Advancements in <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> : probiotic characteristics, gene editing technologies and applications
Zhiqi Zhang, Haorui Niu, Qiu Qu, Dingming Guo, Xuchun Wan, Qianqian Yang, Zhengxian Mo, Siyu Tan, Qian Xiang, Tian Xue, Hongju Yang, Zhi Liu
Abstract
The exploration of microorganisms in fermented products has become a pivotal area of scientific research, primarily due to their widespread availability and profound potential to improve human health. Among these, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (formerly known as Lactobacillus plantarum) stands out as a versatile lactic acid bacterium, prevalent across diverse ecological niches. Its appeal extends beyond its well-documented probiotic benefits to include the remarkable plasticity of its genome, which has captivated both scientific and industrial stakeholders. Despite this interest, substantial challenges persist in fully understanding and harnessing the potential of L. plantarum. This review aims to illuminate the probiotic attributes of L. plantarum, consolidate current advancements in gene editing technologies, and explore the multifaceted applications of both wild-type and genetically engineered strains.