Abstract
Sixteen cold-adapted reddish-pigmented yeast strains were obtained from environmental samples. According to the PCR-based detection of classical yeast markers combined with phylogenetic studies, the yeasts belong mainly to the genera Rhodotorula, Sporobolomyces and Cystobasidium, all within the subphylum Pucciniomycotina. All strains produced carotenoids within a 0.25–10.33 mg/L range under non-optimized conditions. Noteworthily, among them, representatives of the Cystobasidium genus were found; of particular value are the strains C. laryngis and C. psychroaquaticum, poorly described in the literature to date. Interestingly, carotenoid production with representatives of Cystobasidium was improved 1.8- to 10-fold at reduced temperature. As expected, most of the isolated yeasts biosynthesized extracellular lipases, but within them also one proteolytic and four cellulolytic strains were revealed. We succeeded in isolating strain Cystofilobasidium macerans WUT145 with extraordinarily high cellulolytic activity at 22°C (66.23 ± 0.15 µmol/mg protein·min) that is described here for the first time. Consequently, a set of yeasts capable of producing both carotenoids and extracellular enzymes was identified. Taking into account those abilities, the strains might be applicable for a development of carotenoids production on an agro-industrial waste, e.g., lignocellulose.
Highlights
Yeast of the class basidiomycetes prevail among fungi in polar regions [1] and it is estimated that, to date, no more than 5% of the species existing in Nature has been recognised
It has been found that several basidiomycetous yeasts have a great impact on bio- control of plant diseases, whereas others can break down aromatic compounds and are considered useful in bioremediation [2]
Under particular conditions several fungal species are capable of accumulating lipids in so-called lipid bodies (LB) accounting for up to 65% of their dry biomass
Summary
Yeast of the class basidiomycetes prevail among fungi in polar regions [1] and it is estimated that, to date, no more than 5% of the species existing in Nature has been recognised (approx. 50 genera and 250 species). Under particular conditions several fungal species are capable of accumulating lipids in so-called lipid bodies (LB) accounting for up to 65% of their dry biomass. These lipids are of great interest for the cosmetics industry, for several reasons, e.g., emolliency, lubricity; and for the pharmaceutical industry, as delivery agents to provide more homogeneous and efficient application and transport of active agents [3]. Carotenoids are one of the most common classes of pigments, with the global market estimated at nearly $1.4 billion in 2018, and forecasted to reach $1.5–1.8 billion for 2019–2020 [12,13] They are widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and the nutrition industries. Some of them are vitamin A precursors, and are marked as high-value nutritional molecules
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