Heterogeneity changes of active bacterial community on cigar filler leaves after fermentation based on metagenome

Microorganisms play an important role in cigar fermentation. To further explore the dynamic changes of bacterial community composition, the changes of surface bacterial diversity of cigar filler leaves were investigated in the present study by high-throughput sequencing technology. It was found that the surface bacterial richness was declined after fermentation, and the dominant microorganisms on the surface of cigar filler leaves evolved from Pseudomonasspp. and Sphingomonasspp. before fermentation to Staphylococcusspp. after fermentation. The chemical composition and sensory quality evaluation of cigar filler leaves were closely related to the changes of surface bacterial community. The changes of the dominant surface bacterial community led to the differences of metabolic functions, among which the metabolic pathways such as the synthesis of secondary metabolites, carbon metabolism, and amino acid biosynthesis were significantly different. The results provide a basis for clarifying the roles of bacteria in fermentation of cigar filler leaves.Graphical AbstractSurface bacterial dynamic changes analysis of cigar filler leaves after fermentation revealed important role of Staphylococcusspp. in aroma improvement.