Microbes capable of fermentation are often used in food. what is the main function of fermentation for the microbes? view available hint(s) microbes capable of fermentation are often used in food. what is the main function of fermentation for the microbes? fermentation uses up oxygen in the environment, allowing obligate anaerobes to survive. fermentation regenerates nad+ so that glycolysis can continue. fermentation makes large quantities of atp to compensate for the lack of an electron transport chain. fermentation generates oxygen, allowing aerobic respiration to occur.