Significance of microbial symbiotic coexistence in traditional fermentation

J Biosci Bioeng. 2013 Nov;116(5):533-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2013.05.017. Epub 2013 Jun 21.

Abstract

Symbiosis has long been a central theme in microbiology. There have been many studies on the symbioses between microorganisms and higher organisms such as plants and animals. There also have been some studies on the symbiosis or coexistence of microorganisms, such as yeasts, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), acetic acid bacteria (AAB) and koji molds, in traditional fermentation (brewing). These microorganisms are considered to interact and cooperate with each other in various natural environments, such as dropped cereal crops or ripe fruits. Human beings have taken advantage of these microbial interactions for producing various fermented foods.

Keywords: Acetic acid bacteria; Brewing; Koji molds; Lactic acid bacteria; Symbiosis; Traditional fermentation; Yeast.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acetic Acid / metabolism
  • Alcoholic Beverages / microbiology
  • Bacteria / metabolism*
  • Edible Grain / metabolism
  • Fermentation*
  • Food Microbiology*
  • Fungi / metabolism*
  • Lactic Acid / metabolism
  • Symbiosis*
  • Yeasts / metabolism

Substances

  • Lactic Acid
  • Acetic Acid