scholarly journals Construction of Synthetic Microbiota for Reproducible Flavor Compound Metabolism in Chinese Light-Aroma-Type Liquor Produced by Solid-State Fermentation

2019 ◽  
Vol 85 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shilei Wang ◽  
Qun Wu ◽  
Yao Nie ◽  
Jianfeng Wu ◽  
Yan Xu

ABSTRACT Natural microbiota plays an essential role in flavor compounds used in traditional food fermentation; however, the fluctuation in natural microbiota results in inconsistency in food quality. Thus, it is critical to reveal the core microbiota for flavor compound production and to construct a synthetic core microbiota for use in constant food fermentation. Here, we reveal the core microbiota based on their flavor production and cooccurrence performance, using Chinese light-aroma-type liquor as a model system. Five genera, Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces, Pichia, Geotrichum, and Candida, were identified to be the core microbiota. The synthetic core microbiota of these five genera presented a reproducible dynamic profile similar to that in the natural microbiota. A Monte Carlo test showed that the effects of five environmental factors (lactic acid, ethanol, and acetic acid contents, moisture, and pH) on the synthetic microbiota distribution were highly significant (P < 0.01), similar to those effects on a natural fermentation system. In addition, 77.27% of the flavor compounds produced by the synthetic core microbiota showed a similar dynamic profile (ρ > 0) with that in the natural liquor fermentation process, and the flavor profile presented a similar composition. It indicated that the synthetic core microbiota is efficient for reproducible flavor metabolism. This work established a method for identifying core microbiota and constructing a synthetic microbiota for reproducible flavor compounds. This work is of great significance for the tractable and constant production of various fermented foods. IMPORTANCE The transformation from natural fermentation to synthetic fermentation is essential in constructing a constant food fermentation process, which is the premise for stably making high-quality food. According to flavor-producing and cooccurring functions in dominant microbes, we provided a system-level approach to identify the core microbiota in Chinese light-aroma-type liquor fermentation. In addition, we successfully constructed a synthetic core microbiota to simulate the microbial community succession and flavor compound production in the in vitro system. The constructed synthetic core microbiota could not only facilitate a mechanistic understanding of the structure and function of the microbiota but also be beneficial for constructing a tractable and reproducible food fermentation process.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shilei Wang ◽  
Qun Wu ◽  
Yao Nie ◽  
Yan Xu

ABSTRACTNatural microbiota plays an essential role in flavor compounds producing for traditional food fermentation. Whereas, the fluctuation of natural microbiota results in the inconstancy of food quality. Thus, it is critical to reveal the core microbiota for flavor compounds producing and construct a synthetic core microbiota for constant food fermentation. Here, we revealed the core microbiota based on their flavor-producing and co-occurrence performance, using Chinese light aroma type liquor as a model system. Five genera were identified to be the core microbiota, including Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces, Pichia, Geotrichum, and Candida. The synthetic core microbiota of these five genera presented a reproducible dynamic profile with that in the natural microbiota. Monte Carlo test showed that the interpretation of five environmental factors (lactic acid, ethanol and acetic acid contents, moisture and pH) on the synthetic microbiota distribution were highly significant (P < 0.01), which was similar with that in the natural fermentation system. In addition, 77.27% of the flavor compounds produced by the synthetic core microbiota showed a similar dynamic profile (ρ > 0) with that in the natural liquor fermentation process, and the flavor profile presented a similar composition. It indicated that the synthetic core microbiota is efficient for reproducible flavor metabolism. This work established a method for identifying core microbiota and constructing a synthetic microbiota for reproducible flavor compounds. It is of great significance for the tractable and constant production of various fermented foods.IMPORTANCEThe transformation from natural fermentation to synthetic fermentation is essential to construct a constant food fermentation process, which is the premise for stably making high-quality food. According to the functions of flavor-producing and co-occurring in dominant microbes, we provided a system-level approach to identify the core microbiota in Chinese light aroma type liquor fermentation. In addition, we successfully constructed a synthetic core microbiota to simulate the microbial community succession and flavor compounds production in the in vitro system. The constructed synthetic core microbiota could not only facilitate a mechanistic understanding of the structure and function of the microbiota, but also be beneficial for constructing a tractable and reproducible food fermentation process.


2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhidi Chen ◽  
Jianyi Kang ◽  
Yao Zhang ◽  
Xinxin Yi ◽  
Xiaona Pang ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Fermented vegetables can be divided into two types, natural fermented and artificially inoculated fermented. By detecting and identifying the changes of bacterial diversity using physical and chemical indicators during natural and inoculation fermentation, we analyzed and determined the dominant bacteria in the fermentation process and revealed the relationship between bacteria and volatile substances. Methods We used the Illumina Miseq to sequence the bacteria in fermented vegetable samples at different fermentation periods, and calculated the total number of mesophilic microorganisms and lactic acid bacteria. We used the pH and nitrite to monitor the acidification process. GC-MS was used to determine volatile flavor compounds. Finally, we analyzed the correlation between volatile flavor compounds and bacteria. Results Total mesophilic microorganisms and the number of lactic acid bacteria in the inoculated fermentation were higher than the natural fermentation. The bacterial diversity Shannon and Simpson indexes of the natural fermentation, higher than those of inoculated fermentation in 0~7 days, were between 55~71% and 36~45%, respectively. On the 7th day, the proportion of Lactobacillus in the natural fermentation and inoculated fermentation were 53.4% and 90.2%, respectively, which were significantly different. Lactobacillus was the dominant genus in the fermented vegetables and an important genus to promote the formation of volatile flavors. Lactobacillus was negatively correlated with two volatile substances (4-[2,2,6-trimethyl-7-oxabicyclo [4.1.0] hept-1-yl]-3-Buten-2-one (K4) and a-Phellandrene (X1)) and played a leading role in the fermentation process. Conclusions Results demonstrated that the total number of mesophilic microorganisms and lactic acid bacteria in inoculated fermentation were more than those in natural fermentation. Inoculated fermentation can shorten the fermentation cycle and reduce the content of nitrite. Lactic acid bacteria were the dominant bacteria in fermented vegetables.


2020 ◽  
Vol 86 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rubing Du ◽  
Qun Wu ◽  
Yan Xu

ABSTRACT Identifying the functional microbes in spontaneous food fermentation is important for improving food quality. To identify the key flavor producers in Chinese liquor fermentation, we propose a novel quantitative microbiome profiling method that uses indigenous internal standards to normalize high-throughput amplicon sequencing results. We screened Lactobacillus acetotolerans and Lactobacillus jinshani as indigenous internal standards based on their high distribution frequencies and relative abundances. After determining the absolute abundance of indigenous internal standards using quantitative PCR with species-specific primers, the liquor-fermented bacterial community and its dynamics were better characterized by internal standards normalization. Based on quantitative microbiome profiling, we identified that Lactobacillus was a key flavor producer correlated with eight flavor compounds. Metatranscriptomic analysis indicated that Lactobacillus was active in transcribing genes involving the biosynthesis of flavor compounds and their precursors. This work has developed a novel and extensible absolute quantification method for microbiota that will alleviate concerns in the statistical analyses based on relative microbiome profiling, and shed insights into the function of Lactobacillus in food fermentation. It can potentially be applied to other microbial ecology studies. IMPORTANCE In this study, we developed a novel strategy using indigenous internal standards to normalize the high-throughput amplicon sequencing results. We chose two Lactobacillus species as indigenous internal standards and characterized the absolute abundance of the bacterial community. Further, we identified Lactobacillus as the key flavor producer using quantitative microbiome profiling combined with multivariate statistics and metatranscriptomic analysis. This work developed a novel strategy for absolute quantitative abundance analysis of microbiota and expanded our understanding of the role of Lactobacillus in food fermentation.


Author(s):  
Nguyễn Thị Hồng Thu ◽  
Đặng Minh Nhật ◽  
Nguyễn Hoàng Dung

Sugar palm (Arenga pinnata) is a feather palm native to tropical Asia. In Vietnam, it is named Búng Báng or Đoác and grown only on the highlands in the central or northern part of Vietnam. It is utilized for many purposes, especially for Ta Vat wine production - a characteristic and unique product of Co Tu ethnic minority. However, because of the natural fermentation used in the production, the product quality is inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to examine a new procedure of using palm sap for making Ta Vat wine. Some characteristics of the sap, which was collected at Nam Giang district, Quang Nam province are determined, proving the potential of the sap for making wine product. The quality of sap changes quickly at room temperature. At low temperature (4 - 60C), the changes in sap quality are apparently slower. Examining some factors affecting its quality during the wine fermentation process, we determined the best parameters for the fermentation process as follows: inoculum size of 3% with cell density of about 1x108 cells/ml, the addition of the extract from the bark of Ceylon ironwood (Mesua ferrea L.) 4%. Keywords: Arenga pinnata, sap, Ceylon ironwood bark, Mesua ferrea L., wine fermentation.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Consolandi

Purpose Seniors are nowadays at the core of important reflections to understand both how to ensure them a proper quality of life and better recognize their social role, providing them services and proper health care to value them as persons and resources. This paper aims to find a through definition about who is a senior, in the author’s opinion the starting point to help them flourishing. Design/methodology/approach As an example of definitions, an online dictionary and two geriatric text-books are quoted, highlighting qualities and rights referred to seniors especially in the delicate context of the health-care system. Findings The lack of a commonly shared perspective on this delicate kind of patient entails the difficulty to reach a coherent and satisfying definition about who a senior is. Originality/value The lack of a commonly shared definition leads to inevitable misunderstandings and could explain the arduousness of considering seniors in all their aspects. Further investigations are suggested.


Significance This is expected to be followed by the first parliamentary election since 2014, at some point in early 2022. It now looks increasingly likely that both elections will be delayed. The electoral process lacks the elements it would need to be truly transformative, but it is prompting shifts in the political elite which will dictate developments for at least the next year. Impacts Khalifa Haftar will keep pushing for his armed group to form the core of Libya’s future army Seif al-Islam Qadhafi’s candidacy in the elections is unlikely to result in him becoming president. Aguileh Saleh looks set to stay on as House of Representatives speaker with no clear date for parliamentary elections.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernanda Kalil Steinbruch ◽  
Bernardo Soares Fernandes ◽  
Leandro da Silva Nascimento ◽  
Paulo Antônio Zawislak

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the main activities that startups outsource and the elements involved in outsourcing decisions. Design/methodology/approach A multi-case study composed of Brazilian startups was conducted. Data through interviews and secondary sources were obtained. Two groups of startups were considered and analyzed comparatively: startups in the development stage and in the sales stage. Findings The findings show that even though the literature suggests that the core business should not be outsourced, some startups do have to outsource this kind of activity. That was the main difference found between startups in the sales stage and in the development stage: the former group has a solid structure, knowledge and resources, so they can keep the core business inside the firm; whereas the latter group has little experience, scarce knowledge and resources, making outsourcing a more attractive alternative. Originality/value Theoretically, this paper approaches a perspective underexplored in the innovation and management literature: outsourcing in startups. It highlights how outsourcing, as a decision between making and buying, can help startups to improve success potential. In practice, this paper discusses and demonstrates why and what can be outsourced by startups in the development and in the sales stages to overcome their limitations and, consequently, achieve better innovative results.


2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 53-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Preston-Shoot

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to update the core data set of self-neglect serious case reviews (SCRs) and safeguarding adult reviews (SARs), and accompanying thematic analysis; second, to respond to the critique in the Wood Report of SCRs commissioned by Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) by exploring the degree to which the reviews scrutinised here can transform and improve the quality of adult safeguarding practice. Design/methodology/approach Further published reviews are added to the core data set from the websites of Safeguarding Adults Boards (SABs) and from contacts with SAB independent chairs and business managers. Thematic analysis is updated using the four domains employed previously. The findings are then further used to respond to the critique in the Wood Report of SCRs commissioned by LSCBs, with implications discussed for Safeguarding Adult Boards. Findings Thematic analysis within and recommendations from reviews have tended to focus on the micro context, namely, what takes place between individual practitioners, their teams and adults who self-neglect. This level of analysis enables an understanding of local geography. However, there are other wider systems that impact on and influence this work. If review findings and recommendations are to fully answer the question “why”, systemic analysis should appreciate the influence of national geography. Review findings and recommendations may also be used to contest the critique of reviews, namely, that they fail to engage practitioners, are insufficiently systemic and of variable quality, and generate repetitive findings from which lessons are not learned. Research limitations/implications There is still no national database of reviews commissioned by SABs so the data set reported here might be incomplete. The Care Act 2014 does not require publication of reports but only a summary of findings and recommendations in SAB annual reports. This makes learning for service improvement challenging. Reading the reviews reported here against the strands in the critique of SCRs enables conclusions to be reached about their potential to transform adult safeguarding policy and practice. Practical implications Answering the question “why” is a significant challenge for SARs. Different approaches have been recommended, some rooted in systems theory. The critique of SCRs challenges those now engaged in SARs to reflect on how transformational change can be achieved to improve the quality of adult safeguarding policy and practice. Originality/value The paper extends the thematic analysis of available reviews that focus on work with adults who self-neglect, further building on the evidence base for practice. The paper also contributes new perspectives to the process of conducting SARs by using the analysis of themes and recommendations within this data set to evaluate the critique that reviews are insufficiently systemic, fail to engage those involved in reviewed cases and in their repetitive conclusions demonstrate that lessons are not being learned.


2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 433-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Russell Craig ◽  
Rawiri Taonui ◽  
Susan Wild ◽  
Lũcia Lima Rodrigues

Purpose This paper aims to highlight the accountability reporting objectives of four Māori-controlled organizations. The examples cited reflect the core values of the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand (Aotearoa) and help demonstrate how these values are manifest in the accountability reporting of Māori-controlled organizations. Design/methodology/approach Narrative sections of ten annual reports of two small and two large Maori organizations, drawn variously from their financial years ending in the calendar years 2009 to 2014, are read closely. These organizations represent diverse tribal and regional associations in terms of size, scope and structure; and in terms of the business, social and cultural activities they pursue. Findings Three core Māori values are identified: spirituality (wairuatanga); intergenerationalism and restoration (whakapapa); and governance, leadership and respect (mana and rangatiratanga). The commitment to these values and the way this commitment is reflected in accountability reports of Maori organizations, is presented. Originality/value The examples provided, and the associated discussion, should help inform reporting initiatives of organizations that are seeking better accountability in terms of their long-term engagement with indigenous communities, the environment and broader society.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Knoerich

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze how path dependence in the evolution of major theories of foreign direct investment (FDI) locked in a theoretical perspective of the multinational enterprise that focused on asset-exploitation. This perspective is challenged by recent contradicting observations of multinationals from China and other emerging economies. A decisive re-orientation of FDI theory is proposed as a way forward to resolve this tension. Design/methodology/approach Placing FDI theories into the context of FDI patterns prevailing at the time they were developed, Thomas Kuhn’s framework on the evolution of scientific knowledge is employed to track how the mainstream FDI theory emerged, went through a period of normal science and then approached a crisis of science in this field. Findings The evolution of FDI theory is strongly path-dependent, which made it difficult for theory to effectively incorporate new conceptual discoveries and empirical findings about the nature of FDI activity. Originality/value FDI theory would benefit from a full re-orientation to a demand-oriented perspective which places the pursuit of advantages, assets, resources, etc., at the core of the theory. Such a change is implicit in many recent theoretical advances and would assure theory is generalizable to all types of FDI.


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