General methods to isolate, characterize, select, and identify fructophilic lactic acid bacteria from fructose-rich environments – A mini-review

Abstract Fructophilic lactic acid bacteria are a group of newly discovered lactic acid bacteria. Despite their potential application as probiotics in the food industry, exploration of ecological niches to discover new fructophilic lactic acid bacteria is scarce, and information that concisely describes the practical aspects of their discovery process is limited. In this mini-review, we focus on methods that have been developed to discover fructophilic lactic acid bacteria from fructose-rich environments such as flowers and bee products. First, we briefly introduce the definition, classification, diversity, and ecological niches of fructophilic lactic acid bacteria. Next, we discuss the unique characteristics that distinguish fructophilic lactic acid bacteria from other microorganisms. Finally, we outline the principles and steps to isolate, characterize, select, and identify fructophilic lactic acid bacteria. The discovery of fructophilic lactic acid bacteria with unique characteristics could provide an impetus for the development of probiotics from fructophilic lactic acid bacteria.