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Characterizing Mediated Extracellular Electron Transfer in Lactic Acid Bacteria with a Three-Electrode, Two-Chamber Bioelectrochemical System
Published on: August 23, 2024
Using heme as an energy boost for lactic acid bacteria
Delphine Lechardeur1, Bénédicte Cesselin, Annabelle Fernandez
1Institut National de Recherche Agronomique, UMR1319 Micalis, Bâtiment 222, Domaine de Vilvert, 78352 Jouy-en-Josas Cedex, France.
Current Opinion in Biotechnology
|January 8, 2011
Summary
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can utilize aerobic respiration for improved growth and survival. This energetically favorable metabolism, supported by heme availability, should be recognized as a natural LAB lifestyle.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Metabolism
- Food Fermentation
Background:
- Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are crucial in food fermentations, primarily known for lactic acid production.
- Many LAB possess genetic capabilities for aerobic respiration when supplied with heme.
- Respiration offers metabolic advantages, including increased energy yield and reduced stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significance of aerobic respiration in lactic acid bacteria.
- To advocate for the acceptance of respiration as a natural lifestyle for numerous LAB.
- To underscore the implications of respiration for bacterial growth and survival.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on LAB metabolism and respiration.
- Analysis of genetic potential for aerobic respiration in LAB.
- Evaluation of environmental factors influencing LAB respiration.
Main Results:
- Several LAB species are genetically equipped for aerobic respiration.
- Respiration significantly enhances LAB growth and survival by reducing oxidative and acid stress.
- Heme and menaquinones, often available in natural environments, support LAB respiration.
Conclusions:
- Aerobic respiration is an energetically favorable and advantageous metabolic pathway for many LAB.
- Respiration improves LAB resilience under various growth conditions.
- Respiration should be considered an integral part of the natural lifestyle of numerous LAB, with existing industrial applications in dairy starter cultures.
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