The Weissella and Periweissella genera: Taxonomy, Detection, Safety and Their Application in Food and Health

The study of Weissella and Periweissella, belonging to the lactic acid bacteria group, has gained significant attention since the Weissella genus was first described in 1993. These genera are known for their roles in food and feed fermentation processes, showcasing promising biotechnological and probiotic features. Recent phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses have led to a reclassification, resulting in the establishment of the Periweissella genus. Despite their potential applications in food and health industries, neither genus has achieved the Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) or Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status, as recognized by the FDA and EFSA. This is primarily due to certain species being linked to infections in humans and animals. Current challenges include the need for updated detection and identification methods following the taxonomic reassessment, a deeper understanding of their ecological roles, and comprehensive safety evaluations. Addressing these gaps is crucial for advancing the application of these genera in food and health sectors.

This Research Topic aims to explore the taxonomy, detection, safety, and applications of the Weissella and Periweissella genera in food and health. The primary objectives include updating detection methods in light of taxonomic changes, elucidating the ecological roles of these bacteria, and assessing their technological and probiotic potential. Additionally, we seek thorough safety assessments to address concerns related to infections associated with certain species. By answering these questions, this collection will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of these genera and their potential applications.

We welcome Original Research, Reviews, Mini Reviews, Perspectives and Opinion articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Updated methods for detection and identification of Weissella and Periweissella species;
• Ecological roles and interactions of Weissella and Periweissella in various environments;
• Evaluation of their technological and probiotic potential in food and health applications;
• Comprehensive safety assessments of species within these genera.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Weissella, taxonomy, biotechnology, safety assessment, lactic acid bacteria, probiotics, fermentation, Periweissella

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.