Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have historically been used as starter cultures for the production of fermented foods, especially dairy products. Over recent years, new areas have had a strong impact on LAB studies: the application of omics tools; the study of complex microbial ecosystems, the discovery of new LAB species, and the use of LAB as powerhouses in the food and medical industries. This second edition of Biotechnology of Lactic Acid Bacteria: Novel Applications addresses the major advances in the fields over the last five years. Thoroughly revised and updated, the book includes new chapters. Among them: The current status of LAB systematics; The role of LAB in the human intestinal microbiome and the intestinal tract of animals and its impact on the health and disease state of the host; The involvement of LAB in fruit and vegetable fermentations; The production of nutraceuticals and aroma compounds by LAB; and The formation of biofilms by LAB. This book is an essential reference for established researchers and scientists, clinical and advanced students, university professors and instructors, nutritionists and food technologists working on food microbiology, physiology and biotechnology of lactic acid bacteria.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have historically been used as starter cultures for the production of fermented foods, especially dairy products. Over recent years, new areas have had a strong impact on LAB studies: the application of omics tools; the study of complex microbial ecosystems, the discovery of new LAB species, and the use of LAB as powerhouses in the food and medical industries. This second edition of Biotechnology of Lactic Acid Bacteria: Novel Applications addresses the major advances in the fields over the last five years. Thoroughly revised and updated, the book includes new chapters. Among them: The current status of LAB systematics; The role of LAB in the human intestinal microbiome and the intestinal tract of animals and its impact on the health and disease state of the host; The involvement of LAB in fruit and vegetable fermentations; The production of nutraceuticals and aroma compounds by LAB; and The formation of biofilms by LAB. This book is an essential reference for established researchers and scientists, clinical and advanced students, university professors and instructors, nutritionists and food technologists working on food microbiology, physiology and biotechnology of lactic acid bacteria.

Lactic Acid Bacteria in Food Biotechnology: Innovations and Functional Aspects describes the latest advancements in LAB applications in the development of functional foods and fermented foods, biotechnological products using LAB, i.e., bio chemicals (organic acids, bacteriocins, etc.), bioactive and functional biomolecules, comparative genomics of probiotic LAB, and genetically modified LAB in food industry. Bridging the gap between LAB-mediated fermented foods and bioactive compounds, vis-a-vis molecular aspects, this book enables the transition from research to application. The book details applications of LAB in fermented/functional foods including cereals, vegetables, fish, meat cheese, other dairy products, and much more. Other sections cover their biochemistry and biotechnology aspects, bio preservation by bio molecules produced by LAB, bioactive metabolites and biosurfactants, including their value in health and wellness and exploring the genomics of LAB from food to health. Finally, the book addresses genetically modified lactic acid bacteria in food and beverages. Identifies biomolecules released by LAB into foods and their health benefits Describes natural biopreservation by LAB, mechanisms, food safety issues and disease prevention Includes LAB as probiotics, modulation of gut microbiota and health aspects Addresses potentially negative aspects of LAB in producing biogenic amines and health impacts Presents the pros and cons of genetically modified LAB in food industry

In developing countries, traditional fermentation serves many purposes. It can improve the taste of an otherwise bland food, enhance the digestibility of a food that is difficult to assimilate, preserve food from degradation by noxious organisms, and increase nutritional value through the synthesis of essential amino acids and vitamins. Although "fermented food" has a vaguely distasteful ring, bread, wine, cheese, and yogurt are all familiar fermented foods. Less familiar are gari, ogi, idli, ugba, and other relatively unstudied but important foods in some African and Asian countries. This book reports on current research to improve the safety and nutrition of these foods through an elucidation of the microorganisms and mechanisms involved in their production. Also included are recommendations for needed research.

Through four editions, Lactic Acid Bacteria: Microbiological and Functional Aspects, has provided readers with information on the how’s and why’s lactic acid-producing fermentation improves the storability, palatability, and nutritive value of perishable foods. Thoroughly updated and fully revised, with 12 new chapters, the Fifth Edition covers regulatory aspects globally, new findings on health effects, properties and stability of LAB as well as production of target specific LAB. The new edition also addresses the technological use of LAB in various fermentations of food, feed and beverage, and their safety considerations. It features the detailed description of the main genera of LAB as well as such novel bacteria as fructophilic LAB and novel probiotics and discusses such new targets as cognitive function, metabolic health, respiratory health and probiotics. Key Features: In 12 new chapters, findings are presented on health effects, properties and stability of LAB as well as production of target specific LAB Covers such novel bacteria as fructophilic LAB and novel probiotics Presents new discoveries related to the mechanisms of lactic acid bacterial metabolism and function Covers the benefits of LAB, both in fermentation of dairy, cereal, meat, vegetable and silage, and their health benefits on humans and animals Discusses the less-known role of LAB as food spoilers Covers the global regulatory framework related to safety and efficacy

This Brief explores the importance of lactic acid and fermentation in the modern food industry. Although it is usually associated with milk and dairy products, lactic acid can also be found in many other fermented food products, including confectionery products, jams, frozen desserts, and pickled vegetables. In this work, the authors explain how lactic acid is produced from lactose by Lactobacillus and Streptococcus cultures, and they also emphasise its important role as pH regulator and preservative, helping to the inhibition of microbial growth in fermented foods. The Brief discusses a wide range of lactic acid’s applications as a natural additive, curing or gelling agent, flavour, food carrier, solvent, and discoloration inhibitor, among others. Readers will also find a brief overview of the current analytical methods for the quantitative and qualitative determination of lactic acid in foods.

Food Safety and Human Health provides a framework to manage food safety risks and insure safe food system. This reference takes a reader-friendly approach in presenting the entire range of toxic compounds found naturally in foods or introduced by industrial contamination or food processing methods. It provides the basic principles of food toxicology and its processing and safety for human health to help professionals and students better understand the real problems of toxic materials. This essential resource will help readers address problems regarding food contamination and safety. It will be particularly useful for graduate students, researchers and professionals in the agri-food industry. Encompasses the first pedagogic treatment of the entire range of toxic compounds found naturally in foods or introduced by industrial contamination or food processing methods Features areas of vital concern to consumers, such as the toxicological implications of food, implications of food processing and its safety to human health Focuses on the safety aspects of genetically modified foods currently available