An Overview of GABA Production by Microorganisms

Abstract

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a crucial neurotransmitter with diverse applications ranging from neurological health to food and pharmaceutical industries. Microbial production of GABA presents a promising avenue for sustainable synthesis, offering insights into the physiological functions of GABA in microorganisms and enabling the development of efficient production strategies. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of microbial GABA production, encompassing the applications of GABA, methods for production, GABA-producing organisms, physiological functions, metabolic pathways, and engineering strategies for enhanced production. The review categorizes GABA producer organisms into bacteria, yeast, and fungi, elucidating their contributions to GABA synthesis. Strategies for enhancing microbial GABA production, including optimization of fermentation parameters, substrate spectrum expansion, pH range widening, genetic engineering, and physiology-oriented approaches, are discussed. A model showcasing engineered GABA producer organisms consolidates the diverse strategies employed. Consolidating current knowledge, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners engaged in sustainable GABA production through microbial means.