Identification and growth study of potential probiotic isolated from pineapple, watermelon, and banana peels

Abstract

This study aimed to isolate, identify, and conduct a growth study of potential probiotics from pineapple peel (PP), watermelon peel (WP), and banana peel (BP). Six strains were isolated, and the growth study was conducted at 30°C at 150 rpm after 24 hr incubation. Based on colony characteristics, cell morphology, and gene sequencing, the isolates were identified as yeast strains, namely, Meyerozyma caribbica (PP) and Candida orthopsilosis (WP and BP). M. caribbica showed the highest biomass production of 2.34 g/L. Less biomass production of 2.01 and 2.18 g/L was obtained for C. orthopsilosis (WP and BP), respectively. The maximum specific growth rate in the exponential phase was 1.83 and 1.23 h−1 for C. orthopsilosis (WP and BP), followed by 1.04 hr−1 for M. caribbica, respectively. M. caribbica isolated from PP belongs to the group of potential yeast probiotics which is a good candidate for further studies to determine its probiotic properties. Novelty impact statement Waste utilization for an economical and alternative natural source of probiotic production. The probiotic potential in yeasts has not been extensively studied before. In this study, Meyerozyma caribbica was identified from pineapple peels as a new yeast probiotic starter. M. caribbica exhibited the highest biomass production and maximum growth rate, so these essential parameters in determining the quantitative importance should be considered.