New NIZO tool to help fermented food development

By Jess Halliday

- Last updated on GMT

NIZO Food Research has developed a new tool to predict the functionalities of different microorganisms based on their genomes, which will help speed the development of fermented foods and ingredients.

Food fermenting microbes form the basis of many innovations in the food industry, and a range of ingredients are produced through fermentation, including vitamins, flavour components and texturisers.

Genome sequencing has become a routine exercise, Eddy Smid, senior scientist at NIZO told FoodNavigator.com. He described it as rather like taking an inventory of the constituent parts of bacterium.

Until now, however, the translation of genome sequence data into metabolic activities and functionalities of the fermenting microbes has been tricky; the development of food fermentation processes has been a matter of trial and error.

The new computer program, called the Metabolic Navigator, was developed with the Top Institute Food & Nutrition. It can predict functionality based on genome sequencing without even doing any work in the laboratory.

An example of a practical use is the prediction of conditions for cultivating the bacteria which result in the formation of specific fruity or malty flavour compounds – conditions that are very specific to the strain. It could also aid the development of starter cultures for cheese or yoghurt production.

"Every bacterium would create a different effect,"​ Smid said.

The tool could help improve industrial and food-related fermentation processes, too. The Metabolic Navigator can provide an indication of how to maximise production of bacterial biomass. For instance, CO2 or nutrient limitation in the fermentation system can be easily identified allowing the operator to select new fermentation conditions that will increase biomass yield or boosts the productivity.

Roadmaps

NIZO now has roadmaps of 15 bacteria in the Metabolic Navigator system. Some of these roadmaps are kept confidential since they are developed with customers based on proprietary genome sequences.

With basic bioinformatics expertise, the tailor made metabolic navigators can be used by the customers in their own research laboratories said Smid.

Bacteria store

In May last year NIZO announced a collaboration wtih BCCM/LMG to give it access to a subset of the latter’s bacteria store, including strains of the genera Lactococcus​, Lactobacillus​, Leuconostoc​, Bifodobacterium​ and Streptococcus​.

NIZO had previously held its own collection of food bacteria, but the addition of the BCCM/LMG bolstered their number considerably to around 3900. It includes cultures used in the production of dairy products and plant-based products - such as wine, vegetables and fruit - and probiotic bacteria strains that are recognised for their beneficial effect on immunity, gut health, and other health markets.

Related news

Related products

show more

The future of chicken: Are you ready to lead?

The future of chicken: Are you ready to lead?

Content provided by Symrise | 25-Sep-2024 | Product Brochure

The global market for chicken is expanding rapidly, projected to hit $207.6B by 2027. Nimble adaptation and world-leading innovation are more critical...

Revitalize the Citrus Narrative with Corefold™

Revitalize the Citrus Narrative with Corefold™

Content provided by ADM | 13-Sep-2024 | White Paper

Capture the true essence of citrus with ADM's Corefold™ technology! Discover how your brand can create authentic flavor profiles suited for a diverse...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars