Development of a defined autochthonous starter through dissecting the seasonal microbiome of broad bean paste

Unravelling microbial interactions in a synthetic broad bean paste microbial community

The biotic factors governing the assembly and functionality of broad bean paste microbiota remain largely unexplored due to its highly complex fermentation ecosystem. This study constructed a synthetic community comprising Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, Staphylococcus carnosus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Tetragenococcus halophilus and Weissella confusa, representing key microorganisms involved in broad bean paste fermentation. The generalized Lotka-Volterra (gLV) model revealed that the microbial interaction network among the six species was dominated by pairwise interactions. The abundances of most species in the multi-species communities at 2 and 4 days were accurately predicted using the gLV model, based on pairwise species combinations outcomes. Among pairwise interactions, negative interactions (57 %) were significantly more prevalent than positive interactions (37 %), with the former generally being stronger. Subsequent investigations demonstrated that the tested Z. rouxii inhibited acid accumulation by acid-producing bacteria, while the two strains belonging to the genus Bacillus stimulated lactic acid bacteria growth and lactic acid accumulation. The sequential inoculation strategy, informed by the interaction network, enhanced the synthetic community's bioaugmentation in broad bean paste, significantly improving ester and mellow flavors, reducing unpleasant odors, and increasing volatile flavor substances to 9.43 times that of natural fermentation. Overall, this study revealed the interaction network of six key microorganisms in broad bean paste using the gLV model and guided the application of the synthetic community in its fermentation, significantly enhancing flavor quality.

Crucial role of early addition of Wickerhamiella versatilis in enhancing aroma formation during soy sauce fermentation

In modern Japanese soy sauce production, sealed outdoor fermentation tanks are used to ferment moromi with halotolerant starter cultures: the lactic acid bacterium Tetragenococcus halophilus and yeasts Wickerhamiella versatilis and Zygosaccharomyces rouxii. T. halophilus and W. versatilis are added in the early fermentation stage, while Z. rouxii is introduced about 1 month later to initiate alcoholic fermentation. Both W. versatilis and Z. rouxii contribute to the production of volatile organic compounds (VOC), with 4-ethylguaiacol (4-EG), uniquely produced by W. versatilis, being essential for the characteristic aroma of soy sauce. Prior metagenomic and metabolomic analyses indicated that 4-EG production occurs prior to Z. rouxii fermentation, though the increase in W. versatilis proportion follows it. Additional omics analysis of a production batch confirmed similar microbial and VOC dynamics, with no clear relationship between W. versatilis increase and 4-EG levels. To investigate this, a laboratory-scale experiment was conducted using filter-sterilized moromi supernatant as a medium, with staggered inoculations of the two yeasts. Viable cell density, 4-EG, and ethanol were measured as indicators of fermentation activity. Results showed that when W. versatilis was inoculated before Z. rouxii, 4-EG production commenced earlier, while W. versatilis cell density and ethanol production increased only after Z. rouxii fermentation began. Under these conditions, 4-EG and ethanol production were highest, suggesting that the presence rather than the increase of W. versatilis is crucial for 4-EG production. Consequently, the early addition of W. versatilis was considered an effective strategy to enhance 4-EG and VOC production in moromi.

Temporal heterogeneity of microbial communities and flavor metabolism during storage of high-temperature Daqu

Storage is a crucial step in the production of Daqu, but the microbiological and flavor chemical kinetics of the storage process remain largely unknown and limit the quality control of Daqu. In this study, the microbial communities and volatile compounds were analyzed and compared during the storage of Daqu. Virgibacillus, Bacillus and Kroppenstedtia were the dominant bacterial genera, and Thermoascus, Thermomyces and Aspergillus were the dominant fungal genera. By LEfSe analysis, JW1 Daqu had more differential microbial markers. At the end of storage, the content of some compounds decreased significantly, such as esters, alcohols and ketones. In addition, PICRUSt2 predicted enzymes related to some important aroma production. These results indicated that microbial communities and volatiles changed significantly during storage of Daqu, which might be important for optimization of quality.

Biochemical and chemosensory characterization of doubanjiang fermented via two-stage controlled temperature

This study aimed to elaborate the biochemical and chemosensory characteristics of doubanjiang fermentation via a two-stage controlled temperature. HL group with variable temperature (40 °C → 30 °C) and NTF group fermented following traditional technique were prepared and their volatile and non-volatile metabolites were compared through multivariate statistical analysis. HL group favored the accumulation of amino acid nitrogen, free amino acids and organic acids in the early stage and maintained adequate total acids and biogenic amines in the mid-late stage. HL group also had preferred jiang and fruity flavor through sensory evaluation. A total of 116 volatile metabolites were identified in HL or NTF groups and 22 marker volatile metabolites were screened through the combinational use of OPLS-DA and Random Forest analysis. Stronger anti-oxidant ability was observed in HL group while adequate number of acidic compounds and biogenic amines were ensured. This indicated that the two-stage controlled temperature fermentation was beneficial for doubanjiang fermentation.

Integrative metagenomics, volatilomics and chemometrics for deciphering the microbial structure and core metabolic network during Chinese rice wine (Huangjiu) fermentation in different regions

Huangjiu is a spontaneously fermented alcoholic beverage, that undergoes intricate microbial compositional changes. This study aimed to unravel the flavor and quality formation mechanisms based on the microbial metabolism of Huangjiu. Here, metagenome techniques, chemometrics analysis, and headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) metabolomics combined with microbial metabolic network were employed to investigate the distinctions and relationship between the microbial profiles and the quality characteristics, flavor metabolites, functional metabolic patterns of Huangjiu across three regions. Significant variations (P < 0.05) were observed in metabolic rate of physicochemical parameters and biogenic amine concentration among three regions. 8 aroma compounds (phenethyl acetate, phenylethyl alcohol, isobutyl alcohol, ethyl octanoate, ethyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate, isoamyl alcohol, and diethyl succinate) out of 448 volatile compounds were identified as the regional chemical markers. 25 dominant microbial genera were observed through metagenomic analysis, and 13 species were confirmed as microbial markers in three regions. A metabolic network analysis revealed that Saccharomycetales (Saccharomyces), Lactobacillales (Lactobacillus, Weissella, and Leuconostoc), and Eurotiales (Aspergillus) were the predominant populations responsible for substrate, flavor (mainly esters and phenylethyl alcohol) metabolism, Lactobacillales and Enterobacterales were closely linked with biogenic amine. These findings provide scientific evidence for regional microbial contributions to geographical characteristics of Huangjiu, and perspectives for optimizing microbial function to promote Huangjiu quality.

Identification and validation of core microbes for the formation of the characteristic flavor of fermented oysters (Crassostrea gigas)

Self-fermented oyster homogenates were prepared to investigate core microbes and their correlations with flavor formation mechanisms. Five bacterial and four fungal genera were identified. Correlation analysis showed that Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kazachstania, and L. pentosus were core species for the flavor of fermented products. Four core microbes were selected for inoculation into homogenates. Twelve key aroma compounds with odor activity values >1 were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. L. plantarum and S. cerevisiae were beneficial for producing key aroma compounds such as 1-octen-3-ol, (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal, and heptanal. Fermentation with four microbes resulted in significant increases in contents of Asp, Glu, Lys, inosine monophosphate, and guanosine monophosphate, which provided freshness and sweetness. Fermentation with four microbes resulted in high digestibility, antioxidant abilities, and zinc contents. This study has elucidated the mechanism of flavor formation by microbial action and provides a reference for targeted flavor control in fermented oyster products.

Kaili Red sour soup: Correlations in composition/microbial metabolism and flavor profile during post-fermentation

Flavor and chemical changes with microbial succession during Red-Sour-Soup (RSS) post-fermentation were urgent to be revealed for quality control. RSS post-fermentation could be divided into three stages according to acidity, nutrients exhausting and total colony counts, without coliform bacteria growth nor nitrite peak was observed. Lactobacillus acetotolerans induced over 50 % increase of lactic acid, finally conducing to the lactic acid-dominated sour taste of RSS. The volatile compounds totally increased by 25.70 % in chili sauce and 32.58 % in tomato sauce (p < 0.05). In early-/middle-stage (pH > 3.5), alcohols and short-chain fatty acids increased, and butyric acid with unpleasant odor became the maximum flavor contributor. Nevertheless, in late-stage (pH < 3.5), with the reduction of alcohols and fatty acids, esters, 2-nonanone and terpenoids with pleasant flavors increased by Clavispora lusitaniae, Pichia, Cladosporium delicatulum and Rozellomycota sp.. In conclusion, the post-fermentation, especially L. acetotolerans metabolism and aciduric fungal esterification were essential for RSS characteristic flavor formation.

Decoding temperature-driven microbial community changes and flavor regulation mechanism during winter fermentation of soy sauce

The flavor regulation of soy sauce fermented in winter is imminent challenge for the industry, while fermentation temperature is considered as an effective method to fortify soy sauce flavor. Thus, industrial-level fermentation systems with controlled temperature at 30°C (SSCT) and regular temperature (SSRT) in winter were designed to elucidate molecular basis and microbial regulatory mechanism of temperature-controlled flavor enhancement of soy sauce. Sensory evaluation suggested 30°C fermentation enhanced caramel-like, floral, fruity, roasted nut and smoky aroma. A total of 160 volatiles were identified, of which 39 components were evaluated for odor activity value (OAV). Eleven volatiles were determined as the odor markers distinguishing the aroma profiles of SSRT and SSCT, among which 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone (HDMF, caramel-like), β-damascenone (floral), ethyl 2-methylpropanoate (fruity), ethyl acetate (fruity) and 2/3-methyl-1-butanol (malty, alcoholic) were largely responsible for the flavor enhancement. Moreover, high-throughput sequencing results demonstrated the temperature intervention induced more differential bacterial structure (R = 0.324, P = 0.001) than fungal structure (R = 0.069, P = 0.058). Correlation analysis revealed dominant and low-abundance genus together drove the formation and variation of volatile profile, particularly Weissella, Tetragenococcus, Starmerella and Pediococcus. Representatively, the formation pathways of key aroma substances HDMF and 5-ethyl-4-hydroxy-2-methyl-3(2H)-furanone (HEMF) were elaborated. Both temperature-mediated abiotic reactions and gene functions of microbiota were proposed to favor the yields of HDMF and C5 precursor of HEMF, whereas the small populations of Zygosaccharomyces and insufficient acetaldehyde limited the elevation of the HEMF level through the biosynthesis pathway. This study provided the practical and theoretical basis for the industrial applications of temperature control in soy sauce fermentation.

Synthesis of an autochthonous microbial community by analyzing the core microorganisms responsible for the critical flavor of bran vinegar

Traditional bran vinegar brewing unfolds through natural fermentation, a process driven by spontaneous microbial activity. The unique metabolic activities of various microorganisms lead to distinct flavors and qualities in each batch of vinegar, making it challenging to consistently achieve the desired characteristic flavor compounds. Therefore, identifying the critical microbial species responsible for flavor production and designing starter cultures with improved fermentation efficiency and characteristic flavors are effective methods to address this discrepancy. In this study, 11 core functional microbial species affecting the fermentation flavor of Sichuan shai vinegar (Cupei were placed outside solarization and night-dew for more than one year, and vinegar was the liquid leached from Cupei) (SSV), were revealed by combining PacBio full-length diversity sequencing based on previous metagenomics. The effects of environmental factors and microbial interactions on the growth of 11 microorganisms during fermentation were verified using fermentation experiments. Ultimately, the microbial community was strategically synthesized using a 'top-down' approach, successfully replicating the distinctive flavor profile of Sichuan shai vinegar (SSV). The results showed that the interaction between microorganisms and environmental factors affected microorganism growth. Compared with traditional fermentation, the synthetic microbial community's vinegar-fermented grains (Cupei) can reproduce the key flavor of SSV and is conducive to the production of amino acids. In this study, the key flavor of SSV was reproduced through rational design of the synthetic microbial community. This achievement holds profound significance for the broader application of microbiome assembly strategies in the realm of fermented foods.

Identification, Characterization, and Receptor Binding Mechanism of New Umami Peptides from Traditional Fermented Soybean Paste (Dajiang)

Dajiang, a traditional Chinese condiment, is made from fermented soybeans. It is highly popular among consumers as a result of its delicious umami flavor, which mainly originates from umami peptides. To examine the mechanism of umami taste in Dajiang, we selected Dajiang samples with strong umami taste and subjected them to purification and identification analysis using ethanol precipitation, gel chromatography, reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, and ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Subsequently, on the basis of toxicity and umami prediction analysis, we screened, synthesized, and characterized three novel bean umami peptides in Dajiang: TLGGPTTL, 758.4174 Da; GALEQILQ, 870.4811 Da; and HSISDLQ, 911.4713 Da. Their sensory threshold values were 0.25, 0.40, and 0.17 mmol/L, respectively. Furthermore, molecular docking results showed that hydrogen-bonding and hydrophobic interactions are important interaction forces in the binding of umami peptide to taste receptors. Ser147 and Glu148 of the T1R3 taste receptor are important amino acid residues for binding of the three umami peptides. This study uncovers the mechanism of umami-peptide-driven flavor in fermented soybean products.

Characterization of color, metabolites and microbial community dynamics of doubanjiang during constant temperature fermentation

This study aimed to elaborate the effect of temperature on doubanjiang fermentation. Two batches of constant-temperature groups were prepared and their physicochemical parameters, color formation, metabolites and microbial community dynamics during fermentation were determined and compared with those of natural temperature fermentation group. The results showed that fermentation at 40 °C could accelerate the accumulation of amino nitrogen, reducing sugar, amino acids, organic acids and various volatile metabolites while it was able to inhibit the growth of conditionally pathogenic bacteria, such as Klebsiella and Salmonella. However, high concentrations of total acids and biogenic amines, protrusive burnt flavor and darker color were observed in constant temperature fermentation, which were unfavorable for doubanjiang quality. Higher fermentation temperature lowered the diversity of bacterial community and favored the growth of Bacillus genus. The correlation between key microbial genera and doubanjiang quality indexes were significantly different among different temperatures. This study would deep our understanding of the roles of temperature ondoubanjiangfermentation.

Flavor Characterization of Traditional Fermented Soybean Pastes from Northeast China and Korea

This study compares the physicochemical properties, taste, and volatile compounds of Northeastern Chinese dajiang (C) and Korean doenjang (K) and distinguishes the discriminant volatile metabolites between them. The result revealed that compared to group C, group K exhibited more similar physicochemical properties and had lower pH, moisture, and amino acid nitrogen content, while demonstrating higher titratable acidity, salt content, and reduced sugar content. The electronic tongue analysis showed that the saltiness and umami of soybean pastes had high response values, enabling clear differentiation of the overall taste between the two types of soybean pastes. A total of 71 volatile substances from the soybean pastes were identified through solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Furthermore, orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis revealed 19 volatile compounds as differentially flavored metabolites. Our study provides a basis for explaining the differences in flavor difference of Northeastern Chinese dajiang and Korean doenjang from the perspective of volatile metabolites.

Microbial community succession and their relationship with the flavor formation during the natural fermentation of Mouding sufu

Mouding sufu, a traditional fermented soybean product in China, has been recognized by the public in the southwestern regions of China. To reveal the microbial community succession and their relationship with the flavor formation during the natural fermentation of Mouding sufu, microbial community, non-volatile flavor compounds and volatile flavor compounds were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing, high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography ion migration spectroscopy, respectively. The results showed that Lactobacillus and Klebsiella were the most abundant bacterial genus, whereas the main fungal genera were unclassified-f-Dipodascaeae and Issatchenkia. In addition, Glutamic acid, Aspartic acid, Alanine, Valine, Lysine, Histidine, lactic acid, succinic acid, and acetic acid were the main non-volatile flavor substances. Furthermore, the taste activity values of glutamic acid, aspartic acid and lactic acid reached 132, 68.9, 18.18 at H60, respectively, meaning that umami and sour were the key taste compounds. Simultaneously, ethyl 3-methylbutanoate-M, ethyl propanoate, methyl 2-methylbutanoate, ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, ethyl 3-methylbutanoate-D, ethyl isobutyrate, linalool-M, linalool-D, cis-4-heptenal, 2-methylpropanal were the characteristic volatile flavor of Mouding sufu. Finally, correlation analysis showed that g__Erwinia and g__Acremonium correlated with most of the key aroma compounds. 20 bacteria and 21 fungi were identified as core functional microbe for Mouding sufu production.

Investigating the mechanism of the flavor formation in Sichuan sun vinegar based on flavor-orientation and metagenomics

Fermentation and aging are the key stages of flavor formation in Sichuan sun vinegar (SSV), but the generation mechanisms of the flavor produced by these processes are unknown. However, complex microbial metabolism is critical to the flavor development of SSV. In this study, we analyzed the key flavor compounds present in SSV. Combined with odor activity value (OAV), the main aroma components of SSV were screened, and the relationship between microorganisms and key flavor formation was predicted using metagenomic sequencing technology. The results revealed 38 key flavor compounds in SSV. Lactobacillus, Weissella, Acetobacter, Lichtheimia, Pediococcus, Oenococcus, Brettanomyces, Kazachstania, Pichia, Xanthomonas, Lenconostoc are widely involved in the production of key flavor compounds such as 2,3-butanediol, 2-Furanmethanol, phenylethanol, 3-(Methylthio)-1-propanol, acetic acid, lactic acid, butyric acid, isovaleric acid and other organic acids. Among them, Lichtheimia and Lactobacillus are important genera for the degradation of starch, arabinoxylan and cellulose. The acetaldehyde,4-ethyl-2-methoxy-phenol and 2-methoxy-4-methyl-phenol production pathway may be related to Lactobacillus, Acetobacter and Brettanomyces. This study provides a new understanding of the key flavor-formation stage and flavor compound generation mechanism of SSV and provides a reference for the screening and isolation of functional strains and the reconstruction of microbial communities.

Identification and validation of core microbes associated with key aroma formation in fermented pepper paste (Capsicum annuumL.)

Fermented peppers are usually obtained by the spontaneous fermentation of microorganisms attached to fresh peppers, and the variable microbial composition would lead to inconsistencies in flavor between batches. To demonstrate the roles of microorganisms in flavor formation, the core microbes closely associated with the key aroma compounds of fermented pepper paste were screened and validated in this study. Lactobacillus was the dominant bacterial genus in fermented pepper paste, whereas the main fungal genera were Alternaria and Kazachstania. Nine strains of the genera Lactobacillus, Weissella, Bacillus, Zygosaccharomyces, Kazachstania, Debaryomyces, and Pichia were isolated from fermented pepper paste. Eleven key aroma compounds were identified using gas chromatography combined with olfactometry and relative odor activity values. Correlation analysis showed that Zygosaccharomyces and Kazachstania were positively correlated with the majority of the key aroma compounds, whereas Lactobacillus was negatively correlated with them. Thus, Zygosaccharomyces and Kazachstania were identified as core genera associated with the key odorants. Finally, Zygosaccharomyces bisporus, Kazachstania humilis, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum were used as starter cultures for fermented peppers, confirming that Z. bisporus and K. humilis were more beneficial for the key aroma compounds (e.g., acetate, linalool, and phenyl ethanol) rather than L. plantarum. This study contributed to understanding the flavor formation mechanism and provided references for the quality control of food fermentation.

Effects of amino acid composition of yeast extract on the microbiota and aroma quality of fermented soy sauce

Yeast extracts, of which amino acids are the main component, can be directly applied to improve the flavor of final soy sauce. In this study, the potential of commercial yeast extracts was explored from amino acid approach to enhance the flavor quality of soy sauce by shaping the core fermentation microbiota. Alkaline and neutral amino acids favored the competitive benefits of flavor-producing bacteria, while acidic amino acids promoted the stress resistance of the fermentation microbiota, especially the abundance of Lactobacillus, which increased to 18.03-23.78% and became the predominant microbiota. The mass ratio of neutral-nonpolar: neutral-polar: acidic: alkaline amino acids was 40: 18: 27: 15, which provided the optimal improvement of soy sauce aroma. The formulation and activated the metabolic pathways of 3-methyl-1-butyraldehyde, 3-methyl-1-butanol and 2-methyl-1-propanol through Leu and Ile, resulting in a 52.6% increase in malt-like aroma. This study provides a new idea for the regulation of soy sauce fermentation.