Maresca E, Aulitto M, Contursi P. Harnessing the dual nature of Bacillus (Weizmannia) coagulans for sustainable production of biomaterials and development of functional food.
Microb Biotechnol 2024;
17:e14449. [PMID:
38593329 PMCID:
PMC11003712 DOI:
10.1111/1751-7915.14449]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacillus coagulans, recently renamed Weizmannia coagulans, is a spore-forming bacterium that has garnered significant interest across various research fields, ranging from health to industrial applications. The probiotic properties of W. coagulans enhance intestinal digestion, by releasing prebiotic molecules including enzymes that facilitate the breakdown of not-digestible carbohydrates. Notably, some enzymes from W. coagulans extend beyond digestive functions, serving as valuable biotechnological tools and contributing to more sustainable and efficient manufacturing processes. Furthermore, the homofermentative thermophilic nature of W. coagulans renders it an exceptional candidate for fermenting foods and lignocellulosic residues into L-(+)-lactic acid. In this review, we provide an overview of the dual nature of W. coagulans, in functional foods and for the development of bio-based materials.
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