Application of the Reuterin System as Food Preservative or Health-Promoting Agent: A Critical Review

Abstract

The reuterin system is a complex multi-component antimicrobial system produced by Limosilactobacillus reuteri by metabolizing glycerol. The system mainly includes 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde (3-HPA, reuterin), 3-HPA dimer, 3-HPA hydrate, acrolein and 3-hydroxypropionic acid, and has great potential to be applied in the food and medical industries due to its functional versatility. It has been reported that the reuterin system possesses regulation of intestinal flora and anti-infection, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. Typically, the reuterin system exerts strong broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. However, the antimicrobial mechanism of the reuterin system remains unclear, and its toxicity is still controversial. This paper presents an updated review on the biosynthesis, composition, biological production, antimicrobial mechanisms, stability, toxicity and potential applications of the reuterin system. Challenges and opportunities of the use of the reuterin system as a food preservative or health-promoting agent are also discussed. The present work will allow researchers to accelerate their studies toward solving critical challenges obstructing industrial applications of the reuterin system.

Reuterin, Phenyllactic Acid, and Exopolysaccharides as Main Antifungal Molecules Produced by Lactic Acid Bacteria: A Scoping Review

“…Acrolein, however, exploiting a Michael addition reaction, also achieves the antimicrobial oxidative result of 3-HPA; in this case, synergistic cooperation with 3-HP has been noted. Although the short-term toxicity tests using in vitro models of the gastrointestinal tract have shown reassuring results [ 15 ], further, more complex studies are needed.…”

“…As already mentioned, one aspect that still raises questions concerns acrolein (or 2-propenal) and the possible occurrence of certain diseases as a result of interaction with the human organism. So far, research that has dealt with the evaluation of cytotoxicity in the reuterine system has not shown any worrying results [ 15 ], but the question still exists, and it is urgent to find a reassuring definitive answer because, to date, there are no studies in the existing literature that deal with this danger in the long term.…”

Reconstructing the transcriptional regulatory network of probiotic L. reuteri is enabled by transcriptomics and machine learning

“…Recognizing that reuterin is an intermediate in glycerol metabolism, its function extends beyond fermentation byproduct to a potent antimicrobial and its broader efficacy in food preservation ( 1 ). Reuterin’s active form, 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde, has been validated for antimicrobial activity in an array of food matrices, combating pathogens like E. coli O157:H7, S. Enteritidis , and L. monocytogenes ( 2 ). Such capabilities underscore its utility in safeguarding diverse food items, thereby contributing to the food industry.…”

“…While L. reuteri is recognized for its probiotic efficacy, it is not a native component of the human-associated microbiome. However, its presence in the human gut is associated with the suppression of pathogenic microbes and the support of beneficial commensals ( 2 , 5 ). L. reuteri has been isolated from the human gut, vagina, and breast milk, providing various health benefits pertaining to host-associated microbiome modulation ( 6 ).…”

The Impact of Process Parameters on 1,3-Propanediol Production and 3-Hydroxypropionaldehyde Accumulation in Fed-Batch Fermentation of Glycerol with Citrobacter freundii AD119

“…The health-promoting properties of reuterin have been demonstrated, which include anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic activities. Moreover, the strong antimicrobial activity of this system makes it suitable for preserving various types of food [15]. However, the accumulation of 3-HPA during the microbial production of 1,3-PD leads to negative consequences which include cell growth limitation and premature cessation of the process.…”