FoodMicroDB: A microbiome database for composition and time-series research in food

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Bioinformatics
• Food Science

Background:

• Microorganisms play a vital role in food fermentation, preservation, and safety, impacting human health.
• Recent surge in food microbiome research has led to a substantial increase in data, highlighting a need for specialized databases.
• Existing data repositories lack specific focus on the food microbiome, hindering data accessibility and integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a specialized database, Food Microbiome Database (FoodMicroDB), for comprehensive management and visualization of food microbiome data.
• To enhance the reusability and accessibility of food microbiome data through integrated data management and visualization tools.
• To provide a centralized resource for researchers in the food microbiome field.

Main Methods:

• Aggregated 6358 amplicon sequencing data from 108 projects covering 62 food types.
• Curated and consistently analyzed data, including bacteria, archaea, and fungi (4710 taxa).
• Developed versatile visualization utilities for microbial composition, time-series data, abundance analysis, and cross-food comparisons.

Main Results:

• Established Food Microbiome Database (FoodMicroDB) with extensive food microbiome data.
• Integrated advanced analytical modules for microbial abundance and comparative analyses.
• Provided a user-friendly platform with unique visualization tools for complex microbiome datasets.

Conclusions:

• FoodMicroDB serves as a valuable, freely accessible resource for the food microbiome research community.
• The database facilitates deeper insights into food microbial ecosystems and their impact on health.
• Enhanced data accessibility and analytical tools in FoodMicroDB will accelerate future research in food microbiology.