Work

Bioprocess optimization of Metschnikowia pulcherrima: carbon source selection, nutrient ratio tuning, and environmental parameter modeling using response surface methodology

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: strain APC 1.2 by employing a Central Composite Design (CCD) to optimize pH and temperature. Preliminary screening identified sucrose at 20 g/L and 1600 mg YAN/L yeast extract as optimal for viable cell count (CFU/mL), with further increases in YAN providing no additional benefit. The highest viable cell count was achieved at milder temperatures (18-22 °C), where the strain grew robustly across a wide pH range (3.59-6.41), while higher temperatures increased sensitivity to acidic pH and reduced viable cell count. The strain was confirmed to be Crabtree-negative, showing no ethanol production during aerobic growth on glucose. The proposed workflow enabled reproducible optimization of cultivation parameters, providing a scalable framework for industrial applications, and laying the groundwork for future studies on non-conventional yeasts in biocontrol and industrial biotechnology.

Source: Biotechnology Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2026.e00984

Authors: Bogdan T. Dinić, Nicholas A. Bokulich, Florian M. Freimoser, Ueli von Ah

Institutions: ETH Zurich, Agroscope, Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Scientific Research Methods

Subfield: Food Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,480

Funders: Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung, Agroscope