Bio-based products from lactic acid bacteria

Abstract

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are a diverse group of microorganisms with lactic acid production as a common characteristic. LAB are part of the human diet from the first days of life, as part of breast milk microbiota, throughout life. Since ancient times, LAB ferment dairy and meat products, beverages or cereals contributing to preservation, flavor and texture of food, but also to a health status of the host, since many are probiotics. Their capability to interact with host immunity and colonize gut makes them particularly interesting as vectors for oral vaccine, bacteriophage therapy, synthetic biology and for a personalized approach to treatment. Production of lactic acid by LAB from renewable substrates is another extremely active field of research today. Cheaper and more sustainable production of lactic acid is a goal. Lactic acid as a platform chemical can be valorized in different ways, but currently the highest expansion is in the field of poly-lactic acid polymer production. Poly-lactic acid polymers are the most represented biocompatible and biodegradable plastic used for various applications, including biomedicine. Other compounds like exopolysaccharides are naturally excreted by LAB, with the aim to protect cells and to help retention on surfaces. These characteristics are promising for their application as excipients for pharmaceutical formulations. LAB are also producing bacteriocines, antimicrobial peptides which enable colonization of the gut. Live LAB biomass or some of these products or even attenuated LAB biomass has proven successful in altering response of the host to the stressful environmental condition. LAB participate in the symbiosis of the human body and its microbiota interacting through metabolism, immunity, bioavailability and biotransformation of the food and drugs we take. Additionally, microbial communities are dynamic and different in every person. This leads to the untapped potential for their exploitation and necessity to better understand their role both inside and outside the human body.