Fermentative production of vitamin B12 by Propionibacterium shermanii and Pseudomonas denitrificans and its promising health benefits: A review

Abstract

Cobalamin, generally known as vitamin B₁₂, is a crucial component required for humans in several physiological processes. It has been produced from sources that are derived from animals, making it difficult for vegetarians and vegans to consume the recommended amount each day. The importance of vitamin B₁₂ in red blood cell production, DNA synthesis, and brain processes has been highlighted. Recent studies have looked at different methods of producing vitamin B₁₂, such as microbial fermentation. Propionibacterium shermanii and Pseudomonas denitrificans have demonstrated remarkable potential as fermented sources of vitamin B₁₂. Compared to conventional sources, the bioavailability of vitamin B₁₂ produced by P. denitrificans and P. shermanii is more effective in meeting dietary needs. Vitamin B₁₂ can be produced naturally by P. denitrificans. It is equipped with the enzymes and metabolic pathways required to produce this vital vitamin. The fermentation of several dietary substrates by P. shermanii can improve nutrient bioavailability. P. shermanii generates enzymes during fermentation that aid in the breakdown of complex nutrients, facilitating easier absorption and utilization by the body. The motive of the following critical evaluation is to assess the advantages of vitamin B₁₂ for health and the capacity of P. denitrificans and P. shermanii to produce it through fermentation.

Keywords: cobalamin; fermentation; microbial production; vitamin B12.

FIGURE 1

Pharmacological role of vitamin B₁₂ in human body.

FIGURE 2

Metabolism of homocysteine with the help of vitamin B₁₂.

FIGURE 3

Diagram illustrating the salvage, anaerobic, and aerobic cobalamin biosynthetic pathways: The diagram commences with the aerobic pathway, which is illustrated for P. denitrificans or Sinorhizobium meliloti and the anaerobic pathway for the extensively researched bacteria S. typhimurium and P. shermanii.

FIGURE 4

Downstream processing for the production of vitamin B₁₂.

FIGURE 5

Exemplary commercial cobalamin manufacturing flowchart that applicable for Propionibacterium shermanii.