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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
04:40
The Cultivation, Growth, and Viability of Lactic Acid Bacteria: A Quality Control Perspective
Published on: June 16, 2022
Lactic acid bacteria fermentation-driven protein-based gelation: Mechanisms, structure-function relationships, and
Chonghao Zhao1, Bin Dong1, Yunping Yao1
1College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China.
Advances in Colloid and Interface Science
|June 11, 2026
Summary
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation drives protein gel formation through complex interactions beyond simple acidification. Strain-specific traits influence exopolysaccharide (EPS) production, proteolysis, and ion effects, shaping the final gel network.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Microbiology
- Colloid Science
Background:
- Protein-based gels are crucial in fermented foods.
- Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation influences gel structure.
- Acidification alone doesn't fully explain LAB-driven gelation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate LAB fermentation-driven protein gelation.
- To introduce a strain-metabolite-protein colloidal state-gel functionality framework.
- To identify matrix-dependent control targets for fermented protein gels.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis.
- Development of a novel framework for understanding gelation.
- Comparative analysis of dairy, plant, meat, and microbial protein systems.
Main Results:
- Strain traits dictate acidification, EPS production, proteolysis, and ionic interactions.
- Exopolysaccharides (EPS) can reinforce or destabilize networks.
- Proteolysis and divalent ions have complex, context-dependent effects on gel structure.
- Matrix composition influences optimal control targets like pH, EPS features, and hydrolysis.
Conclusions:
- LAB fermentation involves intricate interplay between microbial metabolism, protein colloidal state, and gel functionality.
- A mechanistic understanding is needed for rational starter selection and process design.
- Further research should focus on standardized reporting and predictive modeling.
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