THE PROCESS OF LACTIC ACID FERMENTATION AND ITS IMPORTANCE

Abstract
This article explores the biological process of lactic acid fermentation, detailing its biochemical mechanisms and types. It discusses the wide-ranging significance of lactic acid fermentation in food production, human physiology, gut health, and industrial applications. The process not only supports anaerobic energy production in cells but also enables the preservation and flavor enhancement of fermented foods. Its applications in biotechnology and agriculture highlight its ongoing importance in both traditional and modern contexts.
Keywords
lactic acid fermentation, anaerobic respiration, lactic acid bacteria, fermented foods, homolactic fermentation, heterotactic fermentation, industrial fermentation, food preservation.
References
- Corsetti, A., & Brandt, M. (2017). Lactic acid bacteria in food production. Food Research International, 91, 34-42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2016.11.017
- Gänzle, M. G. (2015). Lactic acid bacteria and their role in fermented foods. In R. M. Stiles, J. D. M. Gänzle, & B. J. H. W. V. Rensburg (Eds.), Handbook of Fermented Meat and Poultry (pp. 124-134). Wiley-Blackwell.
- Hammes, W. P., & Hertel, C. (2009). Lactic acid bacteria in fermented foods: The importance of their biotechnological role. Microbial Biotechnology, 2(2), 178-187. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-7915.2008.00102.x
- Liu, Q., & Wang, S. (2019). Probiotic microorganisms and their effects on gut health and digestion. Journal of Dairy Science, 102(3), 1454-1461. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2018-15884
- Gänzle, M. G., & Ripari, V. (2015). Fermentation in food production and preservation. In C. M. V. Santagata (Ed.), Handbook of Industrial Fermentation (pp. 109-120). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1828-9
- Nagy, S. Z., & Pirog, G. (2020). Biotechnological applications of lactic acid fermentation in food and health. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 104(5), 1915-1928. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-020-10579-3
- Sanders, M. E., & Klaenhammer, T. R. (2019). Probiotics and fermented foods: Role in health. In S. L. Prescott, A. S. U. Kamboj, & A. Q. Asghar (Eds.), Probiotics and Fermented Foods (pp. 45-66). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-10832-5_4
- Bashir, K., & Riaz, M. (2018). Lactic acid fermentation and its industrial applications: A review. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 123(4), 740-750. https://doi.org/10.1111/jam.13950
- Zhao, L., & Tian, H. (2021). Microbial production of lactic acid and its application in biodegradable plastics. Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 70, 178-185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copbio.2021.04.003
- Zheng, J., & Liu, J. (2022). Exploring the role of lactic acid bacteria in industrial fermentation processes for sustainable food production. Food Research International, 144, 110325. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2021.110325