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Enhancing tobacco quality through microbial-enzymatic processing: mechanisms, applications, and future perspectives.

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Title: Enhancing tobacco quality through microbial-enzymatic processing: mechanisms, applications, and future perspectives.
Authors: Xu L; Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou, China., Zhang P; National Key Laboratory for Development and Utilization of Forest Food Resources, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China., Zhang H; Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou, China., Liu PP; Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou, China., Jin Z; China Tobacco Jilin Industrial Co., Ltd., Changchun, China., Gong JS; School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China., Lu ZM; National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China., Zheng QX; Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou, China., Xu GY; Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou, China., Zhai N; Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou, China., Zhou HN; Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou, China., Li YE; China Tobacco Jilin Industrial Co., Ltd., Changchun, China., Jin LF; Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou, China.
Source: Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology [Front Bioeng Biotechnol] 2026 Jul 16; Vol. 14, pp. 1895350. Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 Jul 16 (Print Publication: 2026).
Publication Type: Journal Article; Review
Language: English
Journal Info: Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A Country of Publication: Switzerland NLM ID: 101632513 Publication Model: eCollection Cited Medium: Print ISSN: 2296-4185 (Print) Linking ISSN: 22964185 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Front Bioeng Biotechnol Subsets: PubMed not MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s): Original Publication: Lausanne : Frontiers Media S.A., [2013]-
Abstract: Aging represents a critical stage in tobacco processing that balances the internal chemical composition of tobacco leaves, reduces undesirable odors and irritation, and enhances smoking quality. Microbial fermentation and enzymatic catalysis are pivotal to this process, as they not only accelerate the fermentation period but also regulate the internal chemical constituents of the leaves, thereby improving aging efficiency. Consequently, the screening of suitable enzymes and functional strains is of paramount importance. This review summarizes recent advances in the application of enzymes and microorganisms for tobacco quality improvement, aiming to elucidate the mechanisms of enzymatic catalysis degrades macromolecules and generates aroma compounds, while also revealing the metabolic regulatory functions of microbial communities. This review aims to provide researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the latest developments in this field, while offering insights into the mining and engineering of core enzyme systems and functional strains.
(Copyright © 2026 Xu, Zhang, Zhang, Liu, Jin, Gong, Lu, Zheng, Xu, Zhai, Zhou, Li and Jin.)
Competing Interests: Authors ZJ and Y-EL were employed by China Tobacco Jilin Industrial Co., Ltd. The remaining author(s) declared that this work was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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Contributed Indexing: Keywords: aging process; enzymatic treatment; fermentation; microbial community; tobacco processing
Entry Date(s): Date Created: 20260731 Date Completed: 20260731 Latest Revision: 20260813
Update Code: 20260814
PubMed Central ID: PMC13422442
DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2026.1895350
PMID: 42534884
Database: MEDLINE
Description
ISSN:2296-4185
DOI:10.3389/fbioe.2026.1895350