Lactobacillus plantarum with Functional Properties: An Approach to Increase Safety and Shelf-Life of Fermented Foods.

Lactobacillus plantarum (widespread member of the genus Lactobacillus) is one of the most studied species extensively used in food industry as probiotic microorganism and/or microbial starter. The exploitation of Lb. plantarum strains with their long history in food fermentation forms an emerging field and design of added-value foods. Lb. plantarum strains were also used to produce new functional (traditional/novel) foods and beverages with improved nutritional and technological features. Lb. plantarum strains were identified from many traditional foods and characterized for their systematics and molecular taxonomy, enzyme systems (α-amylase, esterase, lipase, α-glucosidase, β-glucosidase, enolase, phosphoketolase, lactase dehydrogenase, etc.), and bioactive compounds (bacteriocin, dipeptides, and other preservative compounds). This review emphasizes that the Lb. plantarum strains with their probiotic properties can have great effects against harmful microflora (foodborne pathogens) to increase safety and shelf-life of fermented foods.

1. Introduction

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been used for centuries for feed and food fermentation [1-3]. They are frequently taken up in the fermentation of vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, and milk [4, 5], improving texture and flavor of bread [6], sausages [7], and wine [8], suppress the microbe-dependent spoilage of food [9], and prolong the shelf-life [9]. Several microbial species of LAB establish themselves from mouth and gut to large intestine of human beings and thus serve as potential mucosal vaccines [10]. LAB is a diverse group of Gram-positive, anaerobic-aerotolerant homofermentative bacteria and L-(+)-lactic acid (LA) producer [11] and for Lactobacillus is perhaps the most predominant genus [10]. From the populous Lactobacillus, Lb. plantarum is the most versatile species/strain with useful properties and usually found in numerous fermented food products [12]. Moreover, Lb. plantarum is widely employed in industrial fermentation and processing of raw foods and “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) and has qualified presumption of safety (QPS) status [2, 13]. Lb. plantarum strains must have a high ability to survive in the gastrointestinal tract (GI) and adhere to its epithelial cells and most importantly be a safe strain (FAO and WHO) of animals and human [14]. “Fermentation” or “food being fermented” is the nonrespiratory metabolism of substrates (mainly organic compounds) on action of enzymes or microorganism so that desirable biochemical change results in significant refinement of the food [1, 2]. The importance of fermented foods is to increase the shelf-life of raw food matrices and also known to influence quality and functionality of foods by improving the taste and flavor fermented foods [3]. Positive perceptions of microbes are thus associated with desired changes in the food raw material during fermentation (fermented food) and beneficially impacting host health. Traditionally, fermented foods have been valued by many cultures for their health benefits and even therapeutic properties [3, 15]. Consumers worldwide are becoming increasingly aware of the relationship between fermented food and health, and the markets for so-called “functional foods” have been growing in recent years. Experts estimate that among functional foods probiotic foods comprise 60–70% of the total markets [16].

2. Systematics and Molecular Taxonomy

The species of the genera Lactobacillus are the dominant microbes found in human nutrition and in food microbiology, especially in fermented food systems [17].

Scientific Classification

Domain: Bacteria

Phylum: Firmicutes

Class: Bacilli

Order: Lactobacillales

Family: Lactobacillaceae

Genus: Lactobacillus

Species: Lb. plantarum

Lb. plantarum-group (LPG) comprises five closely/adjoining taxonomical species: Lb. paraplantarum, Lb. pentosus, Lb. fabifermentans, Lb. xiangfangensis, and Lb. plantarum (subsp. plantarum and subsp. argentoratensis) [26, 27]. Devi et al. [28] screened five distinct subspecies of Lb. plantarum-group (LPG) from fermented vegetable products keeping potential probiotic functionality.

2.1. Molecular Screening of Lb. plantarum Strain

The conventional methods of distinguishing/screening of Lb. plantarum strains depend on phenotypic tests (e.g., morphological and biochemical analyses) [27]. The conventional/traditional methods also involve a comparison of viable cell counts on agar plates and microbial turbidity measurements (600 or 620 nm) [35, 42]. Recently, next generation “omics-” methods aiming at a nonbiased and nontargeted detection of genes (genomics), mRNA (transcriptomics), protein (proteomics), metagenome (metagenomics), and metabolites (metabolomics) and diverse meta-analyses have been applied to investigate Lb. plantarum strains in more detail and on a systems biology level [45] (Table 1). Such expedites generate untold opportunities to expand our understanding of the role of Lb. plantarum involved in economically important fermentation [46]. The molecular based or “omics-” methods using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the 16srRNA gene have been developed. These techniques are widely used for LAB (Lb. plantarum) identification and allow differentiation between strains of same species [24]. Pérez-Díaz et al. [46] studied the amplification (PCR) and analysis [nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)] of the 16SrRNA gene of Lb. plantarum (dominant bacteria) present in fermented cucumber using AthoGen's proprietary technology and databases. The perception limit of the assay is found to be ~104 CFU/mL. Genotyping (subtyping) methods can contribute information about the relativity of strains within a species. The random amplification of polymorphic DNA-PCR (RAPD-PCR) is an important genotyping technique commonly used for identification and determination of Lb. plantarum [27]. The RAPD process/technique is cost effective, is easy to execute, does not require prior sequence information, and needs only a little amount of template genomic DNA [27, 47]. Dong et al. [48] had developed a new genotyping method, to differentiate antifungal Lb. plantarum strains. The genotyping method used an alternative to RAPD method which is the multilocus variable number tandem repeats analysis (MLVA) from an array of sources (e.g., cheese, silage, sauerkraut, vegetable, and a probiotic product). The MLVA method is found to be better than RAPD-PCR method and provided valuable information for the application of biopreservative strains to reduce mold spoilage in food. More recently, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) has been widely used as a tool for the analysis of the genomic diversity of Lb. plantarum and also for identification and characterization of LAB from different food sources and geographical region to subspecies and strain level [24]. Some studies have been reported regarding the nutritional requirements for Lb. plantarum growth. Complete whole genome sequences of several Lb. plantarum strain such as Lb. plantarum WCFS1, Lb. plantarum ST-III, and Lb. plantarum P-8 have become available, and these sequences have revealed that Lb. plantarum bacteria are multiple amino acid and vitamin auxotrophs [49, 50]. Even if the genomic sequences of several Lb. plantarum strains are presently available, there are still limited reports on the function of genes from these bacteria [51].

Table 1

Molecular methods/techniques used for identification of Lb. plantarum strains.

Molecular method	Primer used	Primer sequence (5′-3′)	Identified Lb. plantarum strain	Reference
PCR	LbPI1 (forward) and LbPI2 (reverse)	CCG TTT ATG CGG AAC ACC TA and TCG GGA TTA CCA AAC ATC AC	Lb. plantarum ATCC 8014	Quere et al. [18]
RAPD-PCR	16S rRNA-based primer, P32	TAC CAC TAC AAT GGA TG	Lb. plantarum ATCC 14917	Elegado et al. [19]
RAPD-PCR	16S rRNA-based primer, A27F	AGC GGA TCA CTT CAC ACA GGA CTA CGG CTA CCT TGT TAC GA	Lb. plantarum YW11	Wang et al. [20]
RAPD-PCR	UB16S-F and UB16S-R	AGA GTT TGA TCC TGG CTC AG and ACG GCT ACC TTG TTA CGA CT	Lb. plantarum NTMI05 and NTMI20	Imran et al. [21]
16S rDNA sequencing	Universal primer, SSU	TGC CAG CAG CCG CGG TA and GAC GGG CGG TGT GTA CAA	Lb. plantarum B128, B134, B143, B149, B166, B174	Mahmoudi et al. [22]
16S rDNA sequencing	8f and 1512r	CAC GGA TCC AGA CTT TGA T(C/T)(A/C) TGG CTC AG and GTG AAG CTT ACG G(C/T)T AGC TTG TTA CGA CTT	Lb. plantarum MBSa4	Barbosa et al. [23]
RAPD and PFGE∗	OPA5 and OPA20	AAT CGG GCT G and GTT GCG TCC	Lb. plantarum ATCC 8014 and Lb. plantarum SD1S612	Adesulu-Dahunsi et al. [24]
16S rDNA sequencing	27F and 1492R	AGA GTT TGA TCC TGG CTC AG and TAC GGY TAC CTT GTT ACG ACT T	Lb. plantarum KX881772 and Lb. plantarum KX881779	Abushelaibi et al. [25]
ITS-PCR	16SF-R2 and 23SR-R10	AGA GTT TGA TCC TGG CTC AG and AAG GAG GTG ATC CAG CCG CA	Lb. plantarum GA106, FU137, NRRLB-14768, DSM10667, JCM1558, DK0–22, OB123, OF101, YO175	Adesulu-Dahunsi et al. [24]

RAPD-PCR: random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction; PCR: polymerase chain reaction; PFGE: pulsed-field gel electrophoresis; ITS-PCR: 16S–23S rRNA gene intergenic transcribed spacer PCR amplification. Restriction enzyme (ApaI and SfiI).

2.2. Genome and Genome size of Lb. plantarum Strain

As a result of a process called “genome reduction” Lb. plantarum strains have relatively small genomes, varying from 1.8 to 3.3 Mbp [45]. Liu et al. [49] organized genome sequence and comparative genome analysis of Lb. plantarum (strain 5-2), obtained from fermented foods from Yunnan province, China. The strain was resolved to consist of 14 insertion sequence (IS) elements (3114 genes). There were DNA replication proteins (24 nos) and DNA repair proteins (76 nos) in 5-2 genome which encodes vital enzymes needed for phosphoketolase (PK) and Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas (EMP) pathways. However, Lb. plantarum LL441 (isolated from cheese) contain 29 open reading frame (ORFs) encoding glucosidases belonging to different hydrolase families [52].

3. Lb. plantarum in Traditional Food Systems

The market for fermented food and ingredients has been growing in recent years and is expected to grow from $636.89 billion in the year 2016 to $888.76 by 2023 [53]. The fermented food is induced by consumer demand for food products that are virginal, healthy, fresh-like, minimally processed, and nutritious [54]. To preserve the essence/attribute of the particular fermented food products, techniques are needed to retain organoleptic properties and to promise an acceptable shelf-life [53]. Hitherto, fermented dairy product (e.g., yogurt) has been designed both as a potential source of beneficial (probiotic) strains and as a standard form/matrix for offering such functional strains. Nevertheless, part of the mainstream now shifted to a field of nondairy fermented vegetables and fruits of Asia and fermented plant raw material, in particular cereal, of Europe and Africa as ecosystem of potentially beneficial strains [3, 55]. However, Lb. plantarum is a potential probiotic and is mainly from fermented food systems [49], including pickles, sauerkraut, Korean kimchi, brined olives, sourdough, Nigerian Ogi, and other fermented fruits and vegetables and also some cheeses, fermented sausages, and stockfish (unsalted fish, especially cod) [49, 56] (Table 2).

Table 2

Lactobacillus plantarum strain mediated fermented food products.

Fermented foods	Fermentable substrate/source	Identified Lb. plantarum strain	Special features/application	Reference
Traditional fermented foods
Chourico +	-	Lb. plantarum DSMZ 12028	Inducing proinflammatory response	Cammarota et al. [29]
Tofu	Chinese fermented dairy	Lb. plantarum C88	Antioxidant activity	Li et al. [30]
Fufu	Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) flour	Lb. plantarum strain 6710	Protein-fortified product	Rosales-Soto et al. [31]
White (Baek) kimchi	Chinese cabbage without chili	Lb. plantarum HAC01	New probiotic development	Park et al. [3]
Fermented table olives	Spanish-style green olives	Lb. plantarum B282	Adhesion and antiproliferative effects of colorectal cancer cells	Saxami et al. [32]
Acid beans	Vigna unguiculata	Lb. plantarum ZDY2013	EPS	Zhang et al. [33]
Kimchi	Chinese cabbage	Enriched with Lb. plantarum Ln4	Probiotic effect	Son et al. [34]
Kimchi	Baechu (napa cabbage)	Lb. plantarum wikim 18 (KFCC 1188P)	Probiotic effect	Jung et al. [35]
Korean kimchi		Lb. plantarum LBP-K10	Antimicrobial activity	Kwak et al. [36]
Cabbage pickle	Korean cabbage	Cell-free supernatant of Lb. plantarum NTU 102	Effective againstV. parahaemolyticus BCRC 12864 and Cronobacter sakazakii BCRC 13988	Lin and Pan [9]
Chicken sausage	Minced meat	Lb. plantarum	Antioxidant activity	Yadav, [37]
Kunu ψ	Millet (Pennisetum glaucum)	Lb. reuteri, Lb. plantarum, and Lb. acidophilus	Enhanced nutrient qualities, shelf-life, and antioxidant potentials	Adedire et al. [38]
Pickled cabbage	Cabbage	Lb. plantarum ATCCI 4917	-	Turpin et al. [39]
Novel fermented foods
Fermented oat food	-	Lb. plantarum UFG9; Lb. plantarum B2	Increased riboflavin (VitB2) concentration	Russo et al. [40]
Fermented soymilk	Soybean	Lb. plantarum TWK10	Antimelanogenic property
Pinot noir wine (Patagonian red wines)	-	Lb. plantarum ATCC 14917	Malolactic starter cultures	Brizuela et al. [41]
FRGE	Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer)	Lb. plantarum KCCM 11613P	Antioxidant activity	Jung et al. [42]
Litchi juice	Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.)	Spray drying of probiotic bacteria (Lb. plantarum MTCC 2621) with prebiotics∗	Stimulated the digestive system	Kalita et al. [43]
Bread	-	Lb. plantarum P8	Improved baking conditions and storage	Zhang et al. [44]

FRGE: fermented red ginseng extract; EPS: exopolysaccharide.Fructooligosaccharide (FOS), inulin, gum arabic, and pectin. +Portuguese dry fermented sausage. Nonalcoholic beverage of Nigeria.

3.1. Fermented Vegetable Products

Among the several species identified in fermented vegetables, Lb. plantarum accounts for lion's share in fermented vegetables due to its ability to resist high saline and acidity content of fermented vegetables, mainly cucumber, sauerkraut, and olive [56]. Moreover, strains of Lb. plantarum have been treated as acceptable starter cultures giving an array of fermented vegetable products [57, 58]. Several studies reported resulting lactic-fermented food products from sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.), that is, lactopickles [58-60], curd [61, 62], and lactojuice [57, 59, 60], employing Lb. plantarum (MTCC 1407) as the starter culture. In a study, Panda and Ray [57] reported that sweet potato (fully boiled/nonboiled) was pickled (LA fermentation) by preprocessing, cut, and blanched in brine solution (NaCl, 2–10% w/v) using a probiotic strain of Lb. plantarum (MTCC 1407). The developed pickled sweet potato [pH of 2.9–3.0, LA of 2.6–3.2 g/kg, titratable acidity of 2.9–3.7 g/kg, and starch of 58–68 g/kg (on fresh weight basis)] was found acceptable by consumers. More recently, Behera et al. (2018) optimized the process parameters (e.g., inoculums volume, salt concentration, and incubation period) for pickling of elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius). The results claimed that the 8% (w/v) of NaCl concentration, 10% (v/v) of inoculums volume, and 22 d of incubation period were found effective for maximum yield of LA.

Kimchi is an accustomed Korean fermented food formed from Chinese cabbage. Kimchi contains various LAB strains, including Leuconostoc sp., Lactococcus sp., Lactobacillus sp., and Weissella sp. The LAB strains that are present during kimchi fermentation are believed to have possible probiotic properties and health benefits [63]. Son et al. [34] investigated the possibility of using Lb. plantarum Ln4, one of several strains isolated from kimchi, as a probiotic according to its characteristics as compared to commercial probiotic and yogurt starter strains. Lb. plantarum wikim 18 (KFCC 11588P) isolated from baechu (napa cabbage) kimchi exhibited probiotic trait [42]. The strains of LAB (Lb. plantarum B282) were successfully employed as starter in green olive (Spanish-style) fermentation [64]. Lb. plantarum was the first LAB associated with cucumber fermentation [46]. Pérez-Díaz et al. [46] conducted cucumber fermentation by using Lb. plantarum (2 × 108 CFU/mL), primarily Lb. plantarum found in brine and able to produce 0.6–1.2% lactic acid [46]. Abadi Sherahi et al. [65] studied the effect of Lb. plantarum ATCC 8014 fermentation on oxidative stability effects of olive oil. The fermented olive fruits were suggested as an appropriate method for preservation of olive quality and olive oil stability during storage. Sa Taw Dong is a traditional fermented sticky bean product in the Southern Thailand. Saelim et al. [66] isolated functional properties of Lb. plantarum S0/7 from a fermented stinky bean and showed potential probiotic properties.

Lb. plantarum was also isolated from starchy wastes. The cassava starch is a potential source of LA. In a study, Bomrungnok et al. [67] claimed that lactic acid (LA) produced from cassava starch using high dilution rate and cell density of Lb. plantarum (SW14) in a continuous mode of operation. Fufu is a fermented wet paste obtained from cassava starch, regularly eaten up in many parts of West Africa. Species of LAB fitting for the genera Leuconostoc, Streptococcus, and Lactobacillus are the dominating microorganisms in fufu. The spontaneous food fermentation has several disadvantages (e.g., survival of food pathogens, spoilage of fermented products, and long duration), which are still prevailing at the household levels in Africa. Thus, the use of starter cultures is favored as active/speedy acidification of the finished products and also lowers the pH to a certain point, which can inhibit the growth of undesirable/unpalatable bacteria [31]. Rosales-Soto et al. [31] studied fermentation of fortified cassava flour (with protein and provitamin A) using Lb. plantarum (strain 6710) as starter. The fermentation of fortified cassava flour resulted in production of wet fufu which is well accepted by consumers.

3.2. Fermented Cereal Products

Fermented cereal commodities are critical/valuable sources (e.g., proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and fiber) of nutrition [68]. The nonalcoholic and alcoholic food commodities (e.g., Mageu, Togwa, Gowe, Poto-Poto, and Degue and Obushera) are obtained from cereals (e.g., rice, wheat, maize, sorghum, and millet) and are voluminously accepted in several regions of the world. LAB are the prevalent microorganisms (e.g., Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, and Lactobacillus) associated with the fermentation of cereal-based foods and beverages; however, yeasts are also habitually reported but at lower orders of magnitude [69]. A traditional Turkish cereal-based (prepared from wheat flour) and LA fermented food product called “tarhana” is mostly produced at home or home-scale level. The fermented finish product (tarhana) is a sequel action of mixed population of microbes (e.g., Lb. plantarum and Lb. brevis) [70]. Ogi is a traditional fermented product usually obtained from spontaneous and uncontrolled fermentation of cereals (e.g., maize, sorghum, or millet). Several groups, including LAB, yeasts, and molds are deliberately involved in Ogi fermentation, although Lb. plantarum is the dominant one [71]. Traditional fermented beverage of “bushera” (prepared from sorghum and millet flour) is widely consumed in Uganda [71]. The LAB from household bushera included Lb. fermentum, Lb. brevis, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Lb. plantarum [72]. Boza (prepared from maize, millet, wheat, rye or rice, and other cereals) is a historic fermented beverage used up in the countries of Balkan province, including Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey [73]. Several LAB species (e.g., Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lb. fermentum, Lb. pentosus, Lb. rhamnosus, and Lb. plantarum) screened from boza provide antimicrobials (bacteriocins), increasing the shelf-life of the finished product and manifesting health benefits [74, 75]. Since 1994, an oats-based probiotic beverage known to be the first commercial product is called “proviva.” The addition of probiotics (Lb. plantarum 299v) and a liquefying agent (malted barley) added beneficial effects to consumers [76]. Another nonalcoholic cooked beverage, named “uji” (prepared from sorghum, maize, or finger millet), fermented with LAB (especially Lb. plantarum) [76]. Togwa LA fermented product is made from either cereals (maize, millet, and sorghum), root tuber of cassava, or their combinations [77]. Microbial communities of Togwa are diverse and comprise LAB of the genera Lactobacillus (Lb. brevis, Lb. cellobiosus, Lb. fermentum, and Lb. plantarum) [78]. Nyanzi and Jooste [69] reported a symbiotic functional drink from the oats by participating a probiotic culture (Lb. plantarum A28) for the production of fermented beverages. Pozol is a maize based probiotic beverage consumed in the Southeastern Meico [77]. Recent studies showed that LAB (e.g., Lb. plantarum) can have a great impact on fabricating the pozol microbial community [77].

3.3. Fermented Meat, Fish, and Dairy Products

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are involved in fermentation of many different kinds of animal foodstuffs such as meat, fish, or dairy products. Meat fermentation involves natural LAB or added starter cultures. Specific spontaneously naturally fermented sausages are developed by activity of well adapted strains in meat and environmental conditions, usually called “house microbiota” [79]. In that sense, Lactobacillus plantarum strains showed a high diversity in specific dry fermented sausages, even in the same product of different producers [79, 80]. This species has been shown as dominant one in many traditionally fermented sausages worldwide, that is, in Mediterranean countries [80-85], Asia [86-88], South America [80], or Africa [89]. Characterization of dominant Lb. plantarum from fermented sausages is revealed in many strains proposed as potential functional starter cultures with desirable technological and safety properties [23, 37, 89, 90]. One of the most studied properties of indigenous Lb. plantarum strains is ability to produce bacteriocins plantaricins, antimicrobial peptides usable in different food matrices for reduction of sensitive bacteria including foodborne pathogens or spoilage bacteria [91]. Starter cultures or protective cultures have been widely used within the strategies of improving safety and quality of fermented sausages [92-94]. In this respect, implementation of selected autochthonous or commercial Lactobacillus plantarum cultures in sausage production contributed to reduction of biological hazards such as pathogens [95] or biogenic amines [96] as well as enhancing sensorial properties of final products [90]. Even with controversial concept in meat industry, the probiotic strains of Lb. plantarum, both novel and commercial, are intensively studied in fermented sausages in order to develop the so-called probiotic sausages [97-99].

Lactobacillus plantarum strains with technological and food safety properties are also commonly found in traditional fish products. For example, Zeng et al. [100] selected strains from “Suan yu” with good acidification rates, antimicrobial activities, moderate proteolytic activity, and low (if any) amino acid decarboxylase activity. When implemented to fermented surimi, Lb. plantarum cultures presented favorable technological properties revealed in high overall acceptability of product. From the point of view of product safety, Lb. plantarum culture applied to fish fermented sausage significantly reduced the formation of biogenic amines putrescine and cadaverine during fermentation [101].

Considering dairy products, Quigley et al. [102] emphasize the rare finding of Lb. plantarum in raw milk and its low technological importance in standard milk processing. However, strains with probiotic properties have been isolated from different dairy-related niches, for example, camel milk [25], cow's or ewe's raw-milk cheeses, and whey [103-106]. Hence, recent studies are more focused on implementing probiotic strains of Lb. plantarum in fermented milk beverages or cheeses to gain novel products with enhanced health benefits [107, 108].

3.4. Ethnic Fermented Food

Fermented bamboo shoots or smoked and salted fish or local traditional fermented food is categorized under ethnic fermented foods. Fermented bamboo shoots (e.g., Eup, Ekung, Hecche, Hirring, Soidon, and Soibum) are nonsalted acidic products obtained by fermentation with LAB, especially by Lb. plantarum (range of 108 CFU/g). LAB (Lb. plantarum) is the dominant microorganism in ethic fermented foods like idli, dosa, and dahi, which are made locally in India and other South Asian countries (e.g., Pakistan and Bangladesh) [55, 109]. In a study, Catte et al. [110] reported that the strains of Lb. plantarum are often screened from seafood products, predominately from salted and smoked fish products. Lb. plantarum is the most prolific LAB isolated from traditional cassava based fermented foods (e.g., agbelima, gari, fufu, and lafun) from African countries [111].

3.5. Novel Foods, Mainly Plant Based Foods, and Beverages

The organic matter and starch content of cassava fibrous residues in semisolid fermentation produce LA using Lb. plantarum as starter culture. In a study, Ray et al. [109] investigated that high starch content (60–65% of dry weight basis) of cassava residues can convert to a maximum level of LA (about 63.3%) using Lb. plantarum MTCC 1407 as starter culture. Alcoholic fermentation is an essential step in producing high-quality vinegar and typically involves the use of pure yeast to initiate fermentation. Chen et al. [112] studied using mixed cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lb. plantarum for preparation of citrus vinegar. The mixed culture in alcoholic fermentation found the flavor and quality of citrus vinegar effectively improved, indicating additional economic benefits of fermentation. However, Liu et al. [113] studied the investigation of the capability of Lb. plantarum BM-LP14723 to enter and recover from the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state and to cause beer spoilage. The VBNC Lb. plantarum BM-LP14723 retained spoilage capability. The study presented that beer spoilage by Lb. plantarum can hide both in breweries and during transporting and marketing process and thus lead to beer spoilage incidents. In wine making, malolactic pathway of fermentation is generally followed in fermentable LAB species. However, Lb. plantarum is one of the species most widely used for malolactic fermentation in wine making [8]. The advantage of Lb. plantarum strain is the ability to grow/cope in the adverse wine environment, giving diverse and distinct metabolites/compounds that can improve organoleptic properties of wine. For this reason, the selective strain (Lb. plantarum) is essential for optimization and preservation during wine making [114]. Sweet lemon juice (rich source of vitamin C and essential minerals) was fermented with Lb. plantarum LS5 to produce a probiotic juice. The cell counts (Lb. plantarum LS5) increased from 7.0 to 8.63 log CFU/mL during fermentation (37°C for 48 h) and decreased from 8.63 to 7, 14 log CFU/mL after storage (4°C for 28 d) [115, 116]. Lb. plantarum, incorporated in osmotically dehydrated apple cubes, survived over a storage period of 6 days at 4°C maintaining constant values of 107 CFU/g in the apple cubes [53]. Freire et al. [16] developed a nondairy beverage based on the Brazilian indigenous beverage, cauim, by selecting a potential probiotic LAB strain (Lb. plantarum CCMA 0743) isolated from different Brazilian indigenous foods (cauim, calugi, cairi, yakupa, and chicha) to be used as starter culture in a blend of cassava and rice to increase the product's functional properties. Zhang et al. [44] investigated the impact of several baking conditions/factors (e.g., dough weight, temperature) and storage period on survival rate of Lb. plantarum (P8). Bread samples with varying dough weight (5–60 g) were baked at different temperatures (175–235°C) for 8 min and the residual viability of bacterial counts was determined every 2 min. The baking process significantly decreased the viability from 109 CFU/g to 104-5 CFU/g in bread, which contributes to the development of probiotic bakery products.

3.6. Metabolomics of Lb. plantarum in Fermented Foods

Food metabolomics or “foodomics” has been practiced and adopted in the study of different foods/fermented food products in the literature [117]. Specifically, in fermented food systems, it is practically used to estimate and monitor the changes occurring during the fermentation process and also to investigate the composition of fermented foods [118]. At the beginning, the composite/heterogenous components in fermented food need to be separated/simplified prior to detection. Several biochemical techniques are adopted by different authors for identification/detection of compositional mixture found in fermented food products. The biochemical technique such as gas chromatography (GC) alone or in combination with mass spectroscopy (MS) called “GC-MS” is one of the best used techniques for foodomics detection.

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is a substitute tactics/method for GC-MS commonly used for metabolic analysis of fermented food products; however, in comparison to GC, HPLC has an inferior chromatographic resolution. Furthermore, HPLC is more convenient than other techniques and measures a wider range of analytes/components with higher sensitivity. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is another advanced analytical technique which is used in separation and recovery of spent analytes. Additionally, in NMR technique, diverse group of components can be measured by its high simplicity and reproducibility nature [119].

4. Quality/Functional Properties of Fermented Foods

4.1. Enzyme Systems

In spite of the ancient uses of LAB for production of fermented foods, their multipotential for enzyme production has recently generated much research interest. Therefore, enzymes from microorganisms have found a broad spectrum of industrial applications in the starch, beverages, food, and textile industries [111, 120].

4.1.1. α-Amylase

α-Amylase (or 1,4-α-D-glucan glucanohydrolase) (EC 3.2.1.1) catalyzes the hydrolysis (cleavage of α-1,4 linkage) of starch (raw and soluble), while consequently liberating smaller dextrins and oligosaccharides. α-Amylase has been classified into the glycoside hydrolase family based on amino acid sequence classifications widely found among a wide range/diversity of microorganisms (e.g., actinomycetes, bacteria, molds, and yeasts) [121]. LAB (Lb. plantarum strains) are dominant microbiota involved in the fermentation of numerous carbohydrate-based foods [122]. Ray et al. [109] studied α-amylase production in submerged fermentation and optimized (response surface methodology) the process parameters (pH, incubation period, and temperature) using Lb. plantarum MTCC 1407 as a starter culture. Of particular importance, amylolytic LAB were found useful in modifying the structure and properties of starches for production of lactic acid and α-amylases extensively to improve bread making [6]. Amapu et al. [120] isolated Lb. plantarum (AMZ5) from maize flour that retains excelling starch degradation ability through production of reducing sugar yield and high extracellular amylase. Kanpiengjai et al. [121] identified the effect of starch binding domains (SMDs) on biochemical and catalytic properties of α-amylase obtained from Lb. plantarum S21. The results indicated that the C-terminal SBDs of Lb. plantarum S21 α-amylase showed substrate preference and substrate affinity and also the catalytic efficiency of the α-amylase without any changes in the degradation mechanisms of the enzyme.

4.1.2. Esterase

Lb. plantarum are sources of a large variety of microbial ester hydrolases because they can produce a wide range of phenolic alcohols, short-chain esters, and fatty acids [51]. Kim et al. [51] identified and characterized a novel SGNH-type esterase (LpSGNH1) from Lb. plantarum WCFS1, immobilized for biotechnological applications, especially used for a potentially broad range of applications in food.

4.1.3. Lipase

Microbial lipases (triacylglycerol acylhydrolases) (EC 3.1.1.3) owing to their broad substrate specificity are widely used in various industrial applications like food processing, organic synthesis, detergent formulation, and oil manufacturing [123]. Uppada et al. [123] used Lb. plantarum MTCC 4451 as a source of lipase for the purposes of ester synthesis and meat degradation. Andersen et al. [124] purified lipase from Lb. plantarum MF32, originally isolated from fermented meat. The apparent molecular weight of lipase was estimated to be approximately 75 kDa with isoelectric focusing (pl) value of 7.5 and 7.0. This enzyme has been shown to contribute to sensory quality and reduced production of fermented sausage.

4.1.4. α-Glucosidase

α-Glucosidases of Lactobacillus have been little studied compared to other glycosidases [52]. Delgado et al. [52] isolated a strain, Lb. plantarum LL441, from the microbiota of a conventional starter free cheese made from milk. The ORFs of gene contain α-glucosidases.

4.1.5. β-Glucosidase

β-Glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21) catalyzes the hydrolysis/breakdown of aryl and alkyl β-glucosides (e.g., diglucosides and oligoglucosides) [125]. Several strains of Lb. plantarum showed β-glucosidase activity (Behera and Ray, 2017). Lei et al. [126] investigated that strains of Lb. plantarum (LP1, LP2, LP3, LP5, LP6, LP7, and LP11) showed β-glucosidase activity that degrades cyanogenic glycosides during spontaneous cassava fermentation. Gouripur and Kaliwal [127] had undertaken a study to isolate, screen, and optimize intracellular β-glucosidase production by Lb. plantarum strain LSP-24 from colostrum milk.

4.1.6. Phosphoketolase-2 (EC 4.1.2.22)

Phosphoketolase-2 from Lb. plantarum accepts either xylulose-5-phosphate (Xu5P) or fructose-6-phosphate as substrate and plays an important role in energy metabolism [128].

4.1.7. Enolase

The experimental data reported that the Lb. plantarum LM3 has the potential of binding human plasminogen (Plg). This work also provided the evidence that the cell wall fraction of Lactobacillus strain (LM3) surface-displayed enolase which has the capacity to bind to plasminogen [129]. Vastano et al. [129] analyzed Lb. plantarum LM3 for tolerance to GI environmental conditions, found intrinsically resistant to stimulate pancreatic juice and to bile salts.

4.1.8. Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (EC 1.1.1.27) catalyzes the reduction/deduction of pyruvate to lactate, the major/dominant finished product in homolactate fermentation. Krishnan et al. [130] reported that whole cell of Lb. plantarum (NCIM 2084) revealed low levels of LDH activity, but cells treated with organic solvents like chloroform, diethyl ether, and toluene increased the activity of LDH.

4.2. Dipeptides/Bioactive Peptides

Lb. plantarum is well recognized, particularly because it can produce antimicrobial cyclic dipeptides (CDPs). Kwak et al. [36] reported the verified set of CDPs with antimicrobial activity from Lb. plantarum LBP-K10 against multidrug-resistant bacteria, pathogenic fungi, and influenza A virus. The result exhibited considerably higher antimicrobial activity against the tested pathogenic microorganisms.

4.3. Vitamins

Fermentation with food grade LAB is a good strategy to improve the nutritional values and vitamin contents of food products [131-133]. The addition of vitamins (folate, riboflavin, vitamin B12, etc.) producing Lb. plantarum into fermented milk, yogurt, or soybean could potentially increase the vitamin concentrations and supply nutrients to consumers [132]. The Lb. plantarum is more adjustable in the harsh condition of fermentation processes. The adaptability of Lb. plantarum to a fermentation process, their metabolic flexibility, and biosynthesis ability are some of the critical attributes that assist the progress and application of different strains of Lb. plantarum in fermented foods for in situ releasing, producing and/or increasing specific beneficial compounds (e.g., vitamin B2) [134]. Li et al. [132] studied isolating extracellular vitamin B12 (cobalamin) producing Lb. plantarum strains (LZ95 and CY2) from lab stocks and evaluated their probiotic potential for application in the food industry. Vitamin B12 producing Lactobacillus strains (60–98 μg/L) was found to have good viability in bile salts (0.3%) and gastric acid (pH 2.0 and 3.0) as well as good attachment/adhesion to Caco-2 cells.

4.4. Development of Aroma, Flavor, and Texture in Fermented Food/Products

Lb. plantarum has an outstanding effect on the flavor and texture in fermented foods [24]. The quality of fermented food/products (e.g., kimchi, sauerkraut, jeotgal, and pickles) could be improved by several Lb. plantarum strains, in terms of stability of quality, enhanced taste, and health-promoting benefits [135]. The microbial spoilage/decay of fruit juices has been implicated to mold, yeast, and acetic and lactic acid bacteria. The LAB (Lb. plantarum) develops an unsavory/undesirable buttermilk as a result of diacetyl and fermented flavor due to organic acid (LA, acetic acid) production. However, these Lb. plantarum strains also caused the swelling of packages due to the formation of carbon dioxide (CO2) [136]. Berbegal et al. [137] reported methodological characterization of Lb. plantarum strains isolated from Apulian/grape wines. Various factors (e.g., pH, ethanol tolerance, sugar, resistance to lyophilization, and presence of starter cultures) in grape wine were evaluated. However, coinoculation of S. cerevisiae and Lb. plantarum in grape improves the bacterial adjustment to harsh conditions of wine and shortened the fermentation time. Lb. plantarum is able to conduct the beer fermentation, which had antibacterial effects. Moreover, the occupancy of alcohol or related compounds, nearly low pH, and inadequate amounts of nutrients and oxygen results in high microbiological stability of beer [138]. However, in spite of the fact that these adverse conditions prevail, there is still possibility of developing of spoilage microorganisms that is manifested in turbidity increase and unpleasant flavor. Furthermore, some beer spoilage microorganisms are also able to produce pathogenic chemicals [113].

4.5. Biopreservative Compounds

The control/growth of one organism (undesired) by another has received much attention in recent years [139]. In fermented food series, biopreservation refers to the use/benefit of antagonistic microorganisms or their metabolic products to inhibit (or destroy) undesired microorganisms in fermented food products, thereby upgrading food safety and extending the shelf-life of foods [9]. Several methods of food and feed processing and preservation have been used to prevent/control the development of microorganisms in foods and consequently avoid the formation of toxins. Physical methods such as drying and irradiation as well as chemical preservatives, such as organic acids (e.g., sorbic, propionic, and benzoic acid), are most frequently used in food preservation. Further, consumers' demand for healthier and safer foods creates a need for use of natural solutions and derives researchers to investigate biological methods for the control of foodborne pathogens [139].

4.6. Exopolysaccharide (EPS)

EPS are the “food grade biopolymers” or high molecular weight extracellular biopolymers obtained from natural sources that are formed during the metabolic process of microorganisms, (e.g., bacteria, fungi, and blue-green algae) [140, 141]. Among the wide variety of EPS-producing microorganisms, LAB is generally regarded as safe because of the long history of secure applicability in substances for human utilization/consumption [142]. In addition, EPS has been reported to contribute the rheology of the fermented food and provides potential health-promoting properties in the advances of functional foods [141]. In the last decade, a large number of EPS-generating LAB have been isolated from a variety of fermented food systems (e.g., cheese, kefir, sausages, wine, and yogurt). The species of LAB, such as those of Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, Lactococcus, and Bifidobacterium, are frequently reported as EPS-generating microorganisms. However, Lb. plantarum is an eminent microorganism for its potential EPS-producing properties and received considerable attention [20]. It has been proved that several influencing factors depend on the yield of EPS. The composition of monosaccharide and its structure and microbial culture conditions and their media composition use are greatly dependent on the EPS-producing microorganisms [20]. In a study, Zhang et al. [143] reported a high molecular mass polysaccharide (1.1 × 106 Da) [composed of glucose and galactose (2 : 1)] obtained from Lb. plantarum C88 (isolated from fermented dairy, tofu) when grown in a semidefined medium. Lb. plantarum (70810) screened from Chinese Paocai produced EPS with a narrow range of molecular mass (202.8–204.6 kDa) and is composed of three important monosaccharides (glucose, mannose, and galactose) [20]. Besides, Lb. plantarum KF5 isolated from Tibet kefir (traditional beverage recovered from fermentation of milk with kefir grains) was noted to be composed of similar types of monosaccharides as found in Lb. plantarum (70810) [144]. Gangoiti et al. [141] isolated an EPS producer strain (Lb. plantarum CIDCA 8327) from kefir with encouraging properties for the improvement of functional foods. Lb. plantarum K041 isolated from traditional Chinese pickle juice originating from Kaixian possessed high yield potential for EPS production [142]. There is voluminous research, which has revealed that some EPS produced by LAB have been considered as a potential grade of bioactive natural products in the biochemical and medical applications, such as immunomodulatory, antitumor, and antioxidant effects and cholesterol lowering activities [140, 145]. EPS from Lb. plantarum ZDY2013 may be a promising candidate for therapeutic and health food. The maximum yield was 429 ± 30.3 mg/L and the molecular mass was 5.17 × 104 Da [33].

4.7. Biosurfactants

Microbial biosurfactants (BSs) are diverse group of amphiphilic compounds (both hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties) produced by a variety of LAB species [146]. Bakhshi et al. [146] performed the screening of BSs formed by Lb. plantarum (PTCC 1896) based on dynamic surface tension (DST) values. One promising function of BSs is using them as an antiadhesive agent opposite to pathogenic bacteria [146].

4.8. Other Bioactive Compounds (Ascorbic Acid (AA), Total Phenols, etc.)

During the fermentation process, microorganisms can convert or degrade the phenolic compounds. Thus, by changing the structure of phenolic compounds, the complexation with iron and the bioavailability of the mineral can be influenced [4]. It is known that Lb. plantarum, a commonly used microorganism in plant based fermentation, contains tannase activity [147]. Gallic acid (GA) contains a galloyl group leading to complexation with iron and thus decreasing the availability of iron. Lb. plantarum LMG6907 is an efficient bacterium to destabilize the formed complexes which lead to an improved bioavailability of iron [147]. Composite organic waste/biowaste was assessed for its physical, chemical, and microbial suitability to serve as a substrate for the fermentative production of lactic acid (LA). In a study, Probst et al. [148] studied that the composite organic waste (biowaste), which is a preferred habitat of LAB (Lb. plantarum), is used in a fermentation process for LA production.

5. Safety and Shelf-Life of Fermented Foods

Use of probiotic bacteria is a useful strategy to obtain products with longer shelf-life as well as safer properties due to their ability to delay or prevent the growth of common contamination bacteria [5, 115, 116] (Figure 1).

Figure 1

Theoretical basis for selection of Lb. plantarum strain. Use of probiotic bacteria (Lb. plantarum) is a useful strategy to obtain fermented food products with longer shelf-life (food safety) and safer properties due to their ability to delay or prevent the growth of common contamination bacteria (antimicrobial activity) and being of human origin as well as adhesion to intestinal cell lines.

5.1. Bacteriocin

The bacteriocin is a wide range of genetically encoded antibacterial peptides, known to be active against closely related bacteria [149]. Some studies have also reported on activity against unrelated strains, especially those that are pathogenic and responsible for food spoilage [149]. Lb. plantarum in particular produced bacteriocin of high activity and a wide range of antimicrobial activity including S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, and A. hydrophila [149, 150]. There are three approaches for potential application of Lb. plantarum strain and bacteriocin for biopreservation of foods in the food industry: inoculation of Lb. plantarum that produce the bacteriocin into foods during processing; application of the purified or crude bacteriocin directly onto the food product; and applications of a previously fermented product from a bacteriocin producing strain [9].

Barbosa et al. [23] isolated two-peptide plantaricin produced by Lb. plantarum (MBSa4) isolated from Brazilian salami. The molecular weight of bacteriocin produced by Lb. plantarum (MBSa4) was determined by SDS-PAGE to be around 2.5 kDa. A novel bacteriocin-M1-UVs300, which was produced by Lb. plantarum M1-UVs300, was purified and characterized from fermented sausage. Bacteriocin-M1-UVs300 was purified sequentially by an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) and a Sephadex G-50 gel chromatography assay, combined with reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RE-HPLC) [125]. The molecular weight of the bacteriocin-M1-UVs300 was approximately 3.4 kDa, having major β-sheet (content of 52.43%), α-helix (16.17%), β-turn (15.27%), and random coil (16.12%). The bacteriocin-M1-UVs300 exhibited inhibitory activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Also, it was relatively heat-resistant and it was also active over a range of pH (2–8), and it was sensitive to proteolytic enzymes, but not to α-amylase [125]. The bacteriocin withstands heating at 80°C for 120 min and is stored at 4°C for 6 months [150]. The bacteriocin formed by Lb. plantarum (MBSa4) confers stability to low pH and heat and is with long shelf-life. It is relevant to emphasize the antagonistic properties of Lb. plantarum (MBSa4) in contrast to fungi, which are natural spoilage organisms and can produce health-damaging mycotoxins [23]. The antilisterial bactericidal activity has also been proclaimed for other bacteriocin produced by Lb. plantarum [150]. Engelhardt et al. [151] examined the combining effect of common salt (NaCl) and low temperature on antilisterial bacteriocin production of Lb. plantarum (ST202Ch). The bacteriocin formation under high salt concentration and low temperature was found not adequate to restrict the growth of Listeria monocytogenes. Lin and Pan [9] characterized bacteriocin produced by Lb. plantarum (NTU 102) from homemade Korean style cabbage pickles. This strain exhibited good survival at an acidic condition (low pH), being vigor to high bile concentrations, increased tolerance/resistance to Vibrio alginolyticus infection, pathogen restriction, and good ability to cut back low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratios.

5.2. Probiotic Properties of Lb. plantarum Strain

Over the last decades, the consumption of probiotics has attracted considerable attention. According to the FAO/WHO, probiotics spells “viable microorganisms that confer health benefits/aids to the host when administrated in adequate/competent amounts” [115, 116]. The scientific validity of Lb. plantarum strain as probiotics was first evaluated by characterizing bile and acid resistance (safeguard) in the intestinal tracts of animal and human hosts [35, 42]. Moreover, Lb. plantarum helped reduce overall symptoms of burden of infection of GI tracts [152]. It is believed that adherent probiotic (Lb. plantarum) has beneficial health effects, especially connected to the inhibition of pathogen adhesion to intestinal cell lines [22]. Two new strains, namely, Lb. acidophilus P110 and Lb. plantarum P164, were screened from faeces of healthy breast-fed (Egyptian) infants and were diagnosed as promising probiotics [153, 154]. In recent years, the curiosity in Lb. plantarum strain has heightened, chiefly in relation to its probiotic potential and its practicable application in variety of fermented foods and beverages [56, 107]. It is generally believed that the minimum concentration of living probiotic microorganism (Lb. plantarum strain) in the fermented food/product at the time of consumption should be at least 107 CFU/ml (or/g) to achieve the proposed health benefits [155]. Jia et al. [14] isolated Lb. plantarum (KLDS1.0391) which is a probiotic strain from the traditional fermented dairy products and identified to produce bacteriocin opposing to Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Abushelaibi et al. [25] studied the investigation of probiotic characteristics and fermentation profile of selected LAB from raw camel milk. Lb. plantarum KX881772 and Lb. plantarum KX881779 appeared very promising in fermentation profiles. In addition, Lb. plantarum strain is recognized as natural probiotic of the human GI tract and can decrease intestinal heavy metal absorption, reduce metal accumulation in tissues, and alleviate hepatic oxidative stress [156]. Nevertheless, processing parameters/conditions, like pH, pressure, acidity, gastric acid, temperature, and bile salts, decrease the activity/viability of probiotic (Lb. plantarum) strain. Probiotics ought to be microencapsulated, in order that they are liberated in the GI tract in adequate numbers [43]. Various techniques for the microencapsulation of Lb. plantarum cells have been pursued as a form of cell protection [43, 157]. Among the materials used for microencapsulation of Lb. plantarum, the most frequently explored ones are chitosan, pectin, and natural gum (sodium alginate) [43, 157].

5.3. Antimicrobial Activity

Lb. plantarum strains are chief factors/components in a variety of fermentation processes whereby their fructification of organic acids, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), diacetyl, and other antimicrobial components increased the safety and quality fermented foods [48]. LA is the major organic acid produced by Lb. plantarum strain. Other organic acids produced are acetic acid, propionic acid, phenyllactic acid (PLA), formic acid, and succinic acid. The approach of action of organic acids is the reduction of pH in the environment, causing inhibition of several microorganisms [66]. Guimarães et al. [139] demonstrated the potential use of Lb. plantarum (UM55) for inhibiting the growth of aflatoxigenic fungi (Aspergillus flavus). Lb. plantarum (UM55) was analyzed for the existence of organic acids [e.g., lactic acid, phenyllactic acid (PLA), hydroxy phenyllactic acid (OH-PLA), and indole lactic acid (ILA)]. Lin and Pan [9] isolated Lb. plantarum (NTU 102) from homemade Korean style cabbage pickles. The antibacterial substances produced by Lb. plantarum (NTU 102), which is named LBP 102, exhibited a broad inhibitory spectrum. The remarkable effects of LBP 102 against this and other pathogens [Vibrio parahaemolyticus (BCRC 12864) and Cronobacter sakazakii (BCRC 13988)] indicated its potential as natural preservative. It is established that the electrostatic interactions with membrane of bacterial cells are authoritative/responsible for primary binding of antimicrobial agents [23]. Moreover, antimicrobial effect of organic acids is due to the undissociated form of organic acids. It can diffuse through the cell membrane, once internalized into the anions and protons. The proton ions impel the internal pH to decrease, resulting in interruption of proton motive force and preventing substrate transport mechanisms [66].

5.4. Antifungal Effects

Considering the harmful effects of fungi contamination several strategies to underrate mycotoxin production are of growing passion [158]. Antifungal activity of Lb. plantarum strains has been exhibited to be due to presence of phenyllactic acid (PLA), cyclic dipeptides, fatty acids, and organic acids [48]. Gupta and Srivastava [159] studied the antifungal effect of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs LR14) caused by Lb. plantarum (LR14) in contrast to spoilage fungi (e.g., Aspergillus niger, Mucor racemosus, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Rhizopus stolonifer). The peptides (AMPs LR14) caused dysfunction to both the hyphal growth and spore germination of fungi. However, in food industry, fermented food systems containing fungal spoilage (microorganisms) can be diminished by the supplementation of appropriate amount salts and propanoic acid. In addition, adoption of modified atmosphere packaging and biopreservation principles (e.g., pasteurization or irradiation) are essential for increasing the effects of antifungal effects [23]. More recently, Dong et al. [48] suggested that protein and/or carbohydrate moiety of LAB (Lb. plantarum strain) show a major act in mycotoxin binding/attaching. Nevertheless, the mechanism of antifungal response is difficult to unfold/illustrate due to complicated and cooperative interactions between these considerable groups of antimicrobial compounds (e.g., peptides, proteins, and organic acids) [23].

5.5. Antioxidant Properties

Lb. plantarum strains screened from conventional fermented food possess many functional properties, especially antioxidant properties [160]. They are colonized in the intestinal tract and play a critical role in protection from free radicals. In addition, antioxidant activity of Lb. plantarum strains contributes to the preservation of various disorders (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and ulcers of GI tract) [160]. Yadav [37] studied the antioxidant properties of chicken sausages (prepared from minced chicken meat) fermentation with Lb. plantarum supplemented with starch and dextrose as well as evaluation of scavenging activity across 2-2-azino-bis-3 ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical cation, superoxide anion (SASA), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals, lipid oxidation, and thiobarbituric acid (TBA value). Tang et al. [161] isolated Lb. plantarum (MA2) strain and evaluated the antioxidant activities (in vitro strain) from Chinese traditional Tibetan kefir grains. The results revealed that Lb. plantarum (MA2) can accept hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, >2.0 mM) and its fermentate had strong/potent reducing ability and free radical scavenging capacity. Moreover, three groups of antioxidant-related genes (cat, gshR, and npx) were found upregulated under H2O2 challenge.

5.6. Antimutagenic Activity

It has been shown that specific probiotic strains exert antiproliferative effects via collective actions between adhesion/attachment to colon malignant cells and production of fatty acids, mainly butyric and propionic acids [162]. Saxami et al. [32] studied the modes of action and the potential beneficial effects of Lb. plantarum B282 on human colorectal cancer cells. The strain exhibited significantly higher adhesion rates and inhibited growth of human colon cancer cells (Caco-2 colon and HT-29) by promoting a G1 phase arrest and downregulation of specific cyclin genes.

5.7. Immune Response

Lactobacillus sp. being the most commonly used probiotic agent improves intestinal microbiota and gut health and regulates immune system in consumers [163]. Several reports suggested that the supplementation of probiotics (Lb. plantarum strain) can improve the growth, disease resistance, and immune response of fish [164, 165]. Considering the tolerance-inducing immunomodulatory effects of Lb. plantarum, it is of attraction/interest to search the opportunity of using allergen expressing Lactobacillus as delivery vehicle in immunotherapy or an allergy vaccine [166]. Minic et al. [166] studied analysis of the prospect to use engineered Lb. plantarum (WCFS1) with a surface-displayed respiratory allergen (Fes p1) in immunotherapy for pollen allergy. Lb. plantarum showed an increased level of specific serum IgA. The recent studies demonstrated that Lb. plantarum CCFM639, a selected candidate probiotic strain with enhanced aluminium- (Al-) binding, antioxidative, and immunomodulatory abilities in vitro and in vivo, provides significant protection against Al-toxicity in mice [167]. In a study, Kwon et al. [168] reported that the anti-inflammatory effect of Bifidobacterium longum LC67 and Lb. plantarum LC27 isolated from kimchi. These strains induced interleukin- (IL-) 8 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) expression and stimulated macrophages against ethanol-induced gastritis and liver injury in mice [168].

5.8. Health-Promoting Properties

The increasing health awareness with the use/consumption of probiotic strains has been encouraged among consumers, to overcome the growing diseases risks [e.g., intolerance to lactose, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)] in the world nowadays [22]. Recently, Lb. plantarum has been applied in medical fields for the cure of different chronic and CVDs (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes, obesity, cancer, hypertension, urinogenital complications, and liver disorders) [169]. In vitro studies examining various cell lines have indicated that Lb. plantarum strains have a therapeutic effect [170]. Furthermore, clinical analyses have shown the efficacy of Lb. plantarum strains in the cure or treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, along with irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, including diarrheal diseases (e.g., antibiotic-associated diarrhea and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) [170, 171]. For instance, kimchi is familiar as a healthy food and provides the health-promoting effects (e.g., anticancer, antioxidative, antidiabetic, and antiobesity effects) [135]. Park et al. [3] isolated Lb. plantarum (HAC01) from white kimchi and gave it to a diet-induced obese (DIO) mouse that received a high-fat (HF) diet to assess the functionality in vivo. The mouse received the life/viable strains which revealed great decrease in body weight and total weight gain during 8 weeks compared to the high-fat control group. More recently, Mihailović et al. [172] studied assessing the effect of the probiotic Lb. paraplantarum BBCG11 on the regulatory pathway underlying the defense responses of the liver and kidney in diabetic rats. The probiotic (Lb. paraplantarum BBCG11) administration found the development of diabetic complications in rats. El Temsahy et al. [154] studied the defensive efficiency of new safe probiotic strains [Lb. plantarum (P164) and Lb. acidophilus (P110)] screened from faeces of breast-fed infants, against experimental trichinelllosis in mice. Lb. plantarum P164 induced a noticeable parasitological and histopathological improvement toward Trichinella infestation in mice. Thus, this promising probiotic strain contributes a future preventive scope as a possible safe natural protective agent against T. spiralis infection.

6. Future Research Focus

The scope that needs vigilant study is the probiotic (Lb. plantarum strain) inclusion along with the use of protein supplement in starch-/nondairy-based fermented food/beverages for challenging prevalent protein-energy malnutrition in the world. The incorporation of probiotics (Lb. plantarum) strains into traditional fermented food system is presently being investigated as a way of recommending the rural community to resolve worsening health conditions. In addition, education/training and awareness/enlightenment of provincial/local processors and consumers with upgrading and optimization of local technologies would go a long way to sustain the health and functional benefits of such starch-/nondairy-based fermented food/beverages in developing countries.

7. Conclusion

Lb. plantarum strains were obtained from indigenous fermented foods and involved in the fermentation of nondairy and dairy products/foods. These strains retain a momentous capability to contrast various pathogenic bacteria, including both Gram-negative and Gram-positive species, which can contaminate food and are responsible for diseases in humans. The biosynthesis of organic acids, enzyme systems, bioactive peptides, vitamins, and EPS is proposed as one of the main mechanisms through which the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and probiotic activities are exerted. The antagonistic feature and probiotic properties of Lb. plantarum strains can be a distinctive trait/function as biocontrol agents against potentially harmful microorganisms during food processing and storage and also increased the shelf-life and safety of fermented foods. To reduce the use of chemical compounds, this probiotic strain present in fermented food system can contribute/warrant increasing health and well-being and reducing the risk of the consumer. There are still many challenges ahead; and in any case the choice of probiotic strain to be used in fermented food is essential.