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

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.

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

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are a diverse group of bacteria that comprise low GC content Gram-positive cocci or rods that produces lactic acid as the major end product of the fermentation process. Bifidobacterium genera may also be considered as a part of the LAB group for possessing some similar phenotypical characteristics despite the higher GC content. The key feature of LAB metabolism is efficient carbohydrate fermentation. This contributes to the production of several microbial metabolites that result in the improvement of flavor and texture of fermented foods, in addition to its positive impact on the human health when LAB is administered as a probiotic. The book deals with advances made in the functionalities of LAB, such as their effect on vitamin D receptor expression, impact on neurodegenerative pathologies, production of B-vitamins for food bio-enrichment, production of bacteriocins to improve gut microbiota dysbiosis, production of metabolites from polyphenols and their effects on human health, effect on reducing the immunoreaction of food allergens, as biological system using time-temperature to improve food safety, and the use of probiotics in animal feed. The book also reviews the use of LAB and probiotic technologies to develop new functional foods and functional pharmaceuticals.

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.