordable products for modern consumers. Microbial-enabled innovative fermented fish products that consider both flavor and health benefits are expected to become a significant segment in global food markets. The integration of multi-omics technologies, biotechnology-based approaches (including synthetic biology and metabolic engineering) and sensory and consumer sciences, is crucial for technological innovations related to fermented fish. The findings of this review will provide guidance on future development of new or improved fermented fish products through regulating microbial metabolic processes and enzymatic activities.     

Traditional fermented foods and beverages in Burundi

Several traditional fermented foods and beverages are produced at the household level in Burundi. These include milk products (urubu, amateregua and amavuta), cereal and banana-based beverages (Urwarwa, Isongo, Impeke and Kanyanga) and cassava-based fermented foods (Ikivunde, Inyange, Imikembe and Ubswage). Literature on Burundian fermented foods and beverages is non-existent. Therefore, the objective of this review is to document the methods by which these Burundian foods and beverages are produced and to devise scientific means to improve their quality and optimize their production methods.