Engineering the antioxidative properties of lactic acid bacteria for improving its robustness

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that are widely used in the food fermentations often encounter various environmental stresses during manufacturing and application. Improving the antioxidative properties of LAB was found to be an effective approach for increasing their general robustness. Here we review the recent progress of engineering the antioxidative properties of LAB, with focus on engineering the thiol compounds production. Engineering of the enzymes involved in oxidative stress resistance are also discussed. To further improve the industrial relevant robustness, engineering LAB at a higher control level is expected.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (152 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Thiol compounds (glutathione) protect LAB from multiple environmental stresses. ► Engineering antioxidative properties of LAB can improve the overall robustness. ► Genomics approaches helped to reveal the molecular mechanism of stress response.