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The Impact of Advances in Fermentation Processes on the Chemical Composition of the Final Product, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2025) | Viewed by 6146

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Food Engineering and Process Management, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska, Warsaw, Poland
Interests: encapsulation; fruit and vegetable juices; spray drying; micronization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Gastronomy Sciences and Functional Foods, Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland
Interests: functional food; food product development; food chemistry; bioactive compounds; antioxidant activity; nutraceuticals; natural compounds; polyphenols; flavonoids; nutritional value; food and health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a Special Issue of Molecules with a particular focus on food chemistry, which aligns perfectly with the journal's core focus. This Special Issue aims to present state-of-the-art research articles and review articles that explore the complex world of fermentation technology and uncover new insights into chemical reactions or substances that are observed.

Fermentation is a complex process that comprises two primary forms: lactic acid fermentation and alcoholic fermentation. Lactic acid fermentation, also known as pickling, is a natural bioprocess that serves the dual purpose of food preservation and enhancement. This intricate process primarily involves bacterial species such as Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, Lactococcus, Enterococcus, Oenococcus, and Streptococcus (LAB). LAB possess the exceptional ability to preserve and transform raw food materials by generating a wide range of substances, which include hydrocolloids, organic acids, enzymes, flavors, and antibacterial compounds. Moreover, the byproducts of lactic acid fermentation, such as lactic acid, carbon dioxide, and ethanol, play a significant role in preventing the growth of pathogens in food. The use of lactic acid bacteria for fermenting a broad range of consumables, such as vegetables, fruits, milk, and meat, is a traditional practice. However, with the exploration of novel bacterial strains and innovative products (ranging from fruits and vegetables to even flowers) for lactic acid fermentation, a new frontier is emerging in this domain. Extensive testing is crucial in deciphering the complexities of these evolving processes, elucidating their mechanisms, and understanding their impact on the bioactive components of the substrates used.

Alcoholic fermentation is a crucial biotechnological process that involves various microorganisms, including yeast strains like Saccharomyces cerevisiae, certain bacterial species such as Zymomonas mobilis, and others. These microorganisms work together to convert sugars into ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide, which is mainly observed in the production of fruit juices and alcoholic beverages like wine and beer.

We would like to invite researchers to submit their high-quality original research and review articles for our Special Issue. The focus of this Special Issue is on fermentation processes, particularly the use of LAB and alcoholic fermentation. We encourage contributions that explore the mechanisms involved in fermenting fruits and vegetables.

The topics to be addressed in this Special Issue include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Fermentation studies, including chemical changes related to biological activity;
  • Investigation of new substrates and products that can be used in the fermentation process;
  • Evaluation of the influence of modern technologies on fermented products and their inherent properties;
  • Isolation and structure elucidation of compounds from fermented products;
  • Analytical characterization of fermented food using advanced technologies based on molecules;
  • Methods for the quality control of functional foods and nutraceuticals, including herbal and traditional medicines explored in Molecules;
  • Structure–activity relationships between chemical constituents and their activity;
  • Chemistry-related components and their physiological, sensory, flavor, physical, and chemical properties.

We look forward to your valuable contributions and insights.

Dr. Emilia Janiszewska-Turak
Prof. Dr. Anna Gramza-Michałowska
Dr. Katarzyna Pobiega
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • lactic acid fermentation
  • alcoholic fermentation
  • fruits
  • vegetables
  • LAB

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 2958 KiB  
Article
Pomegranate Peel as a Sustainable Additive for Baijiu Fermentation: Physicochemical and Flavor Analysis with Process Optimization
by Longwen Wang, Guida Zhu, Na Li, Zhiheng Wang, Yi Ji, Chen Shen, Jing Yu and Ping Song
Molecules 2025, 30(8), 1800; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30081800 - 17 Apr 2025
Viewed by 254
Abstract
Rice hulls, a traditional ingredient in Chinese light-flavor Baijiu, contribute to bran and furfural flavors but may adversely affect the aroma and taste. This study explores fresh pomegranate peel as a sustainable alternative to rice hulls in Baijiu fermentation. The flavor profiles in [...] Read more.
Rice hulls, a traditional ingredient in Chinese light-flavor Baijiu, contribute to bran and furfural flavors but may adversely affect the aroma and taste. This study explores fresh pomegranate peel as a sustainable alternative to rice hulls in Baijiu fermentation. The flavor profiles in jiupei and Baijiu were interpreted by employing head-space solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS), while their physicochemical characteristics were systematically assessed. Statistical evaluations, such as correlation analysis and cluster analysis, were conducted to interpret the data. The results showed that compared with rice hull, pomegranate peel reduced furfural content in jiupei by 90%, increased the alcohol distillation rate (alcohol distillation rate: this refers to the weight percentage of 50% alcohol by volume (ABV) Baijiu produced from a unit amount of raw material under standard atmospheric pressure at 20 °C (also known as Baijiu yield)) by 30%, enhanced antioxidant capacity by 24.38%, and improved starch efficiency by 3%. Notably, the Baijiu complied with the premium Baijiu standards specified in the Chinese National Standard for light-flavor Baijiu. Additionally, under the experimental conditions of this study, the optimal Baijiu yield (optimal Baijiu yield: the maximum achievable Baijiu production under defined constraints (e.g., energy input, time, cost)) (48% ± 3.41%) correlated with the pomegranate peel particle size. This research highlights the viability of using pomegranate peel as a sustainable and environmentally friendly adjunct in the fermentation of light-flavor Baijiu, offering valuable perspectives for exploring alternative brewing ingredients. Full article
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14 pages, 269 KiB  
Article
Influence of Plant Additives on Changes in the Composition of Fatty Acids, Lipid Quality Indices and Minerals of Fermented Dairy Products from Cow’s Milk
by Beata Paszczyk and Elżbieta Tońska
Molecules 2025, 30(2), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30020235 - 9 Jan 2025
Viewed by 810
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of selected plant additives on changes in the content of fatty acids, lipid quality indicators and mineral composition of yogurts produced from cow’s milk. The analysis included natural yogurts and yogurts enriched with [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of selected plant additives on changes in the content of fatty acids, lipid quality indicators and mineral composition of yogurts produced from cow’s milk. The analysis included natural yogurts and yogurts enriched with 10% of chia seeds, hulled hemp seeds, quinoa seeds and oat bran. The fatty acid composition, the content of lipid quality indicators and the content of mineral components was varied in all analyzed yogurts. The plant additives used caused significant (p ≤ 0.05) changes in their fatty acid content, i.e., a significant decrease in the content of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and a significant increase in the content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The plant additives used caused significant (p ≤ 0.05) changes in the content of fatty acids, i.e., a significant decrease in the content of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and a significant increase in the content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). It was shown that additives such as chia seeds and peeled hemp seeds caused the greatest changes in the analyzed yogurts. Yogurts with these additives were characterized by a significant increase in the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including n-3 acids, and a more favorable n-6/n-3 ratio. Yogurts with these additives were also characterized by significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower atherogenic (AI) and thrombogenic (TI) indices and a higher hypocholesterolemia-to-hypercholesterolemia ratio (H/H). The addition of peeled hemp seeds caused the greatest changes in the content of minerals. Yogurts with hemp seeds were characterized by the highest content of all measured macroelements, as well as copper, iron and zinc. In turn, the highest manganese content was determined in the yogurts with the addition of chia seeds. Full article
21 pages, 2272 KiB  
Article
Mixed Culture of Yeast and Lactic Acid Bacteria for Low-Temperature Fermentation of Wheat Dough
by Wiktoria Liszkowska, Ilona Motyl, Katarzyna Pielech-Przybylska, Urszula Dziekońska-Kubczak and Joanna Berłowska
Molecules 2025, 30(1), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30010112 - 30 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1291
Abstract
There is growing interest in low-temperature food processing. In the baking industry, low-temperature fermentation improves the production of natural aroma compounds, which have a positive impact on the sensory profile of the final product. The aim of this study was to develop a [...] Read more.
There is growing interest in low-temperature food processing. In the baking industry, low-temperature fermentation improves the production of natural aroma compounds, which have a positive impact on the sensory profile of the final product. The aim of this study was to develop a yeast–lactic acid bacteria starter culture that effectively ferments wheat dough at a temperature of 15 °C. The microorganisms were selected based on their enzymatic activity and ability to grow at low temperature. The fermentation activity of the yeast and mixed cultures was assessed enzymatically. The biosynthesis of volatile organic compounds was quantified using the HS-GC-MS technique. Samples fermented by S. cerevisiae D3 were characterized by the highest concentration of volatile organic compounds, especially esters. The addition of lactic acid bacteria increased not only the biosynthesis of volatile organic compounds but also the productivity of carbon dioxide during dough fermentation. Based on both dough expansion and the profile of volatile organic compounds, a mixed culture of S. cerevisiae D3 and L. brevis B46 was selected as the most effective starter for low-temperature fermentation. Full article
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13 pages, 603 KiB  
Article
Development of Volatile Compounds in Raw Fermented Sausages with Reduced Nitrogen Compounds—The Effect of Tomato Pomace Addition
by Patrycja Skwarek, Jose M. Lorenzo, Laura Purriños and Małgorzata Karwowska
Molecules 2024, 29(24), 5826; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29245826 - 10 Dec 2024
Viewed by 982
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the impact of tomato pomace (TP) on the content of volatile compounds and L-carnitine and the sensory characteristics of raw fermented sausages produced with reduced nitrite. The produced sausages were divided into three experimental groups: [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to assess the impact of tomato pomace (TP) on the content of volatile compounds and L-carnitine and the sensory characteristics of raw fermented sausages produced with reduced nitrite. The produced sausages were divided into three experimental groups: control sample, sample with 1.5% addition of freeze-dried tomato pomace, and sample with 2.5% addition of TP. The results showed that the addition of tomato pomace significantly affected the quality of raw fermented sausages. Lower L-carnitine content was observed in samples with TP. The main groups of volatile compounds identified in fermented sausages were alcohols, aldehydes, hydrocarbons, and ketones. The addition of TP influenced the smell and taste of the sausages, which were characterized by a more intense tomato taste and smell and more intense red color compared to the control sample. Despite the influence of TP addition on some sensory features, the products were characterized by a high score of overall quality of over 7 c.u. on a 10-point scale, similar to the control sausage. Full article
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18 pages, 931 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Fermentation Technology on the Functional and Sensory Properties of Hemp Bread
by Stanisław Kowalski, Anna Mikulec, Dorota Litwinek, Barbara Mickowska, Magdalena Skotnicka, Joanna Oracz, Kaja Karwowska, Anna Wywrocka-Gurgul, Renata Sabat and Anna Platta
Molecules 2024, 29(22), 5455; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29225455 - 19 Nov 2024
Viewed by 962
Abstract
In this work, the type of fermentation and baking technology used to make hemp bread was investigated. The physicochemical composition of flour and bread, the protein nutritional quality, fatty acids profile, texture, consumer acceptance, analysis of volatile compounds using an electronic nose and [...] Read more.
In this work, the type of fermentation and baking technology used to make hemp bread was investigated. The physicochemical composition of flour and bread, the protein nutritional quality, fatty acids profile, texture, consumer acceptance, analysis of volatile compounds using an electronic nose and chemical compounds using an electronic tongue were determined. Differences in protein and total dietary fiber content were observed in the obtained breads. The use of sourdoughs had a minor effect on the physical properties of the bread tested (the volume and mass of the loaves, color, or crumb texture). There was no clear effect of the tested sourdoughs on the parameters of the crumb texture and its moisture, assessed physically, both on the day of baking and during storage. In this bread, the limiting amino acid was lysine (amino acid score from 56.22% to 57.63%), but the breads did not differ significantly in the value of this indicator. The n-6/n-3 ratio in breads containing hemp flour (from 3.73 to 4.48) may have a beneficial effect on human health. The best-rated bread was the HB4 with a score of 6.09. The acceptance of remaining breads were in the range from 3.91 for HB1 to 4.91 for HB2. Full article
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13 pages, 1328 KiB  
Article
Optimisation of the Ethanol Fermentation Process Using Hydrothermal Pretreatment of Cellulose Waste—Effect of Fermentation Pattern and Strain
by Jun Zhou, Pin Lv, Binsheng He, Jingjing Wu, Gao Wang, Hongzhi Ma, Yueyao Wang and Guiyun Chen
Molecules 2024, 29(22), 5266; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29225266 - 7 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1102
Abstract
Suitable fermentation substrates and fermentation modes can effectively improve the fermentation ethanol yield. In this study, we optimised the hydrothermal pretreatment conditions by orthogonal optimisation using waste tissue paper as substrate. These conditions consisted of 50 min duration in a high-pressure reactor with [...] Read more.
Suitable fermentation substrates and fermentation modes can effectively improve the fermentation ethanol yield. In this study, we optimised the hydrothermal pretreatment conditions by orthogonal optimisation using waste tissue paper as substrate. These conditions consisted of 50 min duration in a high-pressure reactor with pure water as solvent at a temperature of 160 °C. The biomass to water ratio was maintained at a constant level. The cellulose content of the pretreated TP was 81.19 ± 4.06%, which was an increase of 21.59% compared to the blank control. The 72 h reducing sugar yield of pretreated TP was 0.61 g sugar/g paper, which was 38.64% higher than that of untreated TP. Subsequently, the pretreated TP was fermented under optimal conditions. The mixed group of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida shehatae (SC) showed a distributed saccharification fermentation pattern, with an ethanol yield of 28.11 g/L in 72 h. On the other hand, the single Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S) exhibited a homobloc saccharification fermentation pattern, with an ethanol yield of 35.15 g/L in 72 h. Full article
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