β-Glucosidase activities of lactic acid bacteria: mechanisms, impact on fermented food and human health

Through the hydrolysis of plant metabolite glucoconjugates, -glucosidase activities of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) make a significant contribution to the dietary and sensory attributes of fermented food. Deglucosylation can release attractive flavour compounds from glucosylated precursors and increases the bioavailability of health-promoting plant metabolites as well as that of dietary toxins. This review brings the current literature on LAB -glucosidases into context by providing an overview of the nutritional implications of LAB -glucosidase activities. Based on biochemical and genomic information, the mechanisms that are currently considered to be critical for the hydrolysis of -glucosides by intestinal and food-fermenting LAB will also be reviewed.