Correlation between microbial community and flavour formation in dry-cured squid analysed by next-generation sequencing and molecular sensory analysis

• Next-generation sequencing revealed the dominant microorganisms in dry-cured squid. • Volatile and non-volatile substances contribute to the sensory characteristics. • Core microorganisms were highly correlated with sensory indicator compounds. • Staphylococcus played an important role in flavour formation of dry-cured squid. The sensory characteristics of dry-cured squid are closely related to its microbial community structure. To explore the relationship between microorganims and flavour formation, the microbial community and sensory characteristics of dry-cured squid at various processing stages were studied with next-generation sequencing and molecular sensory analysis. The most abundant genera in dry-cured squid were Staphylococcus and Acinetobacter , with relative abundance of 17.95% and 8.81%, respectively. Among the 44 volatile compounds identified, 11 had a relative odour activity value ≥ 1, including α-dicarbonyls, aldehydes, alcohols, sulphur compounds and trimethylamine. The concentrations of volatile and non-volatile compounds in squid samples increased greatly during the process. A significant correlation (P