Abstract: The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 nuclease (Cas9) system has been widely applied in genome editing in microbiology due to its high efficacy, versatility and easy programmability. Herein, we review its applications in the field of food microbiology, especially in food fermentation and pathogenic microbiology. Also, the major factors affecting the genome editing efficacy and future perspectives for the development of this system are discussed. Finally, this review is expected to provide references for research in food microbiology by using CRISPR-Cas9 system.

Key words: CRISPR-Cas system, food microbiology, genome editing