The Utilization of Aromatic, Cyclic and Heterocyclic Nitriles by Yeasts

Abstract

Summary The ability of endomycetalial yeast strains representing Candida fabianii, Candida famata, Candida guillierntorulii and Williopsis saturnus to utilize a series of aromatic, cyclic and heteroeyclic nitriles as nitrogen source was examined. Varying degrees of utilization of these compounds were noted. Sterically hindered nitrile groups were apparently not utilized. C. fabianii demonstrated the highest rate of 3cyanopyridine conversion by the four yeasts and within 24 h, 100% molar conversion was achieved. The cultivation of C. fabianii with aromatic and heteroeyclic nitriles and ammonium sulphate as nitrogen source resulted in a low apparently constitutive nitrite- and amide-hydrolyzing activity. With aliphatic nitriles, a considerably higher specific activity was induced against olefinic aliphatic, heteroeyclic and aromatic nitriles.