Mapping the Research Landscape of Nitrite, pH, and Lactobacillus acidophilus: A Bibliometric Analysis

Iffa Izzati Azizah¹, Dimas Prasetianto Wicaksono^2*, Betadion Rizki Sinaredi²

Abstract

Nitrite, pH, and Lactobacillus acidophilus are interrelated in microbiological systems, yet the literature linking them remains scattered across applications. This study aimed to map publication trends, the distribution of research contributions, and thematic trends on nitrite, pH, and L. acidophilus through bibliometric analysis. We searched the Scopus database on July 24, 2026, using the keyword combination (“nitrite” OR “nitrites”) AND “pH” AND “Lactobacillus acidophilus” in titles, abstracts, and keywords. Of the 14 documents retrieved, we analysed and visualised 10 that passed screening in VOSviewer. The results showed a fluctuating publication pattern without a linear increase, with a peak in 2014 (three documents) and no documents during 2016–2022. The documents originated from eight countries, with China contributing the most (three documents), and were spread across 21 affiliations and 10 source titles, with no single institution or journal dominating. The co-authorship network consisted of a single group of 14 authors from one article. Keyword co-occurrence analysis yielded 29 keywords in two clusters: microbiological and metabolic aspects (bacterial growth, fermentation, acidification, nitrate/nitrite, and pH) and probiotic and animal-model experimental research. The specific relationship among nitrite, L. acidophilus metabolic activity, and pH changes did not emerge as a dominant theme, indicating a need for further experimental research.

Keywords

nitrite; pH; Lactobacillus acidophilus; bibliometric analysis; Scopus; VOSviewer

Cite This Article

Azizah, I. I., Wicaksono, D. P., Sinaredi, B. R. (2026). Mapping the Research Landscape of Nitrite, pH, and Lactobacillus acidophilus: A Bibliometric Analysis. International Journal of Scientific Advances (IJSCIA), Volume 7| Issue 5: Sep – Oct 2026, Pages 848-859. URL: https://www.ijscia.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Volume7-Issue5-Sep-Oct-No.1106-848-859.pdf

Volume 7 | Issue 5: Sep – Oct 2026