Microbes in fructooligosaccharides production

FOS are low-calorie carbohydrates that are naturally indigestible and when consumed, stimulates growth of helpful microbes in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and thus are referred to as prebiotics. Though numerous microbes produce enzyme fructosyltransferase for FOS generation, only selected species are used for its industrial synthesis with sucrose as major substrate (50% of commercial FOS production). The article briefly discusses the significance and importance of FOS as prebiotics. The various techniques and microorganisms involved in the industrial production of these prebiotics and their optimization to increase the yield of FOS and the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of FOS are also discussed. In addition to studying the microorganisms already involved in the production of this enzyme at the commercial level, we also address the possible modifications that can be made to increase the production of other non-commercial fructosyltransferase-producing microbial species and examine their future industrial prospects.