Fascinating fructophilic lactic acid bacteria associated with various fructose-rich niches

Abstract

Fructophilic lactic acid bacteria (FLAB) are recently described group of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that prefer fructose instead of glucose as a carbon source. FLAB have been isolated from fructose-rich niches such as flowers, fruits, fermented fruits, and gastrointestinal tracts of insects whose diet is based on fructose. These bacteria are divided into obligate and facultative fructophilc lactobacilli based on biochemical features. All FLAB are heterofermentative microorganisms, which during fermentation of carbohydrates, in addition to lactic acid, produce also acetic acid, and alcohol as end-products. The fructophilic bacteria, inhabiting the honeybee guts positively impact the health of their hosts, improve their longevity, and are promising probiotic candidates. These symbionts of honeybees play a key role in the production of honey by bees and are present in a large number in fresh honey. The combination of osmolarity with antibacterial, and therapeutic properties of these bacteria make fresh honey optimal alternative for future wound healing.