Search Results (468)

Traditional fermented foods are important reservoirs of wild microorganisms with technological, sensory, protective, and functional potential. However, the performance of these isolates in controlled or compositionally different food matrices remains fragmented across microbial groups and food systems. This systematic review synthesized evidence on using wild microbial isolates from traditional fermented foods and beverages as starters or potential probiotic cultures. The conducted a systematic search exclusively in Scopus, following PRISMA 2020, to include original research articles published between 2021 and 2026, yielding 68 eligible studies. The included studies were analyzed by geographical origin, isolation source, recipient matrix, microbial group, and key physicochemical, technological, sensory, microbiological, nutritional, and functional outcomes. The evidence was organized into wild yeasts and filamentous fungi, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Bacillus isolates, and defined mixed microbial cultures. Across food matrices, microbial incorporation frequently accelerated acidification, shortened fermentation time, modified volatile compound profiles, and altered texture, color, enzymatic activity, or substrate utilization. Sensory responses improved aroma, flavor, texture, and acceptance, whereas others produced profiles that deviated from the characteristic product and reduced overall liking. Functional effects included increases in phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, GABA, folate, peptides, and resistant starch, along with reductions in phytates, nitrites, biogenic amines, aflatoxins, and nondigestible oligosaccharides. Researchers also reported antimicrobial, antifungal, protective, and preliminary probiotic properties. Defined mixed microbial cultures often provided complementary metabolic effects, although true synergistic interactions were demonstrated only sporadically. Overall, wild isolates from traditional fermentations represent promising resources for food bioprocessing; however, their performance varies widely across strains, recipient matrices, experimental conditions, and outcomes evaluated. Consequently, their application requires strain–matrix validation, comprehensive sensory assessment, safety characterization, and evaluation under processing and storage conditions relevant to industrial production. Full article

Real-time lactate monitoring is essential for clinical diagnostics, sports physiology, and industrial bioprocessing, yet conventional enzymatic sensors suffer from limited stability, narrow operational temperature range, and complex fabrication protocols. Herein, we report a robust non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor based on graphene fibers (GFs), featuring a GF/Au/Ni(OH)₂ composite electrode with controllable structure fabricated via sequential electrodeposition. Systematic optimization of deposition parameters established a quantitative relationship between surface architecture and electrochemical response, revealing a critical trade-off between active site density and charge transport efficiency. The sensor achieved optimal performance when both Au and Ni(OH)₂ were deposited for 900 s, exhibiting a high sensitivity of 1.24 mA mM⁻¹ cm⁻² and a remarkably broad operational temperature range of 0–100 °C. Moreover, the sensor demonstrates excellent repeatability, superior anti-interference capability against common electroactive species, and outstanding long-term durability with 97.8% response retention after 14 days. This work provides a rational design strategy for balancing catalytic activity and transport properties in metal–metal oxide composites, offering a reliable platform for advanced applications in next-generation wearable health-monitoring systems. Full article

The industrial use of non-Saccharomyces yeasts offers a robust bioprocess strategy for modulating volatile biochemical profiles and reducing climate-driven ethanol production in fermented beverages. This study explores the metabolic diversity of indigenous non-Saccharomyces, with a particular focus on Starmerella bacillaris MI151, selected for sequential inoculation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae MI118. Pilot-scale bioreactor fermentations (25 L) of two Romanian matrix-specific aromatic grape cultivars, Busuioacă de Bohotin and Tămâioasă Românească, exhibited clear strain-dependent carbon flux changes. The sequential culture actively triggered the glycerol-pyruvic pathway, which consistently reduced the final ethanol concentration to up to 0.94% (v/v) and maintained a balanced profile of volatile compounds. GC-MS-based metabolomic profiling revealed substantial changes in the esterification kinetics and glycosidic precursor cleavage. The sequential fermentation resulted in a synergistic increase in n-hexyl acetate (up to 2310.01 µg/L) and bypassing of the standard enzymatic repression, freeing highly volatile monoterpenes (β-citronellol and β-geraniol) in the analyzed matrices. This targeted microbial system successfully modulated the organic acid–phenolic balance, neutralizing harsh structural finishes, as confirmed by quantitative sensory mapping. Finally, these specific local yeast strains exhibit strong bioprocess scalability, offering a predictable, non-engineered strategy to lower the ethanol yield while driving targeted flavor enhancement in climate-vulnerable viticultural regions. Full article

Industrial bioprocesses remain constrained by their limited ability to monitor intracellular events in real time. Most rely on external measurements—nutrient or metabolite levels in the culture medium—that provide only delayed and indirect information about the cell’s internal state. Riboswitches, RNA elements that respond to specific small molecules, offer a complementary route to direct intracellular sensing. Acting as genetically encoded biosensors, they bind metabolites with nanomolar-to-micromolar affinity, and ligand binding drives rapid conformational changes in the RNA. When coupled to gene regulatory outputs, riboswitches can, in principle, support dynamic feedback control that allows cells to sense metabolic imbalances and adjust their own metabolism. This Commentary argues that the central opportunity is conceptual: reframing intracellular biosensing as a foundational layer for adaptive, self-regulating cell factories. It distinguishes what riboswitch technology already demonstrates at laboratory scale from what remains a forward-looking vision, and outlines the engineering barriers, specificity, dynamic range, context-dependence, metabolic burden, evolutionary stability, and validation in production settings that must be addressed before autonomous bioprocess control becomes routine. Importantly, the functional response time of such systems is governed not by binding kinetics alone but by transcription, translation and mRNA turnover, a distinction that matters for feedback stability. Full article

2,3-Butanediol (2,3-BD) is a versatile bulk chemical, serving as a high-boiling green solvent, a key monomer for polyesters and polyurethanes, and a crucial intermediate in the production of fine chemicals and cosmetics. Additionally, it is a key intermediate for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, supporting green chemistry. Microbial production of 2,3-BD offers a sustainable bioprocess but faces the challenge of high-concentration product inhibition. In an effort to improve 2,3-BD tolerance and production in Corynebacterium glutamicum, the engineered strain CGK4 was subjected to atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) mutagenesis, from which three superior mutant strains were isolated. Genomic and reverse engineering analyses revealed two mutations beneficial for tolerance and seven mutations beneficial for production. Among these, mutations atpG^L250P, cobT^V192V, and ctaE^L79P increased 2,3-BD titer by 18.0%, 14.5%, and 15.0%, respectively. Furthermore, we found that while certain mutations markedly enhanced stress tolerance, the highest-producing strains achieved a balanced metabolic state rather than maximal tolerance, indicating a non-linear relationship between the two traits. Finally, through mutation combination optimization, the optimal strain K4-cobT-ctaE was constructed. In shake-flask fed-batch fermentation, this strain produced 84.35 ± 3.04 g/L (2R,3R)-2,3-BD, which was 38.3% higher than that of the parental strain. Our findings provide a promising approach to addressing 2,3-BD tolerance challenges and promote the development of microbial production platforms for industrial application. Full article

This study integrates microbial biotechnology, bioprocess optimization, and circular bioeconomy principles to valorize oilseed agro-industrial coproducts as low-cost inducing substrates for lipase production. Palm kernel cake (PKC), canola cake, andiroba cake, and brewer’s spent grain were evaluated as carbon sources for extracellular lipase production by the wild-type strain Trichoderma sp. LEPM-711 under submerged fermentation. Qualitative screening in olive oil/rhodamine B medium confirmed the strain’s lipolytic potential. Among the substrates tested, PKC showed the strongest induction, reaching 4.68 U mL⁻¹, and was therefore selected for nitrogen supplementation and statistical optimization. Peptone supplementation increased lipolytic activity to 8.41 U mL⁻¹ after 72 h. A Plackett–Burman design identified CaCl₂·2H₂O, CoCl₂·6H₂O, and peptone as significant medium components, while response surface methodology established the optimal operational conditions as pH 6.0, 10⁶ spores mL⁻¹, and 2% (w/v) PKC. Under these conditions, the crude enzymatic extract reached 18.31 U mL⁻¹ at pH 7.0 and 45 °C, corresponding to an approximately 3.9-fold increase over the initial PKC fermentation. These findings support the use of Trichoderma sp. LEPM-711 and oilseed coproducts as a sustainable platform for enzyme production and residue upgrading within applied natural sciences. Full article

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) exhibits extensive cultivar diversity in fruit morphology, color, and bioactive compounds. These are closely associated with genetic background, ripening stage, and carotenoid metabolic regulation. Carotenoids, especially lycopene and β-carotene, are major determinants of tomato coloration and are also nutritionally and industrially important high-value-added antioxidants. Carotenoid profiles are regulated by changes in related biosynthetic pathways, including precursor supply, desaturation, isomerization, and cyclization. Key genes such as PSY1, CRTISO, LCY-B and LCY-E play central roles in carotenoid synthesis and accumulation, thereby determining color phenotypes. Mutations and genome-editing (CRISPR/Cas9) approaches can modify carotenoid metabolic flux and develop cultivars with improved nutritional traits. Furthermore, advanced and sustainable recovery strategies for carotenoids (ultrasound-, microwave-, enzyme-, high-pressure-, deep eutectic solvent-, and supercritical fluid-assisted extraction methods) have been developed for efficient pigment extraction. In this review, we compare the physiological and molecular characteristics of diverse cultivars and traits of advanced bioprocesses in terms of carotenoid extraction efficiency and solvent safety. Finally, we discuss various encapsulation techniques that improve product stability and storage performance in industrial applications. Taken together, we review practical strategies combining cultivar-based carotenoid production, sustainable recovery, and product stabilization. Full article

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a versatile class of porous nanomaterials with exceptional surface area, tunable pore architectures, and customizable chemical functionalities, creating new opportunities for advanced food applications. Increasing demand for functional foods, precision fermentation, and sustainable bioprocessing has stimulated interest in MOFs as multifunctional platforms for microbial encapsulation, biocatalyst stabilization, and resource recovery. This review examines recent advances in the design and application of MOFs for probiotic delivery, precision fermentation, and circular food systems. The relationships between MOF structure, physicochemical properties, and functional performance are discussed in the context of probiotic encapsulation, protection against environmental and gastrointestinal stress, and controlled release within the intestinal tract. Emerging applications in precision fermentation are evaluated, including microbial immobilization, enzyme stabilization, metabolite separation, and bioprocess intensification. The potential of MOFs to enable circular food systems through the valorization of fermentation by-products, nutrient recovery, and waste-to-value strategies is also assessed. Despite significant progress, challenges related to biocompatibility, food-grade synthesis, scalability, regulatory approval, and long-term safety continue to limit industrial implementation. Future research directions include the development of sustainable and biodegradable MOFs, data-driven material design, and standardized evaluation frameworks to accelerate the translation of MOF-enabled technologies from laboratory research to commercial food applications. Full article

Agri-food byproducts are increasingly investigated as food-tech material resources, but compositional richness alone does not establish ingredient suitability. This critical narrative review evaluates plant-derived and processing residues across four representative material groups: fiber- and polysaccharide-rich powders and fractions, protein- and starch-rich materials, bioprocessed ingredients, and formulation-supporting composites. We examine how source identity, stabilization, drying, milling, fermentation, enzymatic modification, fractionation, and formulation influence hydration, interfacial behavior, gelation, rheology, texture, sensory compatibility, storage stability, and preservation-supporting performance. Evidence is interpreted across linked feedstock–processing–functionality–application–readiness gates, with separate consideration of safety, regulatory positioning, batch specifications, scale-up, techno-economic feasibility, life cycle assessment, and circularity boundaries. The practical output is a five-gate decision support and claim calibration framework that distinguishes four proposed evidence levels: Candidate, Functionality-supported, Formulation-validated, and Industry-ready potential. As a proposed non-numerical synthesis, the framework supports decision-making and claim calibration rather than ranking, certification, or regulatory approval; it identifies the evidence required before matrix-specific functional, safety, sustainability, or industry relevance claims are made. Full article

Wheat milling by-products are nutrient-rich sidestreams whose valorization is limited by low phenolic bioaccessibility and high phytate levels. This study investigates how sourdough fermentation using a mixed starter (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Wickerhamomyces anomalus) modulates the functional properties of whole wheat germ (WWG), defatted wheat germ (DWG), defatted wheat bran (DWB), and wheat middlings (WMs), tested alone or blended with 20% semolina. Fermentation performed shifts in a substrate-dependent manner: it reduced phytic acid content by up to 60% in WWG and WMs while increasing free amino nitrogen (FAN) up to 2.6 mg/g d.b. Conversely, defatted matrices (DWG and DWB) exhibited structural resistance, showing stagnation in both phytate degradation and FAN accumulation, likely due to industrial hexane-treatment limitations. Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP) assessed via the extraction-free QUENCHER method revealed that conventional solvent extraction underestimates the bioactive potential by 40–60%. Fermentation significantly enhanced radical-scavenging activity across all matrices. However, ferric-reducing power (FRAP) increased exclusively in WWG and WMs (up to 18–19 µmol Fe (II)E/g d.b.), proving strictly dependent on phytic acid degradation. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed a clear trend toward convergence in the functional profiles of heterogeneous matrices during long-term bioprocessing. Controlled sourdough fermentation represents an effective strategy to upcycle specific cereal sidestreams into functional ingredients, though industrial defatting constraints require structural optimization. Full article

Proteases are among the most commercially important industrial enzymes, yet their large-scale production is often limited by complex and costly downstream processing. In this study, an integrated bioprocess was developed for the production, in situ recovery, and purification of an extracellular protease produced by Aspergillus sp. (SIS 22/UCP 1287) under submerged fermentation. Enzyme extraction was coupled directly to fermentation using a polyethylene glycol (PEG)–phosphate aqueous two-phase system (ATPS), aiming to enhance recovery while preserving enzymatic activity. The effects of PEG molecular weight, polymer and phosphate concentrations, and pH on enzyme partitioning were systematically investigated through a full factorial experimental design. Low-molecular-weight PEG and near-neutral pH conditions significantly favored enzyme migration to the PEG-rich phase. Under optimized conditions (15% PEG 3500, 20% phosphate, pH 7.0), the ATPS achieved a partition coefficient of 65.55, enzyme recovery of 209%, and a purification factor of 1.64. Subsequent purification by DEAE–Sephadex ion-exchange chromatography yielded a tenfold increase in specific activity, with optimal elution at 0.5 M NaCl. SDS–PAGE analysis confirmed the homogeneity of the purified protease, revealing a single band at approximately 59 kDa. Overall, the proposed integrated ATPS–chromatography strategy represents a robust, scalable, and environmentally friendly platform that significantly simplifies downstream processing while maintaining high enzyme activity, highlighting its potential for industrial and biotechnological applications. Full article

Pullulan is a microbial exopolysaccharide produced primarily by Aureobasidium spp. It has attracted considerable attention due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and versatility in food-related applications. While its basic chemical structure has long been established, recent advances have significantly improved the understanding of the genetic, enzymatic, and regulatory mechanisms governing its biosynthesis. This review discusses current knowledge on pullulan production, focusing on biosynthetic pathways, regulatory networks, and the influence of fermentation conditions on polymer yield and quality. Particular emphasis is placed on the utilization of agro-industrial residues as renewable feedstocks within a circular bioeconomy framework, as well as on downstream recovery and purification strategies. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties of pullulan and its ability to form synergistic assemblies with other biopolymers are evaluated in relation to hydrogels, edible films, active packaging, and bioactive delivery systems. By integrating microbial biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, and material science, this review provides a comprehensive overview of pullulan-based systems for food-related applications. Full article

The global proliferation of microplastics demands sustainable remediation alternatives to energy-intensive conventional disposal methods, shifting research focus toward polymer-degrading microbial communities within the “plastisphere.” The primary objectives of this study are twofold: first, to systematically decode the sequential biophysical mechanisms underlying microplastic colonization and enzymatic degradation; and second, to establish an empirically validated, scalable treatment framework that employs both a novel biological isolate and a hybrid engineering architecture. Experimentally, we investigate the multi-stage colonization process and demonstrate that “Phase Zero” conditioning films modulate the surface zeta potential (ζ) to anchor pioneer r-strategists. To evaluate degradative efficacy under accelerated conditions without abiotic pretreatment, the newly isolated carp gut strain Hafnia paralvei UUNT_MP29 was exposed to pristine low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polystyrene (PS). Over a 16-day biotic incubation period, structural and chemical alterations were distinctly polymer-specific: bacterial action on the polyolefin LDPE yielded a Carbonyl Index of 0.4594 and a 10.95 °C reduction in thermal stability (T_max), whereas the aromatic PS matrix exhibited a Carbonyl Index of 0.3235 alongside a 10.80 °C decrease in T_max, with both substrates showing intense surface pitting. To standardize these complex tracking metrics across the field, a universal four-pillar Biodegradability Index (BI) was formulated. Based on these findings, we recommend an immediate transition from passive waste containment to a closed-loop engineering approach. Specifically, we propose integrating an artificial intelligence (AI)-managed hybrid bioprocess configuration that couples Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) with Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs). This dual-stage configuration is recommended to overcome polyolefin crystallinity, accelerate stoichiometric mineralization, and actively mitigate additive-mediated toxicity at the industrial scale, providing a vital blueprint for the circular bio-economy. Full article

The bioconversion of agro-industrial waste represents a promising strategy for the valorisation of residual biomass. However, the chemical complexity of these matrices and the presence of potentially inhibitory compounds limit their direct use in several bioprocesses. In this study, a quantitative, time-resolved method was used to select bacteria for bioconverting agro-industrial by-products. The growth dynamics of bacterial strains were screened using olive and grape pomace at different compositions (up to 15%) and formulations. An integrated scoring approach (0–1) was used to compare strain behaviour across experimental conditions. The results revealed strain-dependent variability, with a matrix concentration of 10% defined as the growth-limiting concentration, with approximately 50% positive results. Among the tested strains, Bacillus subtilis BL showed a consistent and reproducible response across different by-products and formulations, maintaining stable spore viability over time, particularly in formulations supplemented with calcium carbonate (on average 10⁹ UFC/mL after 144 h). Mixed agro-industrial matrices promoted a more homogeneous and stable microbial response than individual components (reaching 10⁹ CFU/mL after approximately 100 h), supporting their direct use in a real operating environment. Overall, this work proposes a transferable quantitative approach to selecting microorganisms suitable for bioconversion of agro-industrial by-products, providing a methodological basis for developing more reliable and reproducible formulations. Full article

The growing volume of agro-industrial and food-processing residues has intensified interest in their use as low-cost substrates for microbial bioprocessing. Coffee-derived waste streams, including spent coffee grounds (SCGs), wastewater, pulp, husk, and silverskin, represent abundant but still underutilized biomass resources. This narrative review evaluates their potential as liquid or solid substrates or as components of cultivation media for selected microbial systems, including microalgae, bioremediation- and bioprocess-related bacteria, edible fungi such as Pleurotus spp., and yeasts in the genera Pichia, Kluyveromyces, Saccharomyces, and Yarrowia. The review compares the suitability of individual coffee residues based on substrate composition, pretreatment requirements, inhibitory compounds, process limitations, and reported outputs. Coffee-derived residues can reduce substrate costs, support waste valorization, and partially replace conventional nutrients in microbial processes. However, their broader application is limited by compositional variability, conditioning or hydrolysis requirements, difficulties in process standardization, and downstream processing costs. Current evidence most strongly supports fungal cultivation on SCG-containing substrates, bacterial treatment of caffeine-rich wastewaters, yeast fermentation of hydrolyzed residues, and microalgal use of conditioned liquid streams. The review identifies key research gaps and outlines realistic directions for developing coffee-based microbial bioprocesses within a circular bioeconomy framework. Full article