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Advanced Studies of Traditional Fermented Vegetable Food Products - Kimchi and Microorganisms

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A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2021) | Viewed by 50210

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Prof. Dr. Hae Choon Chang

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Department of Food and Nutrition, Kimchi Research Center, Chosun University, 309 Pilmun-daero, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea
Interests: psychrophilic kimchi LAB; antimicrobial compound; genome; bioactive compound; biopreservation; starter culture; vegetable fermentation; food processing; by-product utilization

Prof. Dr. Do-Won Jeong

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Guest Editor

Department of Food and Nutrition, Dongduk Women's University, 60 Hwarang-ro 13-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02478, Republic of Korea
Interests: : bacterial community in fermented food; commercial starter development; development of starter-applied food fermentation process; genome-based safety assessment of food bacteria; food–human–bacteria interaction

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Traditional fermented vegetable food products such as kimchi are considered health foods. Recognition of their nutritional and health-promoting properties has resulted in their popularity. Fermentation of traditional vegetable food products is a spontaneous process initiated by the numerous micro-organisms present in the raw materials used, making the fermented food products excellent sources of beneficial microorganisms and functional compounds. Fermented vegetable foods result in a wide variety of sensory qualities due to differential growth of the microorganisms present, but being a natural process, this fermentation often results in inconsistent production quality and sometimes safety concerns.

This Special Issue is dedicated to recent developments and studies related to fermented vegetable food products, such as kimchi and kimchi micro-organisms. We cordially welcome your review articles and original papers related to the health benefits of fermented vegetable foods as well as micro-organisms responsible for their fermentation, genomic studies of the micro-organisms, bioactive compounds from fermented vegetable food products or micro-organisms, safety issues of fermented vegetable food products, metabolites produced in the fermented foods, and any other topic of interest related to fermented vegetable food products.

Best regards,

Prof. Dr. Hae Choon Chang
Prof. Dr. Do-Won Jeong
Guest Editors

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Keywords

fermented vegetable products
kimchi
fermentation microorganisms
genome
health benefits
bioactive compounds
safety concerns
fermentation
omics approaches
starter cultures
volatilome

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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14 pages, 1690 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of the Probiotic Potential between Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Isolated from Kimchi and Standard Probiotic Strains Isolated from Different Sources

by Chang-Hee Jeong, Hyejin Sohn, Hyelyeon Hwang, Ho-Jae Lee, Tae-Woon Kim, Dong-Sub Kim, Chun-Sung Kim, Sung-Gu Han and Sung-Wook Hong

Foods 2021, 10(9), 2125; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10092125 - 8 Sep 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4128

Abstract

In the present study, the properties of the Lactiplantibacillus (Lpb.) plantarum WiKim0112 isolated from kimchi were evaluated by comparing its probiotic properties to those of Lpb. plantarum WCFS1 and KACC 11451 isolated from different sources. In both pH 2 and 3, media containing pepsin, Wikim0112, and WCFS1 showed higher cell viability than KACC11451. Viability of all Lpb. plantarum strains in a medium containing pancreatin and bile salt oxgall was significantly decreased compared to the control. WCFS1 showed the highest thermotolerance, followed by Wikim0112 and KACC11451. Wikim0112 showed a similar level of antibacterial activity to WCFS1 and exhibited an overall higher antibacterial activity than KACC11451 against six pathogens. All Lpb. plantatum strains showed high antioxidant activities in SOD, DPPH, and ABTS assays, especially Wikim0112 and WCFS1 exhibited a higher antioxidant activity than KACC11451. All Lpb. plantarum strains showed approximately 60–62% adhesion rates to Caco-2 cells. Moreover, in LPS-stimulated Caco-2 cells, all Lpb. plantarum strains significantly decreased the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (i.e., IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α); Wikim0112 significantly increased the mRNA expression of IL-4 and IFN-γ. Wikim0112 was resistant to streptomycin and vancomycin, whereas WCFS1 and KACC11451 were resistant to four (clindamycin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and vancomycin) and three (ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and vancomycin) antibiotics, respectively. These results, taken together, indicated that compared to Lpb. plantarum strains isolated from different sources, Wikim0112 showed desirable probiotic properties, suggesting its potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies of Traditional Fermented Vegetable Food Products - Kimchi and Microorganisms)

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12 pages, 1991 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Functional Genomic Insights into Probiotic Bacillus siamensis Strain B28 from Traditional Korean Fermented Kimchi

by Sojeong Heo, Jong-Hoon Kim, Mi-Sun Kwak, Do-Won Jeong and Moon-Hee Sung

Foods 2021, 10(8), 1906; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10081906 - 17 Aug 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3204

Abstract

Bacillus siamensis strain B28 was previously isolated from traditional Korean fermented kimchi and inhibited expression of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor and β-catenin in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Here, we determined the complete genome sequence of strain B28 and compared it with other strains to elucidate its potential probiotic properties. Strain B28 does not contain antibiotic resistance-, hemolysin- or enterotoxin-encoding genes. The genome includes genes related to survival in extreme conditions, adhesion in the gut, and synthesis of the bacteriocin. Considering the potential for enhancement of human health, the strain B28 genome encodes genes related to production of eight essential amino acids, γ-aminobutyric acid, branched-chain fatty acids, γ-glutamyltransferase, and subtilisin. There are genes for the synthesis of uracil, lipoteichoic acid, glutathione, and several reactive oxygen species-scavenging enzymes. Experimentally, strain B28 exhibited sensitivity to eight antibiotics and antibacterial activity against seven foodborne pathogens. B. siamensis B28 is a safe strain with potential for development as a probiotic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies of Traditional Fermented Vegetable Food Products - Kimchi and Microorganisms)

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18 pages, 1405 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of the Psychrotrophic Lactic Acid Bacterium Leuconostoc gelidum subsp. aenigmaticum LS4 Isolated from Kimchi Based on Comparative Analyses of Its Genomic and Phenotypic Properties

by So Yeong Mun, Ye Jin Seo and Hae Choon Chang

Foods 2021, 10(8), 1899; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10081899 - 16 Aug 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2715

Abstract

With the aim of developing a new food starter culture, twenty-three psychrotrophic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from 16 kimchi samples. One strain, Leuconostoc gelidum subsp. aenigmaticum LS4, which had typical psychrotrophic characteristics, was selected, and its phenotypic and genomic properties as a starter culture were investigated. The complete genome of L. aenigmaticum LS4 consisted of one circular chromosome (1,988,425 bp) and two plasmids (19,308 bp and 11,283 bp), with a guanine–cytosine content of 36.8%. L. aenigmaticum LS4 could grow at 5 °C but not at 37 °C, and maximum cell growth was obtained at 15~25 °C. L. aenigmaticum LS4 did not show any harmful characteristics such as hemolysis, undesirable enzyme activities, biogenic amine production, or antibiotic resistance. L. aenigmaticum LS4 was investigated for its suitability for technological processes (pH, temperature and NaCl treatment). L. aenigmaticum LS4 exhibited strong antimicrobial activity caused by the production of organic acids and bacteriocin, and it produced an exopolysaccharide composed of glucose with a molecular weight of 3.7 × 10⁶ Da. Furthermore, L. aenigmaticum LS4 improved the organoleptic qualities of kimchi juice. Our results indicate that L. aenigmaticum LS4 could be used as a functional starter culture for food (vegetable or fruit) fermentation at low temperatures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies of Traditional Fermented Vegetable Food Products - Kimchi and Microorganisms)

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21 pages, 2423 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rice Bran Fermented with Kimchi-Derived Lactic Acid Bacteria Prevents Metabolic Complications in Mice on a High-Fat and -Cholesterol Diet

by Sihoon Park, Hae-Choon Chang and Jae-Joon Lee

Foods 2021, 10(7), 1501; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10071501 - 28 Jun 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4291

Abstract

This aim of this study was to investigate the potential beneficial effects of rice bran powder, fermented by Weissella koreensis DB1 isolated from kimchi, to protect against obesity and dyslipidemia induced by a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet, in a mouse model. Male mice were fed a modified AIN-93M diet containing high fat/high-cholesterol (HFCD), or same diet supplemented with non-fermented rice bran powder (HFCD-RB) or fermented rice bran powder (HFCD-FRB) for 10 weeks. In the HFCD-FRB group, body weight, liver and white fat pads weights, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), non-high-density lipopreotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), insulin, glucose and leptine levels in serum, TG levels and the ratio of fat droplets in the liver, TG levels and fat cell size in adipose tissue were decreased, and (high-density lipopreotein cholesterol) HDL-C and adiponectin levels in serum were increased, compared with the HFCD group. The HFCD-FRB group had significantly lower CCAAT-enhancer-binding potein α (C/EBPα), sterol regulatory element-binding transcription protein-1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) gene expression when compared to the HFCD group. The anti-obesity and hypolipidemic effects were marginally greater in the HFCD-FRB group than in the HFCD-RB group. These results suggest that fermented rice bran powder by Weissella koreensis DB1 may have potential beneficial effects on the obesity-related abnormalities and the dysfunction of lipid metabolism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies of Traditional Fermented Vegetable Food Products - Kimchi and Microorganisms)

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15 pages, 2262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Suitability Analysis of 17 Probiotic Type Strains of Lactic Acid Bacteria as Starter for Kimchi Fermentation

by Hee Seo, Jae-Han Bae, Gayun Kim, Seul-Ah Kim, Byung Hee Ryu and Nam Soo Han

Foods 2021, 10(6), 1435; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10061435 - 21 Jun 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5496

Abstract

The use of probiotic starters can improve the sensory and health-promoting properties of fermented foods. This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as a starter for kimchi fermentation. Seventeen probiotic type strains were tested for their growth rates, volatile aroma compounds, metabolites, and sensory characteristics of kimchi, and their characteristics were compared to those of Leuconostoc (Le.) mesenteroides DRC 1506, a commercial kimchi starter. Among the tested strains, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, and Ligilactobacillus salivarius exhibited high or moderate growth rates in simulated kimchi juice (SKJ) at 37 °C and 15 °C. When these five strains were inoculated in kimchi and metabolite profiles were analyzed during fermentation using GC/MS and ¹H-NMR, data from the principal component analysis (PCA) showed that L. fermentum and L. reuteri were highly correlated with Le. mesenteroides in concentrations of sugar, mannitol, lactate, acetate, and total volatile compounds. Sensory test results also indicated that these three strains showed similar sensory preferences. In conclusion, L. fermentum and L. reuteri can be considered potential candidates as probiotic starters or cocultures to develop health-promoting kimchi products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies of Traditional Fermented Vegetable Food Products - Kimchi and Microorganisms)

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11 pages, 1347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Cultivable Microbial Community during Kimchi Fermentation Using MALDI-TOF MS

by Eiseul Kim, Seung-Min Yang and Hae-Yeong Kim

Foods 2021, 10(5), 1068; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10051068 - 12 May 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4154

Abstract

Kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented vegetable, has received considerable attention for its health-promoting effects. This study analyzes the cultivable microbial community in kimchi fermented at different temperatures using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) to comprehensively understand the factors affecting the quality of kimchi. Of the 5204 strains isolated from kimchi, aligned with the in-house database, 4467 (85.8%) were correctly identified at the species level. The fermentation temperature affected the microbial community by varying the pH and acidity, which was mainly caused by temperature-dependent competition between the different lactic acid bacteria (LAB) species in kimchi. LAB, such as Levilactobacillus (Lb.) brevis and Lactiplantibacillus (Lpb.) plantarum associated with rancidity and tissue softening, proliferated faster at higher temperatures than at low temperature. In addition, LAB, such as Latilactobacillus (Lat.) sakei and Leuconostoc (Leu.) mesenteroides, which produce beneficial substances and flavor, were mainly distributed in kimchi fermented at 4 °C. This study shows as a novelty that MALDI-TOF MS is a robust and economically affordable method for investigating viable microbial communities in kimchi. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies of Traditional Fermented Vegetable Food Products - Kimchi and Microorganisms)

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13 pages, 48518 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Growth Inhibitory Effect of Garlic Powder and Cinnamon Extract on White Colony-Forming Yeast in Kimchi

by Mi-Ju Kim, Seong-Eun Kang, Chang Hee Jeong, Sung-Gi Min, Sung Wook Hong, Seong Woon Roh, Deok-Young Jhon and Tae-Woon Kim

Foods 2021, 10(3), 645; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10030645 - 18 Mar 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5410

Abstract

White colony-forming yeast (WCFY), also referred to as film forming yeast or spoilage yeast, that appear on the surface of kimchi can deteriorate the sensory properties of kimchi, such as odor and texture. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop a method to inhibit the formation of the white colony in kimchi. First, alterations in kimchi manufacturing and storage conditions, including temperatures, pH, salinity, and anaerobic condition, were investigated to determine if they could inhibit the growth of WCFY (i.e., Kazachstania servazzii, Candida sake, Debaryomyces hansenii, Pichia kudriavzevii, and Hanseniaspora uvarum). Thereafter, the anti yeast activity of freeze-dried garlic powder (FGP) and cinnamon ethanol extract (CEE) was evaluated against WCFY using the agar-well diffusion assay. Following the direct application of FGP and CEE to the surface of the kimchi, the inhibitory effects on white colony were determined. The results showed that WCFY can grow under various manufacturing and storage conditions of kimchi. Regarding the growth inhibitory effect on WCFY, FGP exhibited anti yeast activity against four WCFYs. It did not show anti yeast activity against K. servazzii. However, CEE showed anti yeast activity against K. servazzii. In particular, the mixture of 10% FGP and 1.75% CEE, which was manufactured considering the influence of sensory properties in kimchi, exhibited anti yeast activity against all WCFY. Furthermore, the application of the FGP and CEE mixture supplemented with 0.02% xanthan gum to kimchi to enhance adhesion to the kimchi surface, led to a delay in the formation of a white colony on the surface of the kimchi by an average of 17 d at 10 °C compared to the control group. Collectively, the use of a FGP, CEE, and xanthan gum mixture could be an effective method for the inhibition of white colony formation on the surface of kimchi, extending its shelf life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies of Traditional Fermented Vegetable Food Products - Kimchi and Microorganisms)

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14 pages, 2237 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Functional Annotation Genome Unravels Potential Probiotic Bacillus velezensis Strain KMU01 from Traditional Korean Fermented Kimchi

by Sojeong Heo, Jong-Hoon Kim, Mi-Sun Kwak, Moon-Hee Sung and Do-Won Jeong

Foods 2021, 10(3), 563; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10030563 - 9 Mar 2021

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 3979

Abstract

Bacillus velezensis strain KMU01 showing γ-glutamyltransferase activity as a probiotic candidate was isolated from kimchi. However, the genetic information on strain KMU01 was not clear. Therefore, the current investigation was undertaken to prove the probiotic traits of B. velezensis strain KMU01 through genomic analysis. Genomic analysis revealed that strain KMU01 did not encode enterotoxin genes and acquired antibiotic resistance genes. Strain KMU01 genome possessed survivability traits under extreme conditions such as in the presence of gastric acid, as well as several probiotic traits such as intestinal epithelium adhesion and the production of thiamine and essential amino acids. Potential genes for human health enhancement such as those for γ-glutamyltransferase, nattokinase, and bacteriocin production were also identified in the genome. As a starter candidate for food fermentation, the genome of KMU01 encoded for protease, amylase, and lipase genes. The complete genomic sequence of KMU01 will contribute to our understanding of the genetic basis of probiotic properties and allow for the assessment of the effectiveness of this strain as a starter or probiotic for use in the food industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies of Traditional Fermented Vegetable Food Products - Kimchi and Microorganisms)

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12 pages, 455 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Free Amino Acid and Volatile Compound Profiles of Jeotgal Alternatives and Its Application to Kimchi

by Hye Jin Lee, Min Jung Lee, Yun-Jeong Choi, Sung Jin Park, Mi-Ai Lee, Sung Gi Min, Sung-Hee Park, Hye-Young Seo and Ye-Rang Yun

Foods 2021, 10(2), 423; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10020423 - 15 Feb 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3051

Abstract

Jeotgal containing abundant free amino acids plays an important role in the unique savory taste (umami) and flavor in kimchi. However, it is also responsible for the unpleasant fishy smell and high salt content of kimchi. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify alternative jeotgal sources and investigate the fermentation properties of jeotgal alternatives added to kimchi. The tomato hot-water extract (TH2) and dry-aged beef hot-water extract (DBH) were selected as jeotgal alternatives for kimchi preparation based on their glutamic acid contents. Characteristics of kimchi with TH2 alone (JA1) and TH2 and DBH in combination (1:1, JA2) were compared with kimchi prepared using commercially available anchovy fish sauce (CON). The pH of JA1 and JA2 was slightly decreased during fermentation, whereas the salinity was significantly lower than CON (p < 0.05). Notably, the most effective factor of the savory taste of kimchi, glutamic acid contents of JA1 and JA2 were significantly higher than that of CON (p < 0.05). In conclusion, JA1 showed slower fermentation with lower salinity and higher glutamic acid content than CON. Overall, this study showed that JA1 derived from TH2 could improve the taste and quality of kimchi by increasing glutamic acid content and decreasing the unpleasant flavor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies of Traditional Fermented Vegetable Food Products - Kimchi and Microorganisms)

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13 pages, 1829 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Correlating Capsaicinoid Levels and Physicochemical Proper-ties of Kimchi and Its Perceived Spiciness

by So-Ra Yoon, Yun-Mi Dang, Su-Yeon Kim, Su-Yeon You, Mina K. Kim and Ji-Hyoung Ha

Foods 2021, 10(1), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10010086 - 4 Jan 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3240

Abstract

Capsaicinoid content, among other factors, affects the perception of spiciness of commercial kimchi. Here, we investigated whether the physicochemical properties of kimchi affect the spicy taste of capsaicinoids perceived by the tasting. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to evaluate the capsaicinoid content (mg/kg) of thirteen types of commercial kimchi. The physicochemical properties such as pH, titratable acidity, salinity, free sugar content, and free amino acid content were evaluated, and the spicy strength grade was determined by selected panel to analyze the correlation between these properties. Panels were trained for 48 h prior to actual evaluation by panel leaders trained for over 1000 h according to the Spectrum^TM method. Partial correlation analysis was performed to examine other candidate parameters that interfere with the sensory evaluation of spiciness and capsaicinoid content. To express the specific variance after eliminating the effects of other variables, partial correlations were used to estimate the relationships between two variables. We observed a strong correlation between spiciness intensity ratings and capsaicinoid content, with a Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.78 at p ≤ 0.001. However, other specific variables may have influenced the relationship between spiciness intensity and total capsaicinoid content. Partial correlation analysis indicated that the free sugar content most strongly affected the relationship between spiciness intensity and capsaicinoid content, showing the largest first-order partial correlation coefficient (r_xy/z: 0.091, p ≤ 0.01). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies of Traditional Fermented Vegetable Food Products - Kimchi and Microorganisms)

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Review

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20 pages, 1352 KiB

Open AccessReview

Some Important Metabolites Produced by Lactic Acid Bacteria Originated from Kimchi

by Se-Jin Lee, Hye-Sung Jeon, Ji-Yeon Yoo and Jeong-Hwan Kim

Foods 2021, 10(9), 2148; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10092148 - 10 Sep 2021

Cited by 53 | Viewed by 8107

Abstract

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been used for various food fermentations for thousands of years. Recently, LAB are receiving increased attention due to their great potential as probiotics for man and animals, and also as cell factories for producing enzymes, antibodies, vitamins, exopolysaccharides, and various feedstocks. LAB are safe organisms with GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status and possess relatively simple metabolic pathways easily subjected to modifications. However, relatively few studies have been carried out on LAB inhabiting plants compared to dairy LAB. Kimchi is a Korean traditional fermented vegetable, and its fermentation is carried out by LAB inhabiting plant raw materials of kimchi. Kimchi represents a model food with low pH and is fermented at low temperatures and in anaerobic environments. LAB have been adjusting to kimchi environments, and produce various metabolites such as bacteriocins, γ-aminobutyric acid, ornithine, exopolysaccharides, mannitol, etc. as products of metabolic efforts to adjust to the environments. The metabolites also contribute to the known health-promoting effects of kimchi. Due to the recent progress in multi-omics technologies, identification of genes and gene products responsible for the synthesis of functional metabolites becomes easier than before. With the aid of tools of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, it can be envisioned that LAB strains producing valuable metabolites in large quantities will be constructed and used as starters for foods and probiotics for improving human health. Such LAB strains can also be useful as production hosts for value-added products for food, feed, and pharmaceutical industries. In this review, recent findings on the selected metabolites produced by kimchi LAB are discussed, and the potentials of metabolites will be mentioned. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies of Traditional Fermented Vegetable Food Products - Kimchi and Microorganisms)

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